Introduction
Climate change has led to a growing number of extreme weather events: heatwaves, torrential rains, flash floods, or intense electrical storms. Preparing your home for these situations is not only a matter of safety, but an investment in peace of mind.
Most common risks and how to prevent them
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Heatwaves: Ensure good cross-ventilation in your home. Install thermal curtains and, if possible, use fans or air conditioning. Store clean drinking water and learn to recognize heat stroke symptoms.
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Floods: If you live in a risk zone, elevate major appliances and important furniture. Use check valves to prevent sewer backflow. Have sandbags or temporary hydraulic barriers ready.
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Lightning storms: Unplug electronic devices during intense storms. Install surge protectors and inspect your roof, windows, and doors for vulnerabilities.
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Strong winds: Secure loose objects outside (flower pots, chairs, antennas). Reinforce doors and windows, especially in older structures.
General home preparedness
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Home emergency kit: Include flashlights, batteries, first aid kit, water, non-perishable food, important documents, crank radios, and power banks.
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Communication: Keep a list of emergency contacts (family, neighbors, utilities). Define a meeting point in case of evacuation.
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Preventive maintenance: Clean gutters and drains regularly. Make sure windows close properly and the roof is leak-free.
Educating the family
Having a ready home is not enough. All household members, including children and the elderly, should know what to do in case of a weather alert. Run simple drills and make sure everyone knows where key supplies are located.
Conclusion
Extreme weather is no longer distant or rare. Adapting our homes to this new reality is both an individual and collective responsibility. With small actions, we can reduce risks and protect what matters most: our lives and those of the people around us.