Keeping Your Home Secure in an Emergency
Simple, legal ways to protect your home, documents and supplies before, during and after a disaster.
⚠ Security should never trap you inside
Whatever you add to doors and windows, everyone must still be able to get out fast in a fire. If you have security bars, make sure they have emergency release devices inside so they open right away.[1] Keep doors and windows clear of furniture and clutter.[2]
Home security in a disaster is mostly about the basics: good lighting, solid locks, neighbors who look out for each other, and keeping your important papers safe. None of it needs to be expensive, and all of it helps on normal days too.
How much do I need?
Count your ways out: every bedroom should have a usable door and window that open from inside without a key or tool.[1][2] For documents, keep at least 2 copies of key papers: one in your go-bag and one stored somewhere else, such as with a trusted relative. If you have 5 key papers, that's 10 copies to make.
Lighting and locks
- Light up your entrances, walkways and garage. Battery or solar lights keep working when the power is out.
- Lock every door and window when you leave, including the garage and any basement door.
- Ask a locksmith or hardware store whether your door's strike plate (the metal plate the bolt slides into) is held by short screws, and what a sturdier setup would look like for your door.
- Sliding doors and ground-floor windows often come with simple add-on locks. Choose ones you can open quickly from inside.[1]
Know your neighbors
Neighbors are the people closest to you when help is slow to arrive. Figure out who can help you stay home or leave during a long outage, and keep their numbers on a paper list.[6] After an event, check on each other and say if you need help.[6] Neighbors who know each other also notice when something looks wrong on the street.
Protect documents and valuables
Keep personal, financial and medical records safe.[4] Make copies of key papers like ID, passports, birth certificates, your deed or lease, insurance policies and a medication list, and keep them in your go-bag in a waterproof bag.[3] Review your insurance so you know what's covered for your home and belongings.[5] Take photos or a video walk-through of your rooms and store them somewhere you can reach from any device.
Don't advertise your supplies
Keep stored food, water, fuel and gear out of sight from the street and out of social media posts. Break down boxes from big deliveries before putting them at the curb. A low profile keeps your supplies for your own household.
Get news from official sources
Rumors spread fast during emergencies. Know how your local officials will reach you, whether through local radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio.[8] Keep emergency alerts turned on in your phone, and check details with trusted local sources.[7] If someone at your door says they're from the utility or the city, ask for ID before you let them in.
Protecting a home you leave
- Bring in or tie down outdoor items like furniture and trash cans that wind could throw.[4]
- Cover windows with storm shutters or pre-cut plywood if a hurricane is coming.[4]
- Lock up, and take your document copies and valuables with you.
- Turn off utilities only if officials tell you to or you suspect damage. Once gas is off, only a qualified professional can turn it back on.[6]
- If you have a pet rescue sticker on your door and you take your pets with you, write "EVACUATED" across it so rescuers don't waste time searching.[9]
Checklist
Mistakes to avoid
- Installing bars or locks that can't be opened quickly from inside in a fire
- Keeping all important papers in one place with no copies
- Showing off your stored supplies online or leaving big boxes at the curb
- Trusting rumors on social media over official alerts
- Shutting off the gas when officials didn't ask you to and there's no damage
- Never meeting your neighbors before an emergency
Do this this weekend
Gather your key documents, make copies, and put one set in a waterproof bag in your go-bag.[3] While you're at it, take a video walk-through of each room for your insurance records.
Gear that helps
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- Headlamps and lightsLED headlampKeeps both hands free and is safer than candles in an outage.Check it (opens retailer site)
- Headlamps and lightsBattery LED lanternLights a whole room without fire risk.Check it (opens retailer site)
- Batteries and USB-C chargersRechargeable AA/AAA batteriesRechargeables plus a charger mean you aren't relying only on what's in the drawer.Check it (opens retailer site)
- Batteries and USB-C chargersUSB-C multi-battery chargerCharges AA and AAA batteries from a power bank or solar panel when the grid is down.Check it (opens retailer site)
- NOAA and world-band radiosNOAA weather radio with alert (SAME)Wakes you for warnings in your county even when cell service is down.Check it (opens retailer site)
- NOAA and world-band radiosHand-crank / solar emergency radioAM/FM and weather bands with no batteries needed.Check it (opens retailer site)
Sources
- How to Make a Home Fire Escape Plan National Fire Protection Association
- Home Fire Escape Plans U.S. Fire Administration
- What Do You Need in a Survival Kit American Red Cross
- Hurricane Safety American Red Cross
- What to Do Before a Tropical Storm or Hurricane NOAA National Weather Service
- Power Outage Safety American Red Cross
- Wireless Emergency Alerts NOAA National Weather Service
- Be Informed: Know Important Information to Stay Safe American Red Cross
- Pet Disaster Preparedness and Recovery American Red Cross
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