Homefree Helps Homeowners Be Proactive about Emergency Preparedness

Home safety expert Roger Faris offers homeowners advice on preparing a home for emergencies during National Preparedness Month.
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Each year the U.S. Department of Homeland Security sponsors National Preparedness Month, a nationwide effort to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. On www.Homefree.com, Roger Faris, home safety expert, provides homeowners with advice and steps they can take to prepare their homes for an emergency.

Homefree (www.homefree.com), a personalized, online toolbox helps simplify home maintenance for busy homeowners so they can make maintenance decisions in just minutes a month. Homefree features personalized schedules that trigger helpful reminders with information homeowners need to make smart decisions about the upkeep of their homes and expert advice on all aspects of home maintenance.

As Disaster Mitigation Councilor for FEMA, Faris helps homeowners learn ways to reduce or prevent damage from earthquakes, fires, floods, landslides and severe weather.

"I love helping homeowners stop trouble before it starts," says Homefree subject matter expert, Roger Faris. "Fortunately, people are starting to realize that it's far easier and less expensive to take action before a disaster than to repair and rebuild after the wind, flood, fire, earthquake, etc. has taken its toll."

On Homefree's expert advice pages, Faris offers homeowners practical steps they can take to prepare in the case of an emergency, such as a natural disaster. Some of the topics discussed on the Homefree web site include:

• Home emergencies - be prepared: severe weather or seismic events can cause power outages, fires, gas leaks or other damage to your home. Homeowners can get through these difficult times easier by:

1. Knowing how and when to shut off utilities;
2. Having a power outage kit handy;
3. Having an evacuation plan in the case of a fire;
4. Having an emergency supply of food, water and medications readily accessible.

• Protecting Your Home from Basement Flooding: In many cases, faulty roof drainage, poor lot grading, improper or clogged foundation drains or disposal of storm water in the sanitary sewer are the reasons behind basement flooding. Homeowners can take specific actions to avoid many types of basement flooding by:

1. Ensuring downspouts extend at least 6 feet from the basement;
2. Installing flood-proofing devices, such as a sump pump or back flow value;
3. Connecting a backwater valve to prevent sewage from backing up into your basement.

• Earthquake Preparedness: Older homes often need a seismic retrofit to help them better withstand the forces generated by large earthquakes. Non-structural improvements such as proper strapping of the water heater, securing heavy or tall objects and cabinet latches are easy ways to make a home safe.

"Homefree gives homeowners peace of mind," Faris continues. "If a natural disaster hits or they face any type of emergency that may affect their home, homeowners who have gained knowledge from our Homefree resources know how to keep their houses in the best condition. It's a great feeling to know that everything from the roof to the foundation is in optimal shape because it has been well maintained and cared for."