Check Out the Roof and Foundation

Forbes: 10 Tips To Disaster-Proof Your House

This is a preparatory tip that should be done at least once a year, natural disaster or no. Check the roof and repair loose shingles. Consider updating your roof with gable end braces to thwart against hurricanes. To prevent buffer an older home from earthquakes, consider shelling out a few hundred dollars for half-inch anchor bolts and earthquake brackets to secure the house to its foundation.

(Credit: AP)

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

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Make Sure Your H... Review your homeowner's insurance plan to see what kind of damages would be covered. Make sure your plan includes the proper limit, or the assessed amount it would currently cost to replace your home if need be.

(Credit: Garry Black/Getty Images)

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Secure Outside I... Garbage cans, lawn furniture and barbecues can upend from strong winds, threatening to damage your house. Bring them inside or securely store them in the garage, where your car should be stored as well.

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Prune the Trees Trimmed trees make the lawn look larger but they also minimize damage to your property in the case of a natural disaster. If your foliage sits on or close to a power line, the local utility company may cut them back free of charge.

(Credit: AP)

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Clean the Gutter... Clear out blockages from gutters and drain systems. To see if a blockage is lodged in the gutter, pour water down the top while someone judges whether they water can hear the water come to the bottom. Consider adding additional piping to the bottom of your gutters, pushing drainage out farther from the house's foundation.

(Credit: AP)

More from Forbes:
Looking Tropical Storm Isaac In The Eye: A Personal Finance Checklist
Billions In New Defenses Mean Isaac Will Not Rival Hurricane Katrina In Damage
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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Board the Window... Always close and lock the windows. In the case of hurricanes, move the furniture away from windows and cover those glass-filled openings with pre-cut wood or hurricane shutters to minimize window breakage and protect against bodily harm.

(Credit: AP)

More from Forbes:
Looking Tropical Storm Isaac In The Eye: A Personal Finance Checklist
Billions In New Defenses Mean Isaac Will Not Rival Hurricane Katrina In Damage
America’s Most And Least Disaster-Ready Cities

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Reinforce The Do... A new front door is one of the best home improvements you can make to increase your home’s value. Consider replacing that rickety old door with a solid wood or hollow steel door equipped with secure hinges and a deadbolt: it will pay for itself when you sell and minimize the effects of a disaster.

(Credit: AP)

More from Forbes:
Looking Tropical Storm Isaac In The Eye: A Personal Finance Checklist
Billions In New Defenses Mean Isaac Will Not Rival Hurricane Katrina In Damage
America’s Most And Least Disaster-Ready Cities

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Repair Cracks a... Anything faulty in the home will break further and faster in a natural disaster. Before a disaster can take you off guard, repair cracks in ceilings or the foundation, as they make the home more susceptible to severe damage in earthquakes; repair shoddy wiring and gas leaks as these can cause fires.

(Credit: AP)

More from Forbes:
Looking Tropical Storm Isaac In The Eye: A Personal Finance Checklist
Billions In New Defenses Mean Isaac Will Not Rival Hurricane Katrina In Damage
America’s Most And Least Disaster-Ready Cities

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Check Out the Ro... This is a preparatory tip that should be done at least once a year, natural disaster or no. Check the roof and repair loose shingles. Consider updating your roof with gable end braces to thwart against hurricanes. To prevent buffer an older home from earthquakes, consider shelling out a few hundred dollars for half-inch anchor bolts and earthquake brackets to secure the house to its foundation.

(Credit: AP)

More from Forbes:
Looking Tropical Storm Isaac In The Eye: A Personal Finance Checklist
Billions In New Defenses Mean Isaac Will Not Rival Hurricane Katrina In Damage
America’s Most And Least Disaster-Ready Cities

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Account For Your... Janet Ruiz of Fireman's Fund suggests videotaping or snapping pictures of your home and its contents.These can be used for reference if anything is lost or damaged. She also suggests having your insurance company's numbers programmed into your phone.

(Credit: Coldwell Banker Previews International)

More from Forbes:
Looking Tropical Storm Isaac In The Eye: A Personal Finance Checklist
Billions In New Defenses Mean Isaac Will Not Rival Hurricane Katrina In Damage
America’s Most And Least Disaster-Ready Cities

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Valves and Therm... If you know a disaster is imminent, crank the fridge to the coldest setting. When the storm descends turn off all utilities and gas lines. Don't forget to pack a emergency kit with battery operated gadgets, nonperishable food and water.

(Credit: Getty Images)

More from Forbes:
Looking Tropical Storm Isaac In The Eye: A Personal Finance Checklist
Billions In New Defenses Mean Isaac Will Not Rival Hurricane Katrina In Damage
America’s Most And Least Disaster-Ready Cities

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
How To Insure Yo... Helpful hints for getting insurance you can afford.