Tips For A Reliable Emergency Safety Lockdown

When disaster strikes and your life, the safety of your loved ones and the security of your prized possessions are at risk, your first regret will be not having an emergency safety lockdown plan to use in such situations.

Here are a few useful tips you should consider before, during and after an earthquake or a similarly devastating natural phenomenon.

Be Proactive!

• The largest earthquake in the country happened almost six decades ago in Alaska and it measured 9.2 in magnitude.
• At the time this article was written, there were more than 30 earthquakes recorded in the past 24 hours in the US.
• Also, more than 500 earthquakes had occurred in the past week.

Whether you live in one of these places or you are dealing with natural fires, floods, tornadoes or other natural calamities on a regular basis, it is essential to be proactive. Knowing exactly what to do before, during and after an earthquake, for example, is extremely important for your well-being. Entering survival-mode for you and your family is a must for your physical integrity. However, you should also focus on the protection of your home. While it is advisable to stay inside during an earthquake and drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture and hold on to it until the earth stops shaking, your home is likely to suffer some serious damage. This means you may need to seek temporary shelter for a while, leaving your home vulnerable to opportunist thieves.

Unfortunately, break-ins usually go hand in hand with earthquakes, tornadoes and other natural hazards that make people flee their homes during or after the event. Doors are left unlocked, alarms get ignored and material possessions are left behind. This is why having an emergency lockdown plan in place is mandatory. Keeping close ties with a reliable and authorized locksmith for homes will also make a huge difference in keeping your property safe during and after a tornado or a different calamity. 

How To Handle An Earthquake Emergency The Right Way

Things To Do Before The Earthquake

• Set aside a few emergency lockdown kits that each member of the family can use during the earthquake. Store them somewhere safe and easily reachable. Include water, prescription pills, a first-aid kit, snacks blankets, flashlights, batteries, diapers, clothes and whatever else you may need to use during an emergency.
• Fasten all paintings, cupboards and other wall hangings so they do not fall and injure you during the earthquake or tornado.
• Practice earthquake drills with the kids so everyone knows exactly what to do at the time of the crisis.
• Make sure your safety vault or home safe is properly mounted and secured to the wall or floor.
• Place your most valuable papers, jewelry, and collectibles inside a sturdy safe that can withstand floods, fire and break-in attempts.
• Talk to a residential locksmith and have them assess the state of your door and window locks. Fix or replace any damaged locks before and after the earthquake, if necessary. Burglars may attempt to make their way into your home if left unattended.
• The home alarm should work properly and all movement sensors should be properly inspected and replaced if faulty. 
• Use heavy weights for reinforcing the door on your garage and metal straps for securing your bulky kitchen appliances.
• Use motion detectors and cameras with sensors to keep an eye on your home and deter potential crooks while you are away. If you do not already have such surveillance in place, get in touch with an expert locksmithing service.
• Have a locksmith install a professional monitoring system that can issue real-time messages in case of emergencies and send alerts to local emergency services.
• Locksmiths can also install electronic or smart locks that can be controlled with a simple app on your phone from a distance. It should save you precious money on locking up and securing your property while saving precious time during a calamity.

Things To Do During The Earthquake

• Steer clear from electricity polls and tall buildings if you are outside.
• Immediately pull over if you are driving your car and search for a safe place for shelter.
• Remain inside the house, underneath the living room or kitchen table.

Things To Do After The Earthquake

• Provide first aid to any injured victims around you inside the house. Call 911 for more serious injuries.
• Do not light any candles, matches or light bulbs right after an earthquake or tornado to prevent an explosion from happening because of potential gas leaks.
• Switch off the main gas valve to prevent the risk of explosion. Call your gas service and let them know about any leaks you suspect might have occurred during the earthquake or tornado.
• Expect aftershocks in case of an earthquake and seek immediate shelter.

Use An Advanced Surveillance System 

Finally, consider opting for a modern surveillance system with advanced features including microphones and video doorbells that allow you to enhance your protection and communicate with the people inside the house and immediately alert them about an imminent danger. This way, they should have the physical time to either evict the home in case of an imminent flood or tornado or seek their emergency lockdown kits and start using the emergency lockdown plan. Get in touch with our expert locksmiths for more information and help with your home and car locks and alarms.