Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is a gorgeous city situated in the Susquehanna River Valley. While it is known for its quaint attractions and historical landmarks, it can also be prone to natural calamities such as floods, fires, and severe storms. However, increased awareness and preventative actions can help you live in Harrisburg worry-free.
Read on to find out more.
Is Harrisburg, PA, prone to natural disasters?
Harrisburg is prone to flooding because of its low elevation and proximity to the Susquehanna river. The risk is further exacerbated by heavy rainfall, thawing snow, and ice, and high-water levels resulting from upstream dams that are not properly maintained. Due to its location in the mid-Atlantic region, the city is also at risk of severe weather events, like thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes.
On the other hand, numerous house fire disasters take place several times a year in the state of Pennsylvania as a whole. In fact, recent data shows that it is one of the two most dangerous states (along with New York) when it comes to house fire casualties. This is attributed to the fact that Pennsylvania has lots of older homes and buildings, especially at risk caused by outdated electrical wiring and heating methods.
That’s why different restoration firms have been giving property damage restoration services to help protect and restore homes affected by these misfortunes.
How to Prepare for Natural Disasters While Living in Harrisburg, PA
Here are a couple of tips to keep you and your family, and your property protected when living in Harrisburg:
Create an Emergency Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit can be handy in flooding, storms, or fires. Your kit should include the following:
- Food (non-perishable items like canned goods, crackers, and many more)
- Drinking water
- First aid supplies
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- First aid kit
- Weather radios
Find Local Resources
In the event of a natural catastrophe in Harrisburg, lots of local organizations and institutions are available to assist. These include the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), local fire departments and law enforcement officers, the Red Cross, and other non-profit organizations.
If a fire or water damage occurs, it can be invaluable to have a local fire and water damage restoration company’s contact number prepared. They are well-equipped to handle any required mitigation and repairs to get your home back on track.
If you don’t know any, ask for recommendations from those you trust. You may also find it online, so you can quickly contact professionals if required. Make sure to read reviews and check out the company’s qualifications prior to making a decision.
Be Prepared with Insurance Coverage
Take the time to go over your existing insurance coverage to ensure they cover natural disasters like floods or fires. If there is a coverage gap, find out how to supplement it with additional insurance plans to protect against flooding or other catastrophes.
Flood is not often included in your homeowner’s plan, so examine the different coverage choices available. Consider getting flood insurance coverage, which can be bought from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Stay Informed About Local Weather Conditions
With modern technology, staying informed about potential threats is much easier than ever. Local news reports can provide essential updates on climate conditions and alerts as they happen. You can also access social media accounts that provide real-time updates on the weather forecast and other potential catastrophes.
Follow the Local Government’s Advice on Safety Protocols
During vacations or special celebrations that require you to utilize electrical or natural gas appliances, follow safety protocols or recommendations to avoid accidents. For example, Christmas lights and candles should never be left unwatched. Make sure to disconnect them before leaving your home or going to bed at night.
Similarly, always keep a fire extinguisher close at hand when using barbecue grills, and never leave them unattended. In case of fire, evacuate the building and call 911 or your local fire department. In case of intense damage, contact fire and smoke damage restoration experts for assistance, or check out websites like www.puroclean.com for more information on the services these professionals provide.
The Bottom Line
Living in Harrisburg, PA, is a wonderful experience, but natural calamities can happen anytime. Preparing and taking the necessary precautions to protect your family and home is vital. The tips outlined in this post can help ensure you are properly prepared for a disaster.
