Fortify Your Cumberland County Home Against Natural Disasters

In Cumberland County, Maine, where the weather can be as unpredictable as the lottery, being prepared for natural disasters is less about if and more about when. Whether it's the surprise snowstorms, the occasional flood, or even the rare, yet not impossible, high wind events, homeowners have plenty to consider. Let's guide you through the must-do steps to protect your home and loved ones from what Mother Nature throws our way.

Create an Emergency Kit

Start with an emergency kit. Here, 'just in case' isn't an overstatement—it's a necessity. Your kit should include non-perishable food, water for 72 hours, first aid supplies, flashlights and extra batteries, a battery-powered radio, key documents in a waterproof container, enough cash to tide you over, family prescriptions, and yes, don’t forget the toilet paper. It's Maine; we keep it practical.

Develop an Evacuation Plan

In Cumberland County, where every local has their own ‘the storm caught us by surprise’ story, a solid evacuation plan is your best anecdote to disaster. Know your exits, have a family rendezvous point that’s easy to remember under stress (like Portland Head Light—hard to miss, right?), keep a list of essential contacts, and remember, in a pinch, community shelters like those in Portland, Brunswick, or South Portland can be lifesavers.

Secure Your Home's Structure

Our homes face a lot from blizzards to nor'easters. Secure those roof shingles, make friends with local arborists to keep trees in check, and ensure your gutters are clear as unclogged arteries. Consider storm shutters if you're coastal and secure anything that might decide to take flight in strong winds.

Protect Against Flooding

Flooding in Cumberland County isn't our main headline, but when it happens, it's memorable. Installing backflow valves, raising utilities, using waterproof sealants, and a good ol’ sump pump can keep your basement from becoming an unintended indoor pool.

Prepare for Power Outages

When the power goes out, it’s like a surprise camping trip at home. Be ready with a portable generator, surge protectors for the tech-savvy folks, and batteries—lots of them. Also, a whole-house surge protector can be a worthy investment, saving your gadgets from unexpected shocks.

Review and Update Insurance Coverage

Insurance in our area needs to be as robust as our legendary Maine lobsters. Make sure your policy is up-to-date and covers all the local flavors of chaos. Flood or earthquake insurance might seem over the top until you need it. And yes, documenting your possessions can be a chore, but it's a lifesaver when filing claims. Keep those photos or videos in a safe, and while you’re at it, make sure the safe is both fireproof and waterproof.

Stay Informed

Finally, staying informed is key. Sign up for Cumberland County alerts, keep an eye on the weather, especially during the hurricane season (yes, they can reach us), and make sure you know the community’s plans and evacuation routes. From Portland to Long Island, staying ahead of the weather means staying safe.

By taking these steps, you'll be doing more than just preparing for the worst. You'll be building a resilient home base ready to face whatever comes its way with a distinctly Maine kind of stubbornness. And remember, the key to getting through natural disasters here in Cumberland County is a blend of preparation, community support, and a good sense of humor. So, let’s keep our homes safe, and maybe sneak in a whoopie pie or two into that emergency kit for good measure.