Sometimes when severe weather happens, the safest thing to do is remain indoors. However, for certain weather events with strong winds like tornadoes and hurricanes, there are some parts of your home that are safer than others. Here is a basic guide for how to shelter in your home to stay safe from extreme weather:
Where to Shelter In Your House
- Basement - The basement is usually the safest place to shelter from extreme weather. If your home has a basement, make sure it's stocked with emergency supplies.
- Bathroom - Bathrooms can be effective places to shelter as long as they don't share any walls with the outside of the home. A good shelter should be as far inside the house as possible and have no windows.
- Hallway - An interior hallway can make a good shelter, provided you're able to close off access from the outside. This would mean closing all of the doors to put as many barriers between you and the weather as possible.
What About Apartments or Mobile Homes?
In an apartment building, the safest place to shelter is on the ground floor. If you live on an upper floor, head downstairs to a common area or neighbor's home to shelter. If your apartment building has a laundry room or utility room without windows, these are also options for sheltering from extreme weather.
Mobile homes are extremely vulnerable to strong winds and other extreme weather. Experts recommend leaving your mobile home to shelter in a sturdy building to lower your risk. It's crucial to prepare for an emergency so you can find shelter before the worst of the storm arrives.
Sheltering Supplies
Wherever you shelter in your home, you should have basic emergency supplies prepared. The American Red Cross recommends keeping a minimum of 3 days worth of water and non-perishable food items for each member of the household. Some other things to include in your kit:
- Flashlight
- Battery Powered Radio
- First Aid Kit
- Copies of personal documents
- Pet supplies
If extreme weather forces you to shelter in your home, it's important to be prepared. Keep these tips in mind when formulating your own household emergency plan.
About the Author
Diana Hellman
Diana Hellman's passion for Larchmont inspires her more than 20 year real estate practice. As a certified buyer's representative, "The development of a solid and trusting relationship with my buyers and sellers is what I strive for." This success, primarily built on client referrals and repeat business, comes from her knowledge of what makes Larchmont unique: it's school system, recreational facilities, services and the special qualities that pervade this village's atmosphere. A former educator with a background in psychology, Diana knows that people don't want a sales pitch, but rather reliable, timely information. She and her husband have been residents of Larchmont for over 40 years. Her 3 children have attended the Mamaroneck Public Schools. She can give you expert advice with the sale or purchase of your home. Awards/Distinctions Multi-million dollar club- Westchester Board of Realtors International Diamond Society (8 million plus in sales), 5-Star agent in 2024. Gold Award- WBR (5-8 million dollars in sales) Silver Award – WBR (3-5 million dollars in sales) Memberships National Association of Realtors New York State Association of Realtors Westchester Board of Realtors Westchester Multiple Listing Service Community Former executive board member of the Central School Former selection school delegate for election of school board candidates Former executive board member of the Friends of the Emelin Theatre Former executive board member of the League of Women Voters