Protecting Your Home and Family from Disasters

As we’ve seen in recent years, disasters can occur at any time and without warning.

To safeguard your home and loved ones, it’s crucial to have a disaster preparedness plan in place. The following steps will help you create a family preparedness plan that can be adapted to any emergency situation.

Assessing Hazards in Your Area

  • Start by identifying the most likely disasters that could occur in your region and researching how to prepare for each one.
  • Get to know your community’s warning signals and emergency response plan, including how to receive alerts via sirens, text messages, or other methods.
  • Consider investing in a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio, which broadcasts official weather forecasts, warnings, and advisories 24/7.
  • Locate nearby organizations that offer emergency management services, such as the Red Cross, Red Crescent, and other nonprofits, and keep their contact information handy.
  • Familiarize yourself with the disaster plans in place at your workplace, your children’s school, and other places you and your family frequent.

Conducting a Family Meeting

  • Schedule a family meeting to discuss the importance of disaster preparedness and the potential hazards in your area.
  • Review the types of disasters that are most likely to occur and create a step-by-step plan for each situation.
  • Assign tasks and responsibilities to each family member, making sure to emphasize the importance of working together as a team.
  • Identify meeting points both within and outside your neighborhood in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire or earthquake.
  • Decide on a plan of action for evacuating your home and create a detailed family evacuation plan.
  • If a family member is in the military or travels frequently, make sure to plan accordingly for their potential absence during a disaster.
  • Establish a family communication plan in case disaster strikes and document the steps to take in different scenarios.
  • If anyone in your family has special needs or disabilities, adjust your plan accordingly, and don’t forget to include your pets in your preparedness plan.

Secure your household

  • Compile a disaster readiness kit.
  • Determine the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.
  • Figure out the best evacuation routes out of your home.
  • Get trained in basic first aid and CPR.
  • Show each family member how and where to shut off utilities (water, gas, electricity).
  • Take a complete inventory of your home and property.
  • Educate each family member on how to use a fire extinguisher and where to locate one.
  • Post emergency contacts (friends, family, neighbors, police, fire, etc.) in a visible spot.

Rehearse your plan

  • Rehearse your plan with your family on a regular basis (every six months).
  • Check your disaster readiness kit every three months.
  • Replace stored water and food every three months.
  • Update any emergency contact information as changes occur.

Further resources

  • The American Red Cross offers “How to prepare for emergencies” and training and certification.
  • “Make a plan” from the Ready Campaign.
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency.
  • Professional water damage restoration company: Houston Restore PROS

 

 

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All Reviews 4.9google logoGoogle 4.8
Overall Rating
4.9 60 reviews
kendell clark Avatar
kendell clark
4/14/2025
After our house flooded on Christmas we called Houston Restore Pros and they took time from their holiday to come out and assist us and walk us through the next steps. From mitigation to reconstruction the process was seamless and the experience was great. The office worked side by side with our insurance and got all the tough questions answered for us and handled everything on that end. They were able to restore my home to even better than they found it. We’re very happy we choose Houston Restore Pros.
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Carol Smith Avatar
Carol Smith
4/14/2025
Houston Restore Pros worked well with our insurance. Joe and crew were compassionate and highly efficient at the moisture mitigation. Joel was great at coordinating the different phases and letting us know what to expect. Dennis and team Manuel, Daniel, and Alex went above and beyond expectations! Joe and Kirk and their crews carefully moved the furniture out and back. I would hire this group again!
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Derek Pruitt Avatar
Derek Pruitt
4/05/2025
Ben was prompt with communication and they did nice work
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JOEY Avatar
JOEY
4/05/2025
Ben and his team completed this project for us as sewer water backed up into the home. They did the demo which consisted of removing the base boards, tile/wood flooring, sheet rock, shower, etc. They put back the home in a timely and professional manner!
They installed sheet rock, tape and float, installed base boards, painted walls and trim, built a new vanity and painted, installed new plumbing fixtures, completed the tile shower with pan, tile in bath areas, and wood in bedrooms and living areas. Very reasonable pricing and completed a few small extras without hassling for additional monies.
I highly recommend Houston Restore Pro to complete any project you may have at your home or office!
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Van Ho Avatar
Van Ho
4/05/2025
Houston Restore did an amazing job on my property. Got Water damage and they arrived in 3 hours to dry out everything. Then Ben took care the restoration . He finish entire house in 2 months and my house turn out so beautiful .
I would recommend Houston restore to everyone
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Maria Lopez Avatar
Maria Lopez
4/05/2025
These guys are lifesavers. They are available 24/7. They provided excellent, professional service and did not leave until the job was done.Thanks to Joe, Jose, Josue, Joyce, and Joel.
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Danielle Beckcom Avatar
Danielle Beckcom
3/05/2025
Ben and his team at Houston Restore Pros were absolutely fantastic! From start to finish, they demonstrated professionalism, efficiency, and outstanding attention to detail. They went above and beyond to ensure everything was handled with care, and their expertise was evident in the quality of their work. Communication was seamless, and they were always available to answer any questions along the way. If you’re looking for a reliable and skilled restoration team, look no further—Houston Restore Pros is the best in the business. Highly recommend!
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stephen cunada Avatar
stephen cunada
2/05/2025
We had a little flooding inside our house back in July 2024 and when we informed our insurance company, they have suggested Houston Restore Pros as one of the cleanup company. In a matter of few hours, Joe was at the house supervising the mitigation process which they did meticulously. We were satisfied with the results that we decided to let them finish the restoration and reconstruction of the entire first floor under the able watch of Ben who was very responsive to all our questions and making sure that he corrected everything that needed to be addressed promptly. I would highly recommend Houston Restore Pros to anyone who would be in the same predicament. Thanks again Joe, Ben and the entire crew.
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B B Avatar
B B
2/05/2025
Our house flooded in May and needed to be restored from 2 feet up down to the concrete foundation. Houston Restore Pros had us back in our house in December and it looks better than it did before the flood. Ben was very helpful during the process and whenever we needed a repair fixed or changed he was easy to get ahold of and was quick to send out someone to fix it. You can tell that he really cares about his customers. I've added some photos of the demo and the finished home. It really is beautiful.
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Lee Tilley Avatar
Lee Tilley
2/05/2025
Slow water leak ruined my life! These guys put it back together from start to finish. Ben & his team were great to work with. He was always available, this man needs a promotion.
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Cat Ferguson Avatar
Cat Ferguson
2/05/2025
I would like to take a moment to commend Ben Sos, Project Manager at Houston Restore Pros, for his exceptional professionalism and courteous demeanor throughout our project. Ben consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to effectively manage tasks and ensure that the right team members were assigned to meet our needs.

His patience and understanding were particularly noteworthy; he was always available to address my concerns, even during moments of distress, and handled each situation with grace and empathy. Ben truly goes above and beyond for his clients, and his commitment to delivering outstanding service is evident in every interaction.

I wholeheartedly recommend Ben Sos for any project, as I am confident that his dedication and expertise will lead to successful outcomes.
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Jenny Ryan Avatar
Jenny Ryan
1/05/2025
Houston Restore Pros Joe Contreras and his team expertly handled the water mitigation in my home after my attic leaked, and Ben Sosa and his team beautifully restored my floors and the ceiling and sheetrock damage. They respond promptly to communication and guide their customers through each step of the process. Their care for their customers shows in all aspects of the company. I would recommend Houston Restore Pros to anyone.
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Rasheed Bangee Avatar
Rasheed Bangee
11/05/2024
Mr. Ben Sosa stayed on the top till the job is complete. Joe, Isaac Escobar and all are excellent along with Ben.
Worry free for one. They took care of all including contacting insurance company. Pictures are before and after.
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Helen Castillo Avatar
Helen Castillo
11/05/2024
Ben did a fantastic job him and his crew. They did repairs to my house and also painted it great job Ben
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Satish Mani Avatar
Satish Mani
10/05/2024
HRP were awesome. They came, understood our challenges and resolved each and every one of them. Ben their Project Manager especially understood our concerns and went way beyond to resolve our issues. Highly recommend HRP for any House restoration issues.
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