Tips for Disaster-Prepping Your Home this National Preparedness Month

MISSION HILLS, CA Sept. 12, 2019 – Leading home service company Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air is offering preparedness tips to local homeowners for the three most common natural disasters in Los Angeles County: earthquakes, flooding, and firestorms.

“We live in a beautiful area, but it also happens to be one that’s particularly prone to natural phenomena that can destroy homes,” said John Akhoian, business owner and CEO of Rooter Hero. “By taking just a few safety measures though, Los Angeles homeowners can rest a little easier at night.”

Akhoian recommends residents take the following precautions for each potential disaster:

• Earthquakes: Since California is no stranger to earthquakes, it’s wise for residents to prepare for the worst. First, use metal strapping around especially large appliances that you don’t need to access regularly, like your hot water heater, to keep them from dislocating and falling. You may also consider installing an auto-shutoff valve on your gas meter to avoid a gas leak.
• Flooding: Water damage is one of the greatest threats to the integrity of your house. If you know a large storm is in the forecast, make sure your sump pumps have backup power, install backflow valves for drains and toilets, and consider purchasing septic pump alarms in case your septic system becomes flooded – this will help you avoid accidental rupture.
• Firestorms: Even though a house fire is the last thing homeowners want to think about, research shows there are steps residents can take to increase their home’s chances of surviving a passing wildfire. Such steps include cleaning roofs and gutters of dead leaves and pine needles, keeping flammable items – such as plants and firewood piles – away from walls, and regularly cleaning debris out of exterior attic vents.