Every year, thousands of people are displaced because of natural disasters. With the world continuing to experience extreme weather conditions, it is expected that each year populations will be exposed to property destruction.
If you are looking to buy a new property now, choose a prime location that is safe from many weather-induced problems. Danger areas include those near deep bodies of water that can be triggered by earthquakes to create tsunamis, flood plains and dried up rivers or marshlands that are at risk of flooding in heavy downpours, reclaimed areas that had previously been below sea level, and areas prone to landslides among several others. Make sure also that your area is not at risk of drought.
Know, therefore, the history of the land you are buying. Once you have selected your location, invest in a climate-resilient home.
Ensure a proper drainage system in your lot and your locality
Floods do not only occur due to the altitude of the place. Due to the intensifying rainfalls, urban flooding has also been common especially in areas whose ground has been mostly covered with concrete. Make sure you are in a community with a good drainage system and that the water in your property will properly drain into the system.
Try to leave as much ground uncovered so that water can still seep through the soil. Have lots of plants and install a lawn. These will help hold off the water and give it more time to seep through the ground.
Ensure that there is ample distance between your roof and your ceiling. This way, you are allowing the air to pass through that space and give you a cooler home during the hot months. It also holds the warm air from your home during the colder months and provides some level of insulation.
Install screens against insects
Any areas are not used to having screens — this is a house feature only common in tropical countries. However, with the temperatures going up, some populations of insects are also increasing becoming more aggressive. Have screens that can be opened or removed during seasons you don’t them. You can also opt for decorative screens you can leave on for the entire year.
Raise your floors
You may not experience flooding in your locality now but think of it as an advance precaution for the coming years. It is much more expensive to have your home redone in the next ten or twenty years just because you did not have the foresight now. And even if your place wouldn’t get flooded in the future, a raised floor is still a good layer of protection against animals and insects.
Remember though to make your inclinations friendly to persons with disabilities. You never know what needs you would have as you grow old. Have a ramp for convenience.
Many of the previous home designs have basements. Consider if you really need one. For storage spaces, you can have a separate shed or an attic instead of a basement.
Install solar power
This does not have to be big, just enough so you can store the energy you could use if there is suddenly a power outage. Contrary to the belief that solar panels need to have bright sunshine to work, the panels are still able to gather energy from rainy or clouded-over skies.
Additionally, try to be less electricity-dependent as most homes are. Always have alternatives for the basic functions in your home. Have a dirty kitchen you can use if you can’t use your electric stove, for example. You can also heat water here when you need a hot bath and yet your water heater could not function. Have emergency lamps that can be operated by batteries. Some flashlights are powered by manually winding them up.
Set up a greenhouse
You can grow vegetables all months of the year. Food security will always be a concern in times of disruptions. It will be good for you if you have your source of food even if it is just good for a few weeks. Even without disasters or disruptions, in the long run, you can save on your groceries if you could provide some of your needs from your garden. While at it, also to grow some fruit trees in your backyard if you have enough space.
There are now designers who offer smart homes that are climate change resilient. Often, these cost a lot. But if you know the layout of your place and the basics of your needs at home, you don’t have to spend too much money. Just plan ahead and always be pragmatic when you choose your home designs.
