Living in New Hampshire means dealing with a variety of natural disasters that can strike at any moment. Whether it’s the extreme cold of winter, the torrential rains of spring, or the occasional blizzard, we Granite Staters have learned that preparation is key. In a state as unpredictable as New Hampshire, being ready for any emergency can mean the difference between life and death. From building the right emergency kit to ensuring your home is fortified against the elements, here’s how New Hampshire residents are preparing for the worst that Mother Nature can throw at us.
1. Winter Storms and Blizzards
Let’s start with winter, which is probably the most well-known challenge in New Hampshire. With its long, harsh winters, snowstorms, and blizzards can easily leave roads impassable and power outages lasting for days. The first line of defense against a New Hampshire winter storm is a well-stocked emergency kit. Make sure you’ve got enough food, water, and other essential supplies to last for at least 72 hours.
- Tip #1: Keep extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing on hand in case your heating system goes down. You might also want to have a wood stove or alternative heat source to keep your home warm.
- Tip #2: Stock up on emergency food supplies such as canned goods, freeze-dried meals, and high-calorie snacks. Don’t forget about a manual can opener!
- Tip #3: Ensure you have an emergency power source. A generator is a great investment, but if you can’t afford one, invest in a good supply of rechargeable batteries, solar-powered chargers, and power banks.
2. Flooding
New Hampshire has its share of rivers and streams, and during heavy rainstorms or the spring thaw, flooding can be a serious risk. The Merrimack and Connecticut Rivers, among others, have a history of flooding when storms hit or when the snowpack melts too quickly. If you live in a flood zone, it’s vital to be aware of evacuation routes and have a plan in place.
- Tip #4: Install sump pumps in your basement and have backup power in case the electricity goes out. A flooded basement can cause irreversible damage if left unattended.
- Tip #5: Elevate electrical appliances and items like important documents to higher ground. Consider waterproofing your basement if you live in a flood-prone area.
3. Tornadoes
While New Hampshire is not typically known for tornadoes, these vicious storms have been known to strike, particularly during the spring and summer months. Strong tornadoes are rare, but they can still cause significant damage.
- Tip #6: Build a safe room or basement in your home where you can take shelter during a tornado. Make sure your family knows where to go and how to stay safe.
- Tip #7: Invest in a NOAA weather radio with a battery backup. This way, you’ll always be informed of severe weather warnings.
4. Earthquakes
Earthquakes aren’t a daily concern in New Hampshire, but that doesn’t mean we’re immune. The state has experienced tremors in the past, and scientists believe the area is capable of more significant seismic activity in the future. Though rare, it’s always smart to be prepared.
- Tip #8: Secure heavy furniture and appliances to the walls to prevent them from falling during an earthquake. Have an evacuation plan in place, and know where the safest areas are in your home.
- Tip #9: Keep a stash of water and food that doesn’t require cooking or refrigeration in case utilities are disrupted.
5. Wildfires
With increasing temperatures and drier conditions, New Hampshire is beginning to see a rise in wildfires. While the risk is lower than in other parts of the country, we’ve had a few out-of-control blazes in recent years.
- Tip #10: If you live near wooded areas, create defensible space around your home by clearing dead leaves, branches, and brush. Keep a hose, shovel, and rake nearby to help manage smaller fires.
6. Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
While New Hampshire is located far from the usual hurricane tracks, we are still vulnerable to the tail ends of major storms that make their way up the coast. These storms can bring heavy rains, high winds, and dangerous coastal flooding.
- Tip #11: Keep your gutters clean and ensure that your property’s drainage system is functioning properly. Heavy rainfall can cause rapid flooding if there’s nowhere for the water to go.
- Tip #12: Have a sturdy emergency kit on hand, especially if you live near the coast. Consider investing in storm shutters or plywood to protect your windows from high winds.
7. Severe Winter Cold
New Hampshire’s winters can get so cold that frostbite and hypothermia become a real risk. In some areas, temperatures can dip well below freezing for weeks at a time. It’s important to know how to stay warm and how to care for others in these extreme conditions.
- Tip #13: Keep extra layers of clothing available, including insulated gloves, boots, and socks. A good winter coat and thermal underwear are lifesavers during long bouts of cold.
- Tip #14: If you have elderly family members or neighbors, check in on them regularly. They’re more susceptible to the cold, and their homes may not be as well-insulated.
8. Food and Water Storage
New Hampshire’s varied weather conditions mean that emergencies can come in all seasons. Stocking up on food and water supplies is an absolute necessity, as grocery stores and other essential services may not be readily available during or after a natural disaster.
- Tip #15: Store at least a two-week supply of non-perishable food and water. Don’t forget about pets or other animals—make sure you have enough food and water for them too.
- Tip #16: Invest in high-quality water filters, as flooding can often contaminate local water supplies. Having a way to purify water from lakes or rivers could save your life in a worst-case scenario.
9. Communication Plans
During a disaster, communication can be challenging. Cell towers may go down, and landlines may be cut off. New Hampshire residents need to ensure they have a reliable means of communicating with family and emergency responders.
- Tip #17: Establish a family emergency plan. Ensure everyone knows where to meet in the event of a disaster, and keep a list of emergency contacts, including out-of-state relatives.
- Tip #18: Consider investing in satellite phones or two-way radios as a backup communication system. These can be life-saving if traditional cell networks fail.
10. Home Fortification
The state of New Hampshire can experience a variety of natural disasters, and it’s crucial to fortify your home against the elements. Whether it’s reinforcing your roof to withstand heavy snow, installing storm-resistant windows, or ensuring your foundation is strong enough to hold up during flooding, preparation starts with your home.
- Tip #19: Keep your roof clear of snow and ice in the winter months. Ice dams can cause major water damage if left unchecked. Regularly check your roof’s condition and make necessary repairs before winter hits.
Conclusion
New Hampshire residents know that survival isn’t just about having a few canned goods and a flashlight. It’s about being prepared for any situation. From snowstorms to flooding, tornadoes, and hurricanes, the state’s weather can change on a dime, and it’s up to us to be ready for whatever comes our way.
Being prepared means staying vigilant, having the right supplies, and knowing how to react in an emergency. It’s about taking the time to create a plan, fortifying your home, and stocking up on essentials so that you can weather any storm that comes your way. Living in New Hampshire means facing the best and worst of nature’s fury, but with the right preparation, we’ll be ready for whatever the future holds.
TheDailyChristian 