Designed by: Studio Schicketanz
While natural disasters are impossible to avoid, there are many steps we can take to help mitigate their damage to our homes, specifically the kitchen. After a catastrophe, the kitchen is one of the most (if not the most) important rooms in the house, thanks its ability to keep its occupants warm and nourished. As the East Coast recovers from the effects of Hurricane Sandy, we talked to designers and architects from around the country—all of whom have prepared for and dealt with their fair share of natural disasters—to get their tips for protecting a kitchen before disaster strikes.
1. Have backup power
“For single-family homes, we always recommend incorporating backup power," says architect Mary Ann Gabriele Schicketanz of Studio Schicketanz. "Almost all of our projects have generators and an automatic transfer switch. That way, when the grid goes out, the generator kicks in. This allows you to keep the fridge and freezer stocked with fresh food.”
2. Go with gas
Schicketanz also suggests eschewing electric appliances in favor of gas cooktops and gas water heaters with manual starters. “This way you’ll be able to cook and take a hot shower even when the power is out," she explains.
Photo by: Rachael Boling Photography
Designed by: Linda McDougald Design/ Postcard From Paris
3. Get supplies ready
“What people have to realize is it’s not just about them in a disaster," says Linda McDougald, principal of Postcard from Paris. “Everyone in the area is equally in need of the same supplies and electricity." In other words? Don't count on the electricity coming back on right away or being able to make a last-minute run to the store. "Make sure your kitchen is always stocked with necessities for survival, comfort and warmth.”
4. Save room for storage
One way to make sure you're always well-stocked for an emergency is to build some extra storage space into your design. “Adding extra-large pantries into a kitchen design is an ideal way to store canned goods, bottled water and the rest of the emergency supplies we’re always talking about getting one day," says architect David Burton of Burton Architecture. "If you have the space, there’s no excuse for not having what you need when the time comes.”
Photo by: Gary Payne
Designed by: Laura Birns
5. Plan for the worst
California architect Lorin Hill always designs with earthquakes in mind. “We focus on what results the shaking might yield, and the potential for fires resulting from ruptured gas lines," he explains. "Have a readily accessible shutoff valve near the gas range. Disasters won’t wait till someone’s home to shut the gas off, so it’s good to have an earthquake shutoff valve at the house’s gas meter. This will cut off gas from the water heater and furnace. Also, keep a Class K fire extinguisher in a location near the stove—and keep it charged.”
6. Nix upper cabinets
If you live in an earthquake-prone area, architect Ron Radziner of Marmol Radziner suggests skipping upper cabinets. “When designing a kitchen,” he says, “place cabinetry low to the ground below counters, leaving the upper portion of the walls free. Also, the use of drawers will help prevent dishware and glasses from spilling out. Removable wooden dowels can be fitted inside the drawers to hold plates and glasses in place.”
Photo by: Paul Dyer
Designed by: David Burton
7. Be mobile
“If your kitchen is rendered inaccessible,” says Hill, “a makeshift exterior kitchen with a gas grill makes a great substitute." Of course, to make your outdoor kitchen viable in an emergency, you've got to prep it as well. "This means always having a backup fuel tank, stored water and supplies," says Hill. "After a disaster, fill your bathtub and sinks with tap water if you can do so safely before the water supply fails and pressure drops or stops.”
8. Keep good records
Some damage is inevitable no matter how much planning goes into a kitchen’s creation, and keeping good records of what's in your kitchen and how much it cost (in a water- and fireproof safe, of course) makes it easier to rebuild. As designer Moe Draz of Postcard from Paris points out, “In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, millions of people will be calling their insurance companies. For those who are prepared with documentation, the insurance companies will be able to cut a check and help them rebuild faster.”
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