Severe weather — hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, and winter storms — causes billions of dollars in property damage annually. Preparation before storm season significantly reduces risk to life and property.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Guide
- Know your risks — Determine your area's specific threats: hurricanes (coastal), tornadoes (central U.S.), flooding (flood zones — check FEMA maps), severe thunderstorms, winter storms, or wildfires...
- Create a family emergency plan — Establish communication plans, meeting points, and evacuation routes. Identify the safe room in your home (interior room, lowest floor, no windows for tornadoes; el...
- Build a 72-hour emergency kit — One gallon of water per person per day (minimum 3 days), non-perishable food (3 days), medications (7 days), flashlights and extra batteries, battery-powered or hand...
- Protect your home's exterior — Trim trees and branches that could fall on the house or power lines. Secure or store loose outdoor items (furniture, grills, trampolines, trash cans). Install permane...
- Inspect the roof — Repair loose or damaged shingles, ensure flashing is secure, and clear gutters and downspouts. A compromised roof is the primary point of failure during storms.
- Review insurance coverage — Standard homeowner's insurance does not cover flood damage. Purchase separate flood insurance through the NFIP (30-day waiting period). Review wind/hurricane deductibles...
- Prepare the plumbing and water system — Know how to shut off the main water valve. Fill bathtubs with water for flushing toilets and cleaning if water service is disrupted. Store extra drinking water.
- Secure important documents — Store copies of insurance policies, IDs, deeds, medical records, and financial documents in a waterproof container or upload to cloud storage accessible from your phone.
- Prepare for power outages — Charge all devices, have battery-powered lights and radio ready, know how to safely operate a generator (always outdoors, never in a garage), and have a plan for refrige...
- Plan for pets — Include pet food, water, medications, carriers, and leashes in your emergency kit. Identify pet-friendly shelters or hotels along evacuation routes. Ensure pets have current ID tags...
Common Mistakes
- Waiting until a warning to prepare
- Not having flood insurance
- Running a generator indoors
- Ignoring evacuation orders
- Not documenting possessions
Pro Tips
- Install impact-resistant windows
- Consider a whole-house generator
- Use the NOAA Weather Radio app
- Reinforce the garage door
- Create a "go bag"