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How to Prepare Today
Experts recommend taking simple steps before severe weather arrives.
Charge all phones, tablets, and portable battery packs.
Keep flashlights with fresh batteries in an easily accessible location.
Store enough bottled water and nonperishable food to last several days if necessary.
Ensure important medications are available.
Fuel your vehicle in case travel becomes difficult after the storm.
Secure outdoor furniture, grills, umbrellas, and decorations that could become airborne during strong winds.
Review emergency contact information with family members.
If you have pets, prepare food, water, medications, and carriers for them as well.
Build a Small Emergency Kit
A basic emergency kit may include:
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- First-aid supplies
- Bottled water
- Ready-to-eat food
- Battery-powered radio
- Phone chargers
- Blankets
- Prescription medications
- Personal hygiene supplies
Keeping these items together allows you to respond quickly if conditions deteriorate.
Stay Safe During the Storm
If severe weather warnings are issued for your area:
Remain indoors whenever possible.
Stay away from windows during high winds.
Avoid using electrical appliances if lightning is occurring nearby.
Move to the lowest level of a sturdy building if a tornado warning is issued.
Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary.
Never attempt to walk or drive through floodwaters.
Even shallow water can conceal damaged roads or carry enough force to sweep away vehicles.
Remember the simple safety message often repeated by emergency officials:
Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
After the Storm Passes
Danger doesn’t always end when the rain stops.
Continue watching for:
- Downed power lines.
- Flooded roadways.
- Fallen trees.
- Structural damage.
- Gas leaks.
- Contaminated standing water.
Report damaged utility lines to the appropriate authorities and never approach them yourself.
If your home experiences flooding, exercise caution before entering, as electrical hazards or structural damage may still be present.
Protect Yourself From Misinformation
Major storms often generate misleading posts on social media.
Images from previous disasters are sometimes reshared as though they are current events.
False forecasts and exaggerated claims can spread rapidly online.
Before sharing weather information, verify it through trusted sources such as your national weather service, local emergency management agency, or reputable local news organizations.
Reliable information helps communities prepare without unnecessary panic.
Looking Ahead
Forecast confidence typically improves as a storm approaches, meaning watches, warnings, and impact areas may change over the next several days.
Residents should continue checking official forecasts regularly and be prepared to adjust plans if conditions change.
Being informed is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk during severe weather.