How to Weather the Storm
With the warmer weather comes potential threats from hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding.
Now is the time to prepare for the season’s severe weather to keep you and your family safe.
See how you can prepare to weather the storm this season.
Severe hurricane damage occurs from strong winds and rain, flash flooding and potential landslides. Tornadoes can occur along the path of the hurricane as well as storm surges along the coast. As a result, both inland and coastal communities face risk this season. The best way for you to stay safe is to be prepared.
What do I need to do to be prepared?
Form a communication plan with your family. An emergency can strike at any time. Make sure everyone in your family has a way of contacting each other. If possible, identify an emergency contact person who is outside of your area. You want everyone to have a back-up, central point of communication.
Keep health records handy. Print out a copy of a recent Blue Button file and keep it in a safe place. When a disaster hits, you could be stranded without access to a pharmacy. Stay ahead of schedule and have an extra supply of your prescriptions. If you need help, use My HealtheVet’s Secure Messaging (login required) to contact your physician with a protected, private message about your care. (But remember that Secure Messaging is not for emergencies – always call 911 if you need urgent care.)
Know your resources. Each community has an evacuation plan, and many also offer emergency shelters. If you need to leave your home or community, learn the best exit routes. Also, find out where local emergency shelters are located.
Assemble an emergency kit.
Don’t wait until the last minute! Here are a few suggestions:
- Water and non-perishable food items
- Small amount of cash – ATMs and credit card machines may be inoperable
- Weather radio
- First-aid kit and family prescriptions
- Flashlights, lanterns, and batteries
- Blankets
- At least one change of clothes
- Hygiene and sanitation products
- Copies (front and back) of your identification and credit cards
- Full tank of gasoline
- Cards, toys, and other small recreational items, especially if you have children
.
And don’t forget to plan for your pets! Make sure Fluffy has her carrier and enough food and water, too. Ideally, the supplies in the emergency kit should last at least three days. They should be restocked or replaced at least once per year.
What should I do when I know a storm is coming?
Stay informed.
The National Hurricane Center and local news stations issue constant weather updates. You can also sign up to receive alerts on your phone. If you have a ham radio, you can monitor the Hurricane Watch Net at 14.325 Mhz. A NOAA Weather radio is especially handy. Follow instructions issued by local officials – if evacuations are ordered, leave immediately!
Get the fema app with weather alerts for up to 5 locations, plus disaster resources and safety tips.
Protect your home and your belongings. Safeguarding windows are a priority. If broken, strong winds may enter your house and pry open the roof. It’s best to cover windows with either shutters or plywood. Tie down or bring inside any loose items in your lawn. Storms spring up quickly, so there’s no such thing as taking too many preventative measures.
For more information on preparing for severe weather, visit Ready.Gov.
