Don’t Wait for the Storm: Prepare Your Family Now

A few simple steps today can make a big difference when severe weather strikes. Hurricanes can develop quickly, bringing powerful winds, heavy rain, flooding, power outages, and dangerous conditions. While we can't stop a storm from coming, we can prepare for it. This week, take a few minutes to make sure your household is ready.

Your Emergency Kit Checklist
Don't wait until the shelves are empty to gather essential supplies. Keep an emergency kit where everyone in your household can easily find it. Make sure you have:
Drinking water and nonperishable food
Flashlights and extra batteries
 Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
 Fully charged power banks
Essential medications and first-aid supplies
Important documents in waterproof storage
Emergency cash
Hygiene and sanitation supplies
 Extra clothing and sturdy footwear
Food and supplies for pets
Pro tip: Check your emergency kit every few months and replace anything expired or damaged.

Protect Your Home
Before severe weather arrives, look around your property for things that could become hazards. Bring outdoor furniture and loose objects inside, check doors and windows, and clear drains and gutters if it is safe to do so. Move important belongings to higher areas if flooding is possible. If you use a generator, never operate it inside your home, garage, or another enclosed space because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Know Where to Get Reliable Information
During a hurricane, information can change quickly. Keep your phone charged and follow official weather forecasts and emergency announcements. Don't rely solely on unverified social media posts or forwarded messages. Remember:
WATCH = Be prepared. Conditions are possible.
WARNING = Take action. Dangerous conditions are expected or occurring.

Make a Family Emergency Plan
A few minutes of planning can prevent confusion during an emergency. Discuss with your family:
Where you will go if evacuation is necessary
Where you will meet if separated
How you will communicate
Who will assist children, older adults, or family members who need additional support
What arrangements you'll make for pets
Keep important phone numbers and addresses written down in case your phone becomes unavailable.

Know When to Evacuate
If local authorities issue an evacuation order, don't wait until the last minute. Know your evacuation routes and nearby shelters ahead of time. Keep your vehicle fueled or charged, and take your emergency kit with you. And remember: never drive or walk through floodwater. It can conceal dangerous debris, damaged roads, open drains, and electrical hazards.

Prepared Today. Safer Tomorrow.
You don't need to prepare everything at once. Start with one small step today: check your emergency supplies. Then make your family plan. Charge your power banks. Secure your home. Learn your evacuation route. Because when the storm arrives, preparation isn't just convenient—it can save lives.

Your Hurricane-Ready Challenge
Before the end of this week, make sure your household has:
An emergency kit
A family communication plan
A safe evacuation route
Emergency contacts
Reliable weather information
A plan for pets and vulnerable family members

Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay safe.