Emergency Storm Preparedness Tips for Homeowners

When the sky turns that ominous shade of gray, and the winds start picking up, it’s natural to wonder if your home—and everything in it—is truly ready to weather the storm. Though Mother Nature is out of our hands, we can still get ready for whatever she brings our way. Whether it’s a hurricane, a severe thunderstorm, or a flash flood, getting ahead of the storm with a solid plan can be the difference between a little cleanup and a total disaster.

How can you get your home ready for a storm? Let’s break it down into simple, actionable steps. After all, emergencies are stressful enough; your preparation shouldn’t be.

Let’s be honest: when was the last time you actually sat down and created an emergency plan? If you’re like most folks, it’s probably been a while—if ever. But here’s the thing: in an emergency, it can save a lot of time if everyone in your family knows the plan by heart.

Choose a safe room in your home as a first step. This should be a windowless interior space on the lowest level of your house, like a basement or bathroom. Next, make plans to leave in case you need to. And don’t just map it out—walk through it. It’s one thing to say “we’ll head out through the garage” and quite another to actually do it when panic sets in.

Remember that old saying, “practice makes perfect”? Well, it holds true for storm preparedness. Conduct practice drills so everyone in your household knows exactly what to do if things go south quickly.

Think of your emergency kit as your home’s lifeline. You’ll want to put together a stash of supplies that can keep your family safe and comfortable for at least 72 hours. Here’s the kicker, though—don’t just throw a few cans of beans and a flashlight into a bag and call it good. Think about what you need the most.

• Water: A gallon per person per day. Hydration isn’t optional, folks.
• Non-perishable food: Think of canned foods, breakfast bars, and foods that are easy to make.
• First-aid kit: Bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, any necessary prescription medications.
• Tools: Flashlight, extra batteries, a hand-crank radio to stay updated on the storm’s progress, and a multi-tool for any quick fixes.
• Personal items: Don’t forget hygiene essentials like soap, hand sanitizer, and, yes, toilet paper.
• Pet supplies: Fido needs food and water too!

You can even take it up a notch by throwing in a portable phone charger and some cash—because, trust me, you don’t want to rely on that trusty ATM when the power’s out.

Think of your home as a fortress that’s about to get tested. It’s time to go into “storm-proof” mode. Here’s where things get a bit hands-on:

• Secure windows and doors: If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, you might already have storm shutters. If not, plywood can work in a pinch. Don’t forget about your garage door. In high winds, it’s often the part of the house that is most at risk.
• Check your roof and gutters: Clear out any debris and make sure your gutters and downspouts are directing water away from your home’s foundation. The last thing you want is water pooling around your house.
• Anchor outdoor items: Anything that isn’t tied down—like patio furniture, planters, or even that cute garden gnome—needs to be brought inside. Otherwise, it’ll be doing somersaults down the street, or worse, crashing through your window.

It’s easy to overlook this one until you’re knee-deep in water or smelling gas. Things can quickly go wrong during a storm. If you know how to turn off your home’s services, you could avoid a much worse problem.

• Gas: Learn how to turn off your gas valve in case of a leak.
• Water: Locate your main water shutoff in case of flooding.
• Electricity: Be ready to cut the power if water starts seeping into your home or you notice any electrical issues.

Label these switches and valves clearly, and make sure every adult in the house knows how to operate them. A quick response can prevent a small issue from spiraling into a massive headache.

In the age of smartphones, staying informed has never been easier—but don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Even though weather apps are great, your phone’s power will die eventually. That’s why having a battery-powered or hand-crank radio is so important. Keep up with storm alerts and evacuation orders, and always do what the local government tells you to do.

Even if you’ve done everything you can to stay safe, sometimes the best thing to do is to leave. When evacuation orders are given, don’t wait. It’s important to have a “go-bag” packed with essentials like medications, important documents, extra clothes, and some cash. Know your evacuation route, and if you have pets, make sure they’re included in the plan too.

Here’s a thought: How many times have you packed for a road trip and realized you forgot something crucial? Imagine doing that during a frantic evacuation. This is why it’s important to plan and pack ahead of time.

Preparation is Peace of MindAt the end of the day, storm preparedness is all about reducing stress and staying safe. We can’t say for sure when or how a storm will happen, but getting your home, family, and goods ready now can make everything go much more smoothly. Think of it like insurance—you hope you never need it, but when you do, you’ll be glad you took the time to get it right.

So, next time those dark clouds roll in, instead of feeling anxious, you’ll be able to sit back (as much as one can in an emergency) and say, “I’ve got this.”