Batten Down the Hatches! 

Your Essential Guide to Storm Preparedness (Tornadoes, Floods & More)

Living in a region prone to severe weather, like many parts of the United States, means understanding that powerful storms are not a matter of if, but when. From the swirling fury of a tornado to the creeping danger of rising floodwaters, these events can strike quickly and leave a lasting impact.

But here’s the good news: preparation is power. Taking proactive steps before a storm hits can dramatically increase your safety, minimize damage, and ease the recovery process. Don’t wait until the sirens blare or the water starts rising. 

Let’s get ready!

1. Know Your Risks & Your Warnings

The first step in any good preparedness plan is understanding what you’re up against.

• Understand Local Hazards: Are you in “Tornado Alley”? Is your home in a floodplain? Know the specific types of severe weather most common in your area.
• Stay Informed: Invest in a NOAA Weather Radio – it’s a dedicated device that provides instant, official alerts directly from the National Weather Service, even if power or cell service goes out.
• Multiple Warning Systems: Don’t rely on just one source. Sign up for local emergency alerts (often text messages or emails from your city/county), download a reliable weather app with push notifications, and monitor local news.
• Know the Difference:
  • Watch: Conditions are favorable for a storm (e.g., “Tornado Watch” means tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area). Stay alert!
  • Warning: A storm is imminent or occurring (e.g.,    “Tornado Warning” means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar). Take immediate action!

2. Develop a Family Emergency Plan

Where will you go? What will you do? A plan removes guesswork in a stressful situation.

• Designate a Safe Place (Tornadoes):
  • Basement or Storm Shelter: Ideal.
  • Interior Room: If no basement, choose a small, interior room on the lowest floor away from windows (e.g., bathroom, closet). Get under something sturdy like a heavy table.
• Practice Drills: Make sure everyone, especially children, knows where to go and what to do.
• Evacuation Routes (Flooding):
  • Primary & Alternate: Plan several routes out of your neighborhood and town in case roads are blocked.
  • Designate a Meeting Point: If separated, where will you meet? This could be a local landmark or a relative’s house out of the danger zone.
• Communication Plan:
  • Out-of-State Contact: Designate an out-of-state friend or relative as a family contact. If local lines are jammed, it’s often easier to make long-distance calls. Everyone should have this number.
  • Texting vs. Calling: Text messages often go through when calls can’t.
• Pets: Include your pets in your plan! Where will they go? Do you have carriers, food, and necessary supplies for them?

3. Assemble Your Emergency Kit (Go-Bag)

This is your lifeline if you need to evacuate or shelter in place without power for days. Keep it easily accessible.

• Water: At least one gallon per person per day for 3-7 days.
• Non-Perishable Food: 3-7 days’ worth (canned goods, granola bars, dried fruit). Don’t forget a    manual can opener!
• First-Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, any prescription medications (with copies of prescriptions).
• Flashlights & Extra Batteries: Headlamps are great for hands-free light.
• NOAA Weather Radio: Battery-powered or hand-crank.
• Whistle: To signal for help.
• Multi-Tool/Utility Knife.
• Personal Hygiene Items: Toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer.
• Cash: Small bills, in case ATMs are down.
• Important Documents: Copies of insurance policies, identification, bank records, etc., in a waterproof bag.
• Chargers: For cell phones, and a portable power bank.
• Change of Clothes: For each family member.
• Blankets/Sleeping Bags.
• Pet Supplies: Food, water, leash, carrier, medications.
• Special Needs Items: Baby formula, diapers, medical equipment, hearing aid batteries, etc.

4. Protect Your Home

• Tornadoes:
  • Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in or tie down anything that could become a projectile (patio furniture, trash cans, grills).
  • Trim Trees: Remove dead or weak branches that could fall.
• Flooding:
  • Know Your Elevation: If in a flood-prone area, understand your home’s elevation relative to flood levels.
  • Sump Pump: Ensure your sump pump is working correctly and consider a battery backup.
  • Elevate Valuables: Move important documents, electronics, and keepsakes to higher floors or elevated storage.
  • Check Drains & Gutters: Clear them to ensure proper water flow away from your foundation.
  • Sandbags: If flood warnings are issued and you have time, use sandbags to redirect water.
  • “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”: Never drive or walk through floodwaters. Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and a foot can sweep your vehicle away.

5. Review Insurance Policies

• Homeowner’s/Renter’s Insurance: Understand what your policy covers for wind damage, hail, etc.
• Flood Insurance: Standard homeowner’s policies do not cover flood damage. You need separate flood insurance, usually through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). There’s typically a 30-day waiting period for flood insurance to go into effect, so don’t wait until a storm is imminent!

Be Prepared, Not Scared

Preparing for severe weather isn’t about living in fear; it’s about empowerment. It’s about knowing you’ve done everything you can to protect yourself and your loved ones. Take these steps today, practice your plan, and you’ll face whatever Mother Nature throws your way with confidence and resilience.

Stay safe everyone!!