Category: Health & Safety

⚡ Preparing for Severe Weather

Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, high winds, extreme temperatures, and winter storms can interrupt electricity, communication, transportation, medical care, and access to basic supplies.

You may receive only a short warning before conditions become dangerous. Preparing in advance makes it easier to respond without wasting time searching for supplies or deciding where to go.

Know the Difference Between a Watch and Warning

A watch means dangerous weather is possible. Begin preparing and monitor official information.

A warning means dangerous weather is occurring or expected very soon. Take protective action immediately.

The National Weather Service summarizes the difference as:

Watch: Be prepared.
Advisory: Stay alert and use caution.
Warning: Take action and seek appropriate shelter.

Do not wait until you can see the danger yourself. Tornadoes, flash floods, and damaging winds may arrive quickly or be difficult to see.

Receive Emergency Alerts

Use more than one reliable source of information.

Consider:

Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone
Local emergency-alert systems
A NOAA Weather Radio
Local television or radio
The FEMA app
A trusted weather application
Alerts from your utility company
Local government or emergency-management accounts

Keep your phone charged and enable emergency notifications. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio can provide information when electricity and internet service are unavailable.

The FEMA app can provide National Weather Service alerts for multiple locations and help locate nearby emergency shelters. Ready.gov

Identify Your Safe Location

Choose your shelter location before severe weather arrives.

For a tornado or destructive wind:

Use a basement or designated storm shelter when available.
Otherwise, choose a small interior room on the lowest floor.
Stay away from windows and exterior walls.
Put as many walls as possible between you and the outdoors.
Protect your head and neck.
Bring sturdy shoes in case debris covers the floor.

For flooding:

Move to higher ground.
Never walk or drive through floodwater.
Follow evacuation instructions.
Do not shelter in a basement if flooding is possible.

For lightning:

Go inside a substantial building or enclosed hard-topped vehicle.
Stay away from windows.
Avoid plumbing, corded electrical equipment, and unnecessary contact with concrete.
Remain sheltered until the danger has passed.

Make sure everyone in the household knows where to go.

Build an Emergency Supply Kit

Keep essential supplies together in an accessible location.

Include:

Water
Nonperishable food
Flashlights
Extra batteries
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
First aid supplies
Phone chargers and portable power banks
Prescription medication
Copies of important medical information
Basic hygiene products
Face masks
Whistle
Manual can opener
Cash in small bills
Blankets and weather-appropriate clothing
Supplies for infants, older adults, and pets
Spare eyeglasses
Hearing-aid batteries
Mobility and communication supplies

Check the kit regularly. Replace expired food, medication, and batteries.

Do not use candles during a power outage when flashlights or battery-powered lights are available. Candles can start fires if they are knocked over or left unattended.

Helpful Resources: Browse Emergency Food & Water for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.

Plan for Medication and Medical Equipment

If anyone depends on medication or powered medical equipment:

Keep an updated medication list.
Refill prescriptions before a predicted storm when possible.
Ask a pharmacist how temperature-sensitive medication should be stored.
Know how long equipment batteries will last.
Maintain charged backup batteries.
Register for utility medical-priority programs when available.
Identify a location with emergency power.
Ask the equipment supplier about emergency procedures.
Keep emergency contact information accessible.

Do not place generators, grills, or fuel-burning equipment inside a home, garage, basement, shed, or enclosed porch.

Prepare Your Home

Before the storm:

Bring outdoor furniture and loose objects inside.
Secure trash cans and decorations.
Close and lock windows and doors.
Charge phones and backup batteries.
Fill vehicle fuel tanks or charge electric vehicles.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Locate flashlights and fire extinguishers.
Move valuable items away from areas that may flood.
Unplug unnecessary electronics if instructed.
Keep refrigerators and freezers closed during an outage.
Know how to turn off utilities if local officials direct you to do so.

Do not climb onto a roof, use a ladder, or attempt major repairs once winds or lightning begin.

Make a Communication Plan

Decide how household members will reconnect if separated.

Your plan should include:

An out-of-area contact
A nearby meeting place
A meeting place outside the neighborhood
School and workplace emergency procedures
Contact information written on paper
Plans for anyone who does not drive
Arrangements for children, pets, and dependent adults

Text messages may work when phone calls cannot get through. Keep messages short and reserve calls for emergencies.

Prepare to Evacuate

Do not wait until the last minute to decide what to take.

Keep a portable bag containing:

Identification
Medication
Important documents
Phone chargers
Clothing
Water and snacks
Medical supplies
Cash
Keys
Personal hygiene products
Pet supplies
Emergency contact information

Know more than one evacuation route. Arrange transportation in advance if you do not drive or may need physical assistance.

Leave when officials tell you to evacuate. Delaying can expose you and emergency responders to unnecessary danger.

Protect Pets

Include pets in every emergency plan.

Prepare:

Food and water
Medication
Leashes and carriers
Identification tags
Vaccination records
Waste supplies
A photograph of each pet
Pet-friendly shelter or lodging options

Bring pets indoors before conditions become dangerous. Never leave them chained outside or unattended in an evacuated home.

During a Power Outage

Use flashlights instead of candles.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
Unplug sensitive electronics.
Use generators only outdoors and well away from doors, windows, and vents.
Never use a gas stove or oven to heat the home.
Do not operate a grill indoors.
Check on neighbors without placing yourself in danger.
Leave if indoor temperatures become unsafe.

Carbon monoxide cannot be seen or smelled. Headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, or confusion may indicate exposure. Move outside into fresh air and call 911.

After the Storm

Wait for official confirmation that it is safe before leaving shelter or returning home.

Watch for:

Downed power lines
Floodwater
Gas leaks
Broken glass
Unstable trees
Damaged buildings
Contaminated food or water
Carbon monoxide
Displaced animals
Damaged roads and bridges

Stay away from downed wires and anything touching them. Report them to the utility company or emergency services.

Photograph property damage when it is safe, but do not enter a damaged building until authorities have cleared it.

Quick Severe-Weather Checklist

Enable emergency alerts.
Know the difference between a watch and warning.
Choose your shelter location.
Prepare food, water, medication, and backup power.
Charge phones and batteries.
Secure outdoor objects.
Plan transportation and evacuation routes.
Include children, pets, and household members with disabilities.
Use generators and grills outdoors only.
Never drive or walk through floodwater.
Follow official instructions.
Call 911 for immediate danger or a medical emergency.

Helpful Resources: Browse Weather Information & Everyday Preparation for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.

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Important Health & Safety Notice

The information in this guide is provided for general educational purposes only. Independence Answers is not a medical provider, and this content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or supervision. Always follow the instructions of your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional, especially if you have a medical condition, take medication, or are unsure whether an action is safe for you.

Do not ignore or delay seeking professional care because of something you read here. If you believe someone may be experiencing a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.