THE BEST TIME TO PREPARE IS BEFORE THE WARNING.

Severe weather can develop quickly. Tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, and severe thunderstorms can turn an ordinary day into an emergency with very little notice.

 

Being prepared doesn’t mean being afraid of what could happen. It means knowing what to do before you have to make decisions under pressure.

 

Take a few minutes now to:

 

• Know where you’ll shelter during a tornado or severe thunderstorm.

• Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, especially overnight.

• Keep water, nonperishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries and basic first aid supplies accessible.

• Charge phones and portable power banks before severe weather arrives.

• Make a plan for children, older family members and pets.

• Secure outdoor items when high winds are expected.

• Know your evacuation route if you live in an area vulnerable to hurricanes or flooding.

• Never drive or walk through floodwater.

• Stay away from downed power lines and damaged areas after a storm.

• Follow instructions from local emergency officials when watches, warnings or evacuation orders are issued.

And most importantly, don’t wait until the sky changes to make your plan.

 

Know where you’re going.

Know what you’re taking.

Know how you’ll communicate.

Know how you’ll receive warnings.

 

Severe weather is unpredictable.

 

Your preparation doesn’t have to be.

 

Stay aware. Stay prepared. Stay safe.