You can’t predict when a storm will hit, but you can prepare for it.FEMA and the Red Cross recommend every family have an emergency preparedness kit in their home. The kit should include:
- Food (enough for 72 hours)
- Cash
- Water (enough for 72 hours)
- Change of clothes
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Medications
- Generator
Automatic home backup generators automatically turn on when the power goes out, and remain on until power returns. Generators help in dangerous weather-related situations by:- Keeping lights on so residents can see dangerous debris
- Keeping furnaces running so residents can stay warm
- Keeping refrigerators running so food and medication aren’t spoiled
- Keeping the Internet connection on so residents can stay connected, work from home, and monitor the storm
- Keeping sump pumps working to reduce basement flooding
In addition to making an emergency preparedness kit and installing a home backup generator, there are other ways to prepare for storm season:- Make copies of personal documents and papers in case originals are damaged
- Find out where to take pets in case of an evacuation
- Purchase extra batteries for weather radios
- Ensure camera is charged to take pictures of damage for insurance purposes
- Write down family and emergency contact information and give to loved ones
