Preparing Your Home for Severe Weather

Preparing Your Home for Severe Weather

Severe weather preparation is most effective when done well before a storm is forecast - last-minute preparation is far less thorough and often misses the details that matter most.

Build a Basic Emergency Kit in Advance

Water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and a first aid kit assembled ahead of time mean not scrambling to find them - or finding stores sold out - once a storm warning is actually issued.

Check Drainage and Outdoor Items Regularly

Clearing gutters and securing or storing loose outdoor items before storm season reduces both water damage risk and the chance of yard items becoming hazards in high wind.

Know Your Specific Regional Risks

Preparation looks different depending on whether the regional risk is flooding, high wind, extreme cold, or wildfire - a generic emergency kit is a good start, but knowing your area's specific risks shapes what additional preparation actually matters.