What to Do Before a Storm – Disaster Preparedness

When you know a storm is coming your way, there are several things you can do to be prepared. Long before a storm ever arrives, I’m sure you’ve already been preparing food, water, and other resources and maybe even writing up a disaster plan.

So we’re talking about days or even hours before a storm arrives. Some storms have little or no warning. This is why being prepared at all times is essential.

However, when you have an advance warning of a storm about to hit, there are a few things you can do to get even more prepared and ready to handle it.

Here’s how to get prepared for a storm:

1. Get flashlights and candles ready on your table, and counters, out in the open easily accessible for everyone.
2. Charge up your phones and/or external battery banks, as well as any solar generators you may have.
3. Get alternative cooking option(s) ready, like taking out your Coleman stove and propane and just having it staged and ready to go.
4. Get any generators out and ready to go, fill them with gas, charge them up, whatever needs to be done.
5. Secure items outdoors that could fly away and damage yourself, others, or property.
6. Fill tubs, sinks, and every container you can with water. You may want to invest in a tub liner for emergency water.
7. Get out your NOAA weather radio and listen carefully to the updates.
8. Keep in contact with loved ones through various communication methods.
9. Break out the board games, battery-powered DVD player, crafts, and any other forms of entertainment.
10. If it’s winter, prepare your alternative options of heat.
11. If it’s summer, prepare your alternative options for cooling.
12. Stage your bug out bag and any other bug out supplies next to the door that has the quickest access to your vehicle in case you need to leave. Also, make sure you have a full tank of gas in the vehicle.
13. Stay calm. Enjoy the time with your family and make it as fun as possible! While also knowing that you are prepared and ready to handle the storm.

Print the list above and use it as a guide and checklist the next time you hear a storm is on the way.