Severe Weather Guide: Before the Storm- Have a plan

•  Familiarize yourself with the kinds of severe weather that can occur in your area.
• Create a Storm Readiness Kit.
• Gather your family and talk about where to go for safety. Choose two locations: one outside the home but nearby; the other outside your neighborhood. Consult local emergency management officials for appropriate locations.
• Choose one emergency contact person. Call this out-of-town friend or relation if your family becomes separated.
• Prepare your home. Look for areas that are vulnerable to storm damage and make repairs and improvements.
• Evaluate your homeowner’s insurance. Be sure you are covered for flood and storm surge, if appropriate.
• Determine what you would do with your pets. Most emergency shelters do not accept pets.
• Know how to turn off your water, electricity and gas. Do not turn off the gas unless local officials instruct you to, however.
• Create an essential phone numbers list and store in a safe, readily available place. Create your own here.
• Visit www.redcross.org, www.fema.gov and www.Lowes.com for a wealth of detailed information and specific recommendations for how to prepare for severe weather and other emergencies.

Information for this post was made in collaboration with Lowes for a severe weather guide.