Handy Hints for Weather-Proofing Your Home and Family

Stock a kit with essentials to last your household at least 72 hours: bottled water (1 gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, a manual can opener, flashlights and extra batteries, a first aid kit, prescription medications, blankets and warm clothing, toiletries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and a multi-tool.

Sign up for weather alerts through local news services, the National Weather Service, or FEMA for real-time updates on incoming conditions, evacuation orders, and safety measures. Have a weather app on your phone, and make sure a hand-crank or battery-powered radio is ready in case the power goes out.

Board up windows with plywood or install storm shutters, and reinforce doors, especially garage doors, against wind pressure. Move patio furniture, grills, and other outdoor items inside or secure them tightly, inspect your roof for loose shingles, and clean out gutters to divert heavy rainfall away from your foundation. If possible, have a safely installed backup generator with extra fuel on hand.

Fully charge cell phones, tablets, and portable chargers before the storm arrives, and stock up on solar lights or battery-powered lanterns, which are safer than candles. Fill your freezer with ice packs to keep food cold longer, keep bottled water on hand, and have a backup plan for heating and cooling if you rely on electric systems.

Wrap pipes in insulation, especially those exposed to the cold or in unheated areas like basements and attics. Allow a small drip from faucets during freezing weather to keep water flowing, and consider shutting off the main water supply and draining the system if you're leaving home during extreme cold.

Designate a meeting point where your family can regroup if separated, and familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes, since GPS systems may not work in an emergency. Pack a "go bag" with identification, cash, medications, basic toiletries, a change of clothes, and any necessary pet items.

Pack extra pet food, water, leashes, carriers, and bedding in your emergency kit, along with a sufficient supply of any medication your pet requires. Not all shelters or hotels accept pets, so research pet-friendly accommodations or keep a list of nearby animal shelters as a backup.

Fill your gas tank before the storm hits, since gas stations may be closed or supply limited. Keep an emergency kit in your car with a flashlight, blankets, non-perishable snacks, water, jumper cables, and a first-aid kit, and check your tire pressure, oil, and windshield wiper fluid, adding tire chains or snow tires if needed.

Move important documents, electronics, and valuables to higher ground or waterproof containers. If you have a basement, a sump pump can help prevent flooding, test it regularly, and in severe cases sandbags can create barriers around doors and windows.

Review your homeowner's insurance to make sure it covers damages from natural disasters common in your area, like floods or hurricanes. Take inventory of your possessions and photograph them for insurance purposes in case you need to file a claim later.

Bad weather can be stressful, so being mentally and emotionally prepared is just as important as physical preparation. Have activities like books, board games, or puzzles on hand to keep your family entertained during a long storm or power outage, stay calm, and practice mindfulness to reduce anxiety during uncertain times.

By following these handy hints, you can feel more secure knowing that you've taken the steps to protect your home, family, and pets from the risks of bad weather.