With the right supplies and a solid plan, your home has a better chance of making it through severe weather safely and comfortably. Of course, homeowners in hurricane-prone areas should take steps to prepare, but these steps apply to any home that experiences severe weather.
In this video and guide, This Old House host Kevin O’Connor and Jim Cantore of The Weather Channel discuss essential preparations for the next big storm, offering valuable insights on creating an emergency kit and developing a family plan.
Essential Supplies for Your Emergency Supply Kit
When severe weather strikes, having a well-stocked emergency kit can make all the difference. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a disaster kit checklist you can use, but here are the key items you should include.
Water Supply
Water is the most critical element of any emergency kit. The general rule is to store one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days—that is, at least three gallons per person in your home. This ensures you have enough for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene needs. Storing water in sturdy, leak-proof containers is also important to prevent contamination.
Non-Perishable Food
Stock up on a three-day supply of non-perishable food items. Choose foods that require minimal preparation and provide balanced nutrition. Some options include:
- Canned goods (vegetables, fruits, meats, and soups)
- Crackers and cereals
- Dried foods (nuts, fruits, and jerky)
- Energy bars and granola
- Peanut butter and other nut butters
Include a manual can opener in your kit, as electric can openers may not work during power outages. Additionally, consider packing some comfort food to help maintain morale.
Lighting and Power Sources
Prepare for potential power outages by including multiple lighting and power sources in your emergency kit.
- Battery-powered or hand-crank lanterns
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Head lamps for hands-free lighting
- Candles
- Hand-crank radio with a built-in flashlight and phone charger
- Portable power banks for charging cell phones and other devices
Solar chargers can also be useful if the power outage extends for several days. However, solar chargers take a long time to charge a phone and usually require direct sunlight. Hand crank chargers require a lot of effort, more than most people expect. Thus, having a fully charged power bank is vital.
First Aid Kit
You can purchase pre-stocked kits or build your own. Either way, make sure they contain the following:
- Adhesive bandages in various sizes
- Antiseptic wipes and ointments
- Cold packs and heat packs
- Gauze and adhesive tape
- Over-the-counter pain relievers and medications
- Scissors and tweezers
If possible, include at least a three-day supply of any necessary medications for family members. Check these regularly to ensure they’re up-to-date.
Hygiene and Personal Care Items
Maintaining personal hygiene during an emergency helps prevent illness and keeps everyone comfortable. Here are a few essentials:
- Hand sanitizer
- Moist towelettes or baby wipes
- Personal hygiene products (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap)
- Trash bags with ties
- Tissue paper
Tools and Supplies
Having the right tools and supplies can make managing an emergency situation more efficient.
- Multi-tool or utility knife
- Duct tape
- Basic toolkit (pliers, screwdrivers, wrench)
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
Important Documents and Information
Protect essential documents and information by storing them in a waterproof container.
- Bank account details and credit card information
- Emergency contact numbers for family members and local authorities
- Identification documents (driver’s licenses, passports, birth certificates)
- Insurance policies and contact information
- Medical records and prescription information
It’s also wise to have a small amount of cash on hand, as ATMs and card readers may not work during power outages.
Clothing and Bedding
If you need to evacuate, having some weather-appropriate clothing pre-packed will save you time and effort. Sturdy shoes or boots are a must, no matter the season, and you may also want rain gear or ponchos if appropriate. Most hurricane and other emergency shelters will let you bring your own sleeping bags and blankets, so have these clean and ready to go.
Creating a Family Emergency Plan
Having a well-thought-out emergency plan is just as important as stocking up on supplies. An effective plan ensures that everyone knows their roles and responsibilities during an emergency.
Designate a Meeting Place
Choose a safe location where family members can reunite if separated during an emergency. This could be a neighbor’s house, a nearby park, or a community center. Make sure everyone knows the exact location and how to get there. Mark this meeting place on a map and keep the map in a central location within your home.
Establish Communication Protocols
Develop a plan for how family members will communicate during an emergency. Create a written or printed phone tree with important contact numbers, and designate an out-of-area contact who can relay messages.
Teach children how to use emergency services and when to call 911, and sign up in advance to receive emergency alerts and warnings on your mobile device.
Have back-up plans in place in case cell phone service isn’t available or is overloaded. Note that a text may go through even if a call does not.
Broadband-enabled landlines and cordless phones won’t work if the power goes out. If you don’t have a traditional, corded landline, identify a friend or neighbor who does.
Practice Your Plan
Regularly review and practice your emergency plan with all family members. Schedule drills to simulate different scenarios and ensure everyone knows what to do and where to go in case of severe weather.
Understanding the roles each family member will play increases confidence and coordination in a real emergency. Discuss potential challenges and modify your plan to address any weaknesses that arise. Re-evaluate your plan once a year to update any outdated information.
Preparing Your Home for Severe Weather
In addition to stocking up on supplies and creating a family plan, take steps to prepare your home for severe weather.
Secure Outdoor Items
Before a storm hits, bring in or secure any outdoor furniture, decorations, or equipment that could become projectiles in high winds. Items such as lawn chairs, garden tools, and children’s toys can cause significant damage if they become airborne.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
Regularly trim trees and shrubs near your home to reduce the risk of falling branches during storms. Remove dead or diseased branches and any that overhang roofs or power lines.
Install Storm Shutters
Consider installing storm shutters or having plywood on hand to protect windows and doors from high winds and flying debris. Taping windows does not provide any protection and merely takes up valuable time.
Maintain Your Roof
Inspect and repair your roof as needed. Loose or damaged shingles can be susceptible to high winds and can lead to leaks and further damage.
Check Your Insurance Coverage
Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage for severe weather events. Consider additional flood insurance if you live in a flood-prone area. Document your belongings with photos or videos to expedite claims if needed.
Put Gas in Your Car
Ensure your car has at least half a tank of gasoline in it in case you need to evacuate. If possible, fill it completely, since gas may become scarce in the aftermath of a natural disaster and pumps won’t work during a power outage.
Using Generators Safely
Portable generators can be lifesavers during power outages, but they must be used safely to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. In the video, Cantore emphasizes the importance of proper ventilation when using generators and offers additional tips:
- Always operate generators outdoors, at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and vents.
- Never use generators in enclosed spaces, including garages, basements, or crawl spaces.
- Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
- Use a heavy-duty extension cord rated for outdoor use to connect appliances to the generator.
- Secure your generator with a chain and padlock to a sturdy, immovable object to prevent theft.
- Have a backup supply of fuel stored in a safe location, adhering to recommended storage guidelines.
Note that the generator is for power outages after the storm has passed. Do not attempt to use the generator during periods of rain or high winds.
Generator Maintenance
Regularly maintain your generator to ensure it’s in working order when needed. This includes checking oil levels, inspecting fuel lines, and running the generator periodically to identify any issues. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations for upkeep will help keep your equipment reliable.
Remember that gasoline will become unusable after 3–6 months of storage unless you add a stabilizer to it while it is fresh. Never mix old gas and new gas, which will simply make the new gas unusable.
Staying Informed During Severe Weather
Keeping up-to-date with weather information is crucial during severe weather events. Here are some ways to stay informed.
- Download weather apps on your smartphone for real-time updates and alerts. The FEMA app also offers weather alerts, shelter information, and more.
- Follow official social media accounts of local emergency management agencies.
- Monitor local news and weather channels.
- Use a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive emergency broadcasts.
Real-time updates can provide timely warnings and instructions from authorities. Pay attention to emergency alerts and follow official guidance on evacuations, shelters, and safety measures. Acting promptly based on accurate information can make the difference in safeguarding your family and home.
Our Conclusion
By stocking up on supplies, creating a family emergency plan, and taking steps to protect your home, you can significantly increase your safety and comfort during storms. Remember to review and update your preparations regularly to ensure you’re always ready for whatever Mother Nature may bring.