Prepare for a storm

Prepare for a storm

Hurricane season is June 1 - Nov 30.

Are you prepared?

Tips to prepare ›

Complete your storm preparedness checklist

Complete your storm preparedness checklist to ensure that your family is safe and prepared for the storm.

View Checklist ›

Plan for evacuation

Having a plan in place for how your family will evacuate before severe weather strikes can greatly increase the speed and efficiency in which you are able to get your family to safety. Sit down and talk it over with your family and plan every step of the evacuation so that when the time comes, your family is ready to act.

Develop a plan ›

Receive Wireless Emergency Alerts

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are emergency messages sent by authorized government alerting authorities through your mobile carrier. Government partners include local and state public safety agencies, FEMA, the FCC, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Weather Service. No signup is required! Alerts are sent automatically to WEA-capable phones during an emergency. Check the government alerts area in your phone’s notifications area.

Find out more at https://www.weather.gov/wrn/wea

How to set up severe weather alerts on your iPhone or Android

iPhone

  1. Click on Settings
  2. Click on Notifications
  3. Scroll to the bottom and make sure “Government Alerts” are enabled.

That’s it! When severe weather is near – your phone will vibrate and play an emergency tone based on your location.

Android

You can also customize these settings… usually by searching for ALERTS in the settings area on your phone. It may look a little different depending on which android-based phone you have.

But generally, search for alerts, emergency, or “cell broadcasting.” From there, you can choose which alerts you want on or off.

Make an emergency and communications plan

Having a plan in place in case of an emergency can ensure that your family is on the same page and operates in a way that maximizes their safety. Take the time to establish an emergency plan with your family.

Download a family emergency plan template ›

Protect Your Property

During severe weather, your home may endure brutal conditions that could potentially damage your property. Take the time to prepare your home for the storm by doing thinks like reviewing your home and car insurance policies, sealing windows and doors, removing flowerpots and other yard decorations and checking to see if your storm shutters are in working condition.

Tips to protect your home ›

Back up critical documents and information

Important files should be saved and backed up to prevent the loss of important information in the event of an outage. If you have paper copies of important documents, consider scanning and saving them digitally.

Plan for your pets and animals

Have plans for your pet in case of extreme weather. You may not be able to take them to a public shelter with you, so you need to prepare for their care.

Tips to prepare your pets ›

Emergency and community mobile apps

Hurricane by American Red Cross

Be ready for severe weather with this app from the American Red Cross. Monitor conditions in the storm’s track and in your area, prepare your family and home, find help and let others know you are safe.

Zello

This app lets you use your phone as a walkie-talkie or two-way radio as long as you have a network or WiFi connection.

FEMA

This app includes preparedness tips, emergency kit checklists, recovery and safety information, a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center location map and ways you can get involved before and after a disaster.

Nextdoor

Connect and communicate with your neighbors and help each other stay safe during and after an emergency or disaster.