While each storm may be different, these actions will help protect your home 

• Proactively cut back trees and limbs that could fall on your home during a storm 
• Clear tree limbs and other yard waste that could become projectiles during strong winds 
• Secure fences, outdoor grills, and yard furniture; bring lighter items inside 
• Clear gutters of debris 
• Perform necessary roofing repairs prior to storm season 
• Protect critical areas like windows, doors, and garage doors 
• Park cars in a garage or covered area 
• Stay clear of windows and close curtains to protect from shattered glass
• Place valuables and important paperwork in a waterproof and/or fireproof box 

Additional preparation for wildfires 

• ​ Use fire-resistant building materials whenever possible 
•  Don’t keep fuel storage containers on your property 
•  Install fire sprinklers   
•  Cover all crawl spaces and access holes with ¼” or less wire mesh to prevent embers from entering the home 
•  Keep a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible place 

Have an emergency supply kit ready

• Water: one gallon of water per person, per day, for at least three days
• Non-perishable food: a minimum three-day supply per person 
• Medications: prescription and non-prescription, pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, etc. 
• Cash or traveler’s checks 
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio, plus extra batteries 
• Flashlight, plus extra batteries 
• First aid kit 
• Whistle to signal for help 
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air 
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for sanitation 
• Wrench and pliers to turn off utilities 
• Manual can opener for canned food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and backup battery 

• A copy of your family emergency plan  
• A document with evacuation routes and shelter locations 
• Baby formula and diapers 
• Glasses and contact lens solution 
• Important family documents like identification, insurance policies, bank records, etc. –  these items should be placed in a portable waterproof container 
• Sleeping bag and/or warm blanket for each person 
• Complete change of clothing 
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water 
• Fire extinguisher 
• Matches 
• Feminine hygiene items 
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles, and cards for activities 

Once your kit is assembled make sure to maintain it,so it is ready when needed 

• Keep canned food in a cool, dry place 
• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers 
• Replace expired items as needed
• Re-think your needs every year, and update your kit as your needs change

Pets are part of the family and their needs must be identified for disaster preparedness 

• Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of an approaching storm or disaster 
• Place a rescue alert sticker at all entry areas – this will let rescue workers know that pets are inside. If you evacuate your pet(s), mark the sticker “evacuated” so rescue personnel know.
• Arrange a safe haven: if the house is not safe for humans, it won’t be safe for pets.
• Not all emergency shelters accept pets; ask your local animal shelter if it provides emergency shelter or foster care for pets 
• Identify hotels or motels outside of your immediate area that accept pets
• Ask relatives or friends outside of your immediate area if they would be willing to take your pet
• Make sure pets wear collars with up-to-date identification information and urgent medical needs – the ASPCA also recommends microchipping your pet as a more permanent form of identification 

Make a pet emergency kit that includes

• Medication and pet first aid items (rotate medications to ensure freshness) 
• Food for three to seven days (rotate dry food every two months) 
• Bottled water (seven-day supply) 
• Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans also work) 
• Litter or paper toweling 
• Food and water bowls 
• Extra collar or harness, and an extra leash 
• Photocopies and/or flash drive of medical records (keep in a waterproof container) 
• Traveling bag, crate, or sturdy carrier (one for each pet) 
• Blanket 
• Recent photos of your pet (in case you are separated and need to make a lost pet poster) 
• Toys, chews, and kennel liners 

Click here to get your Storm Preparedness Checklists