Prepping for Weather Emergencies: 20 Smart Ways to Get Ready

Weather emergencies can strike fast - storms, wildfires, heatwaves, floods, and freezing temps each bring their own dangers. This guide gives you 20 practical ways to prepare your home, supplies, and mindset before the forecast turns into a full-blown crisis.

20 Practical Weather Emergency Tips

• Have a NOAA weather radio: Stay informed with a battery or crank-powered emergency radio.
• Charge all devices early: Charge phones, backup batteries, and power banks ahead of time.
• Secure outdoor items: Bring in or tie down lawn furniture, trash cans, and anything wind could carry.
• Create a grab-and-go kit: Include essentials like food, water, flashlights, documents, and cash.
• Stock up on shelf-stable food and water: Aim for at least 3–7 days per person and pet.
• Create a defensible space: Clear dry brush and debris at least 30 feet away to reduce wildfire risk.
• Pack wildfire go-bags in advance: Include N95 masks, goggles, documents, and a valuables list.
• Sign up for emergency alerts: Enable regional alerts and evacuation warnings on your phone.
• Back in your car: Keep it fueled and parked facing outward in case you need to evacuate fast.
• Know multiple evacuation routes: Don’t rely on just one — plan backups and know where to go.
• Elevate important items: Store documents, electronics, and valuables above expected flood levels.
• Keep sandbags or water barriers: Especially if you’re in a flood-prone area or near creeks.
• Know how to shut off utilities: Learn how to safely cut off gas, water, and electricity if needed.
• Never drive through water: Turn around — just 12 inches of moving water can sweep a vehicle away.
• Document your home: Take photos/videos for insurance claims before a disaster hits.
• Insulate pipes and windows: Prevent frozen pipes and reduce energy loss during extreme temps.
• Have warm layers or cooling gear: Stock emergency blankets, cooling towels, or backup fans.
• Use blackout curtains or reflectors: To retain warmth in winter or block heat in summer.
• Freeze water bottles: They’ll keep food cold longer and serve as backup drinking water.
• Set up a safe room: Pick one room to warm/cool and shelter in during power outages.

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Blackout Preppers' mission is to provide supplies and information to help save lives when blackouts, crises, disasters, emergencies, and hazards happen.
Our motto: “Prepare If You Care.”