Guides / Protect and plan
Storm and emergency preparedness
Every part of the US has its own hazards: hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfire, floods, earthquakes, winter storms. Preparing for your region's risks ahead of time makes the actual event far less chaotic.
What to check
- Know your risks
- Look up your local hazards and flood zone, and sign up for local emergency alerts through your city or county.
- Emergency kit
- Keep water, food, medications, flashlights, batteries, a radio and copies of key documents. Ready.gov has a good kit checklist.
- Utility shutoffs
- Know how to turn off water, electricity and, if you have it, gas. Only turn off gas if you smell it or are told to; a professional must turn it back on.
- Secure outdoor items
- Know what you will bring inside or tie down before high winds: furniture, grills, trash cans.
- Generator safety
- Never run a generator in a garage or near windows. Carbon monoxide can kill quickly.
- Document your home
- Record a walk-through video of your home and belongings before storm season. It makes insurance claims much easier.
When to do it
Review before your region's storm or fire season, and refresh kit supplies yearly.
Call a licensed professional for
- Storm shutters, roof straps or other structural hardening
- Standby generators and transfer switches
- Any damage after a storm before re-entering or using utilities
This guide is general information for US homeowners. Codes, climates and houses vary. It is not a substitute for an inspection or advice from a licensed contractor, and in an emergency call 911.