Is Your Home Prepared for Severe Weather?

From power outages to flood risks and wildfire smoke, severe weather events are becoming more frequent across the country. Flooding, in particular, has made headlines this year as communities across the country deal with water damage, displacement, and dangerous road conditions. Even if you don’t live near a river or coastline, flash flooding and backed-up drainage systems can still put your home at risk.

Preparing your home now can help keep your family safe, reduce stress during an emergency, and protect what matters most. This home safety checklist for severe weather covers what to do before the next big storm hits.

Why Home Preparedness Matters

Flooding, high winds, heat waves, and wildfire smoke are no longer occasional inconveniences. These events can disrupt daily life, damage homes, and put health at risk. Families with young children, older adults, or anyone with chronic health concerns may face greater challenges during emergencies. Taking time to prepare helps you respond more calmly and effectively when the weather turns dangerous.

Don’t Wait for a Storm: Build a Home Emergency Kit That Lasts

Start with a kit that can support your household for at least 72 hours without power or water. Store items in a sturdy container or bin that’s easy to access. Essentials to include:

• Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Non-perishable food (granola bars, canned goods, peanut butter)
• Flashlights with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications and medical supplies
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Phone charger and backup battery pack
• Copies of important documents in a waterproof bag

Include pet supplies, diapers, or other essentials your household relies on daily. Review your kit every six months to rotate food, check expiration dates, and adjust for seasonal needs. If you have children, consider adding a comfort item like a small toy or familiar snack to ease anxiety during emergencies.

If you prefer an all-in-one option, the Ready America 4-Person 3-Day Deluxe Emergency Kit includes many of the essentials in a portable backpack format.

What to Do When the Power Goes Out at Home

When the lights go out, a few simple steps can make a big difference:

• Use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk
• Keep the fridge and freezer closed as much as possible
• Prepare a cooler with ice packs if an extended outage is expected
• Know how to manually open your garage door
• Charge all devices ahead of time and unplug electronics if lightning is nearby

A portable power station or backup battery can keep phones, fans, and medical equipment running. If someone in your household depends on an electric-powered medical device, talk with your healthcare provider or utility company about support options during outages.

Take Flood Risk Seriously, Even If You Don’t Live Near Water

Flooding is one of the most common and costly types of natural disasters, and it’s becoming more unpredictable. Heavy rains, blocked drainage systems, and rapid snowmelt can all lead to flooding, even in areas that haven’t experienced it before.

Here’s how to reduce your risk and protect your home:

• Move valuables and electronics off the floor, especially in basements or lower levels
• Store important documents and keepsakes in waterproof containers
• Check that your sump pump works properly and has a backup battery system
• Clear gutters, downspouts, and storm drains to prevent water buildup
• Know how to shut off electricity and gas safely if water starts to rise
• Consider keeping sandbags or water barriers on hand if flash flooding is a concern in your area.

It’s also a good idea to review your homeowners or renters insurance policy. Flood coverage is often separate and may need to be added in advance.

Take photos of your home and key belongings now so you have a record in case you need to file a claim later.

How to Protect Indoor Air During Wildfire Smoke Events

Smoke from wildfires can affect indoor air quality even if the fire is far away. To help protect your breathing air:

• Use a SONA Mobion air purifier in the rooms where you spend the most time
• For broader coverage, the SONA Ducty H offers a whole-home solution
• Keep windows and doors closed when air quality is poor
• Upgrade your HVAC filter to one rated for smoke and fine particles
• Monitor conditions regularly using AirNow.gov

If you must go outside during heavy smoke, wear a well-fitting N95 mask.

Make a Family Safety Plan Everyone Understands

Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in case of an emergency:

• Choose a meeting place and communication plan
• Practice where to go during storms or shelter-in-place alerts
• Keep an emergency contact list visible in your home
• Make sure everyone knows how to use emergency supplies and where they’re stored

Consider printing a checklist or keeping a laminated card with emergency steps and contacts in your kitchen, next to your emergency kit, and in each vehicle. Preparing together helps everyone feel more confident and reduces panic in stressful moments.

Use This Home Safety Checklist for Severe Weather to Stay Ahead

The best time to prepare is before a warning or outage occurs. Taking action now can prevent last-minute scrambling and reduce the impact of extreme weather on your daily life.

Preparing your home before a storm, flood, or smoke event gives your family more than just protection. It creates peace of mind. Whether you’re updating your emergency kit or improving indoor air quality, these steps can help you feel more ready and less reactive.

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