Do you have a storm coming to where you live? Are you thinking of riding out the storm at home? If you answered yes to these questions, here are some things that you need to do and supplies that you need to get ready for the storm.

R. E. A. C. T.

Having a storm hit where you live can be scary especially if you plan on staying out your house when it hits. This fear can cause us not to be able to think clearly on the spot so why not prepare ahead of time for a storm. You can do this by following the acronym R.E.A.C.T. Below is what it stands for.

Reinforcement: You will need to prepare your house structurally. Cover up any windows. If you have a gas generator, make sure it works and that you have gas for it in case the electricity goes out.

Equipment: Get all the supplies together that you will need during and after the storm. Below is a checklist of items for you to make sure that you have on hand.

Awareness: Make sure you have a way to track the storm. Let your loved ones know that you are riding out the storm and give them the information that they will need to keep track of you. Keep their information on hand for you to track them also.

Cautions: Do you know all the risk that you are taking by choosing to ride out the storm? Make sure you have taken all the necessary precautions.

Timeline: Know when the storm is expected to hit because there are things that you will need beforehand to prepare for it.

Before Storm To-Do List

There are specific things that you will need to do before the storm hits. Here is a checklist of things to do before the storm.

Evacuation Planning: An evacuation plan is necessary in case the storm is extremely severe. It is better to be safe than to risk you and your family’s safety. Also, the local authorities may declare a mandatory evacuation.

Buy Supplies: Make a list of all the things that you need to purchase and buy them. Below you will find a supply checklist in case of things you may forget or not think of.

Check Insurance: Ensure that all your insurance coverage is up to date. Make sure you have the insurance phone number and policy numbers on hand.

Make Copies of Important Documents: Make copies of any important documents like birth certificates, car titles, insurance policies, etc. and put them together in a safe. Keep it in an easily accessible place.

Back Up Your Electronics: This is a great time to back up your phone, computer, and tablets. You can save everything to the cloud or back them up onto USB drives.

Supplies

In times like these, it can be hard to remember everything that you need to be ready for the storm. Maybe this is the first storm that you must prepare for. Either way here is a list of supplies that you may need to keep them on hand.

Water: Get enough drinking water for everyone. It is recommended that you get one gallon per person per day. If it is predicted to be a severe storm, then make sure to have at least 3 gallons per person. You will also need water for cooking, cleaning, bathing and other things so make sure to buy or store up tap water for these things.

Food: Canned or non-perishable foods are best. Do not buy that you will need to refrigerate or freeze they will spoil if you lose power.

Non-Electric Can Opener: You will need a way to open your canned food.

Cash: Have enough cash on hand in case you can’t get to the bank or the ATMs are down. If you do have to evacuate, you will need cash to pay for things.

Battery Powered Radio: This is a good way to keep track of the storm and what is going in the area.

Batteries: You will need batteries for the radio and flashlights.

Fully Charged Gadgets: Make sure to fully charge all your electronic devices so that you will have a way to get a hold of others and others to get a hold of you.

Things to Do: Have books, games, paper, pens, and other things for you and your family to do during the storm. This will help you stay occupied and focus on other things besides the storm. Have toys for young kids to play with so that they aren’t afraid.

Toilet Paper: Enough toilet paper to ride out the storm is a necessary item to have.

First Aid Kit: A fully stocked first aid kit is needed in case anybody is injured during the storm.

Evacuate Bag: Have a bag packed with a couple of days clothes for everyone in the household in case you need to evacuate.

Blankets: You need blankets for sleeping and to cover up with in case it gets cold.

Documents: Get all important documents in a place like a safe. This will keep them easily accessible in case you need them.

Flashlights: Have a good supply of flashlights on hand in case you lose power you will have light to maneuver around in the dark.

Gas: Fill your vehicles with gas in case you need to evacuate. Also, a gas station may run out of gas or pumps may quit working if power is lost. If you have a gas-powered generator, have enough gas on hand to keep it running.

Maps: With today’s technology, we never think about maps anymore because phones have a built-in GPS. However, if you lose cellular service, GPS will not work and you will need to know how to get around.

Matches: Keep matches on hand to light candles, fires, or gas stoves.

Candles: Candles are a great source of light if you lose electricity. Keep them on hand to keep things illuminated and save your batteries.

Medicine: Make sure that all your prescriptions are filled and easy to get to. Also, stock up on the counter medications.

Conclusion

Everything in this article will better prepare you for the storm. Get everything together now and stay calm during the storm. Good luck and stay safe.