As July begins, hurricane season is well underway.

Though many of us have been through our fair share of storms, it’s smart to have a plan in place so you’re ready if a storm hits. Use our checklist to help you remember even the smallest details, so you can stay safe this storm season.

How to prepare

• Build up your nonperishable foods supply. With supplies still limited from the pandemic, buying small amounts over time can add up and allow others the opportunity to prepare too.
• Invest in filters for water. Instead of buying cases of water, try filtering your own. You can buy a spare for your refrigerator’s water dispenser or a filter for your faucet. You can even purchase pitchers that will filter water.
• Fill a bathtub with water. This often is used for flushing toilets or sanitary purposes, if you are not on city water.
• Keep your car’s gas tank full. If you have some extra gas cans in the garage, keep those full as well in case gas stations are down for a few days.
• Stock up on batteries. Besides having them on hand for your battery-operated emergency radio, if the power goes out, pop them in a flashlight or lantern so you won’t have to shower in the dark!
• Learn the evacuation route for your area. You may know the route to grandma’s house in Tennessee by heart, but road closures and traffic flow changes can alter your plans. Paying attention to traffic updates and mapping alternate routes ahead of time can help reduce stress.
• Evacuate if ordered. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so be aware of any updates from your local news and weather channels.
• Hit the ATM for some extra cash. After a storm, cash is king, and it’s a good idea to have some on hand. Some businesses may reopen before they can handle electronic transactions.
• Protect valuable documents from flooding. It can be as simple as keeping items like birth certificates, Social Security cards, and car and house titles in plastic bags to protect them from water damage.
• Secure the exterior of your home. Move anything that can be blown around in high winds, including plants, outdoor furniture and flags, to a safe area.
• Park your car away from trees and on higher ground. With wind speeds becoming dangerous during the height of a storm, it’s safer to keep your car away from things that could possibly damage it.
• Pack a doggie (or kitty) bag. Leaving a crate packed with pet essentials by the door makes it that much easier to grab and go. This will be beneficial if you need to leave in a hurry, and your dog can’t pack their own suitcase! Also, make plans for your pet if you must evacuate and can’t take them with you.

How to ride out the storm

• Remain indoors and away from windows. Stay safe by following all guidance from the National Weather Service, even if you have been through many storms before.
• Stay out of the snacks! We may joke about eating all the storm snacks in the first couple hours, but it is no joke. Ration your food because you never know how long a storm may last or how much you would enjoy the last handful of Publix Peanut Butter Pretzels after a few days without power.
• Charge your phone and try to use it only for emergencies. Twitter and Facebook might help pass the time, but they also drain your phone battery quickly. Limit your time to save your battery in case you need to contact the authorities. You may also want to buy a portable charger to recharge your phone if the electricity goes out.
• Stay updated on storm movements and warnings. If your power is still on, check in with your local news stations for updates in your area. If the power is out, tune your emergency radio to receive updates from the National Weather Service.

How to recover

• Stay in until you receive word from state and county officials. If you didn’t evacuate, you are probably itchin’ to get out of the house. And if you did, you probably want to get home. Wait until you’re given the official clearance from authorities to ensure your safety.
• Inspect the damage to or in your home. Be safe as you look around your property for any power lines, debris or hazardous materials that may be in your path.
• Document the damage. Be sure to take pictures of your home and make a list of all interior and exterior damage for any insurance claim.
• Be patient. We know what it feels like waiting for a pot of water to boil, but be patient and understanding with your utility providers.
• Stay out of the water. Avoid any standing water in or around your home — it could contain critters or live power lines.

Sources: emergency.yale.edu, fema.gov