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Storm Watch: How to Prepare for Severe Weather

Prepare Indoors

  1. Store valuables in a waterproof container at the highest point in your home. Include an extra set of keys.
  2. Make two photocopies of vital documents and keep the originals in a safe deposit box. Keep one copy in a safe place in the house, and give the second copy to someone out-of-town. Vital documents include birth and marriage certificates, tax records, credit card numbers, financial records, wills and trusts.
  3. Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms. Use the test button to test them once a month. Replace batteries at least once a year.
  4. If a family member relies on life-support equipment, make sure your electric cooperative knows ahead of time.
  5. Fill bathtubs, sinks, and jugs with clean water in case water becomes contaminated.
  6. Pick a “safe” room in the house, usually a first-floor interior hallway, room or closet without windows.
  7. Plan home escape routes. Find two ways out of each room.
  8. Check and protect objects that could cause harm during a bad storm: bookshelf, hanging pictures, gas appliances, chemicals.
  9. Write and videotape an inventory of your home, garage, and surrounding property. Include information such as serial numbers, make and model numbers, physical descriptions, and price of purchases (receipts, if possible). Store a copy somewhere away from home, such as in a safe deposit box.
  10. Keep a portable, battery-operated radio or television and extra batteries.
  11. Post emergency telephone numbers.
  12. Show adult family members where your fire extinguishers are and how they work.
  13. Make a plan for family members to reunite if separated (if children are at school and adults are at work). Designate an out-of-state relative or friend as a contact person and make sure everybody in the family knows how to reach the person.
  14. Teach all responsible family members how and when to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at the main switches or valves. Keep a wrench near gas and water shut-off valves. Turn off utilities only if you suspect a leak or damaged lines, or if you are instructed to do so by authorities.
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