Start with your local risk. Look up your evacuation zone, flood exposure, shelter options, and the official channels your city or county uses for emergency updates.

Refresh your emergency kit once a year. Replace expired food, water, batteries, medication, and first aid items. Add supplies for children, older adults, pets, and medical equipment.

Protect documents before the rush. Store copies of IDs, insurance policies, prescriptions, property records, and emergency contacts in waterproof storage and a secure digital location.

Walk around your home while weather is calm. Trim risky limbs, clear gutters, test shutters, photograph property condition, and decide where outdoor items will go if a watch is issued.

Plan power outages realistically. Charge battery banks, freeze water bottles, review food safety, and use generators only outdoors far from windows, doors, garages, and vents.

Most importantly, follow official guidance from NOAA, NHC, NWS, FEMA, local emergency management, and evacuation authorities. This independent guide is a planning aid, not an alert service.