Make a plan

When severe weather strikes, the difference between life and death can be summed up in as little as two words: Be prepared. Making a plan for what you and your family will do when severe weather strikes is an important step in being prepared and building a Weather-Ready Nation.

As part of National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, NOAA and FEMA are urging people to “Pledge to Prepare.” When you Pledge to Prepare, you will take the first step to making sure that you and your family are prepared for severe weather. These include developing a family communications plan, putting an emergency kit together, keeping important papers and valuables in a safe place, and getting involved.

While there are basic elements that should be a part of any plan, it’s important to also tailor your plan to the individual needs of you or your family. This is especially important for the elderly or those with disabilities or special medial or dietary needs.

As part of tailoring your plans, consider working with others to create networks of neighbors, relatives, friends and co-workers who will assist each other in an emergency. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, pets, or specific needs like the operation of durable medical equipment. Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance.

Preparation is not just for grown-ups. Have your children go on a severe weather preparation adventure. They can learn how to protect themselves and how they can help their family stay safe. When children complete the game, they receive a Young Meteorologist certificate. The game is part of Plan!t Now’s Young Meteorologist Program which was created in cooperation with an NWS partner, the National Education Association.

Be a Force of Nature by preparing for severe weather. It’s a matter of life and death.

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National Severe Weather Preparedness Week	Know your Risk	Make a Plan	Build a Kit	Stay tuned for weather alerts	Be an Example	Just the Beginning