80 Severe Weather Survival Tips for Homeowners

80 Severe Weather Survival Tips for Homeowners

By Nick Gerhardt

Updated: October 7, 2024

When severe weather strikes, preparedness is crucial. Don’t wait until disaster hits; prepare for the worst now.

Having a Plan is Paramount

Family creating a severe weather emergency planFamily creating a severe weather emergency plan

Preparing for severe weather should be done well in advance. Create a comprehensive family survival plan, including an essential phone numbers list stored in an easily accessible location, to safeguard your loved ones and property. Here are some tips to prepare your home for extreme weather.

Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricanes can change rapidly. Monitor local news for updates. In case of a hurricane:

  • Stay informed via radio or TV.
  • Locate your storm readiness kit.
  • Fuel your vehicle and generator. Learn more about generator safety.
  • Secure outdoor objects or bring them inside.
  • Clear yard debris.
  • Review evacuation plans.
  • Install storm shutters and brace doors.
  • Secure your boat. Learn how to tie down large items.

For detailed hurricane preparedness information, click here.

Flood Safety

Floods are a leading cause of weather-related fatalities. Monitor weather conditions and evacuate if necessary. In case of a flood:

  • Locate your storm readiness kit.
  • Fill sinks, tubs, and buckets with clean water for hygiene.
  • Seal wells to prevent contamination.
  • Shut off electricity at the main panel if safe to do so.
  • Protect the foundation with insulation or plastic sheeting.
  • Be prepared for evacuation.

Tornado Safety

Tornado forming in the distanceTornado forming in the distance

Flying debris poses the greatest danger during a tornado. If a tornado or severe thunderstorm threatens:

  • Stay away from windows.
  • Seek immediate shelter in a basement or the lowest level of your home, taking your storm readiness kit. If no basement is available, get under a sturdy object, crouch down, and cover your head.
  • Protect yourself with thick padding.
  • Bring a battery-powered radio for updates.
  • If outdoors, seek shelter in a ditch or low-lying area, covering your head and avoiding trees and cars.
  • If in a vehicle, drive perpendicular to the tornado’s path if traffic allows. Otherwise, park safely off the road, avoiding bridges.

For more tornado safety information, visit spc.noaa.gov.

Essential Storm Kits: Three Levels of Preparedness

Every household needs a storm readiness kit. Consider these three options:

  • Basic Kit: Supplies for 48 hours without power or basic services.
  • Upgraded Kit: Supplies for three to four days without power or services.
  • Ultimate Kit: Supplies for one week without power or services, ideal for remote areas or households with vulnerable individuals.

Ensure all family members know the kit’s location.

Emergency Car Kit: Be Prepared for the Unexpected

An emergency car kit is essential, even in good weather. Being stranded during a storm can be life-threatening.

Severe Weather Safety: Essential Precautions

Family preparing for a stormFamily preparing for a storm

Follow these safety guidelines during storms, fires, and floods:

  • Avoid using electrical devices when wet or standing in water.
  • Use GFCI-protected outlets in damp areas.
  • Stay away from downed power lines.
  • Don’t enter a flooded basement with live electricity.
  • Turn off the water heater if flooding is possible.
  • Avoid candles; use flashlights instead.
  • Never use charcoal or propane grills indoors.

Pet Safety During Severe Weather

Protect your pets during severe weather. Plan ahead, know what to do when a storm hits, and prepare a pet-specific storm kit.

Emergency Power: Generators for Storm Survival

A home generator provides power for essential appliances and tools during outages. Consider stationary or portable options based on your needs. Learn more about choosing the right generator.

Yard Preparation for Severe Weather

Preparing your yard for severe weather can prevent costly damage and ensure a quicker recovery.

Securing Outdoor Items: Tie it Down

High winds can turn unsecured objects into dangerous projectiles. Learn how to properly secure outdoor items.

Storm Shutters: Protecting Doors and Windows

Storm shutters on a houseStorm shutters on a house

Shutters safeguard against high winds and debris. Removable or permanently installed options are available. Learn more about different types of storm shutters.

Reinforcing Doors Against Strong Winds

Strengthen door frames and hardware to withstand high winds.

Roof Reinforcement for Severe Weather

A strong roof is crucial in high-wind areas. Learn about DIY measures to reinforce your roof and prevent damage.

Garage Door Reinforcement: Preventing Damage

Weak garage doors can lead to significant structural damage. Consider replacing or reinforcing your garage door to withstand severe weather.

Caulking and Sealing: Preventing Water Intrusion

Caulking is a simple and cost-effective way to prevent water damage and strengthen vulnerable areas.

Flood Preparation for Your Home

Sandbags protecting a house from floodwatersSandbags protecting a house from floodwaters

Even homes in low-risk areas can flood. Learn how to prepare your home for flooding.

Safe Rooms: Providing Ultimate Protection

Interior of a safe roomInterior of a safe room

A safe room offers a secure shelter during severe weather. It’s a standalone structure designed to withstand debris impact and is an ideal location for storing your storm kit.

Storm-Resistant Building Materials: Investing in Long-Term Protection

Using storm-resistant building materials during renovations enhances safety, energy efficiency, and potentially qualifies for insurance discounts.

Preparing Your Home: A Comprehensive Checklist

Remember, water damage often causes more destruction than wind during hurricanes. Use this checklist to ensure thorough preparation.

After the Storm: Recovery and Safety

After a storm:

  • Avoid damaged buildings until deemed safe.
  • Assist neighbors in need.
  • Document damage with photos and save damaged material samples for insurance claims.

For detailed post-storm recovery information, visit our guide. Additional resources can be found at Lowes.com/hurricane and redcross.org. Information for this post was developed in collaboration with Lowe’s for a severe weather guide.

Water Outage: Essential Tips for Survival

During a water outage, proper water storage is vital. Store water in a cool, dark place to maintain quality.

Food-Safe Water Storage: Protecting Your Supply

Use food-safe containers for water storage. Water doesn’t expire but can become contaminated if not stored correctly. Food-grade plastic is ideal for long-term storage. In urgent situations, use any clean container and purify the water if necessary.

Specialized Water Storage Containers: Long-Term Solutions

Consider specialized containers like WaterBricks for potable water and food storage. They offer a tight seal and stackable design.

Avoid Storing Water on Concrete: Preventing Contamination

Chemicals in concrete can leach into water stored in plastic containers. Store containers on cardboard or wooden pallets to prevent contamination.

Utilizing Your Bathtub for Water Storage

Water bladder in a bathtubWater bladder in a bathtub

A water bladder like the WaterBOB can turn your bathtub into a 100-gallon emergency water reservoir.

Ensuring Adequate Water Storage: Planning for Your Needs

Store at least one gallon of water per person per day. FEMA recommends a two-week supply. Consider all water usage when planning your storage capacity.

Water Cisterns: Large-Scale Water Storage

For substantial water storage, invest in a cistern. While expensive, they can hold hundreds or even thousands of gallons of potable water.

Stainless Steel Drums: UV-Protected Water Storage

Food-grade stainless steel drums provide excellent UV protection for stored water. However, they are a significant investment.

Hand Sanitizer: Conserving Water for Essential Use

Stock up on hand sanitizer to reduce water usage for handwashing.

Rainwater Collection: Utilizing Natural Resources

Install a rainwater collection system. While purification is still necessary, it’s a sustainable way to supplement your water supply. Learn how to build a DIY rain barrel.

Water Heater: An Untapped Water Source

Your water heater contains a significant amount of potable water. Learn how to safely drain and filter this water for emergency use.

Sealed Containers: A Must for Water Storage

Use only sealable containers for water storage to prevent contamination.

Oxygenating Stored Water: Maintaining Freshness

Pouring water into a glassPouring water into a glass

If stored water tastes flat, pour it between two clean containers to aerate it.

Conserving Water During an Outage: Reducing Activity

Children jumping on a couchChildren jumping on a couch

Minimize physical activity to reduce water consumption for hydration.

Utilizing Your Pool for Non-Potable Water

Even a small pool can provide water for non-potable uses like flushing toilets. Remember to filter and purify before drinking.

Doing Laundry Before a Potential Outage: Staying Prepared

Wash clothes in advance to minimize water usage during an outage.

Filling Bathtubs and Sinks: Utilizing All Available Space

Fill bathtubs and sinks with water for washing and flushing. This water will require purification before drinking.

Dehumidifier Water: A Source for Non-Potable Use

Collect water from your dehumidifier for non-potable uses like cleaning or watering plants.

Camp Showers: Maintaining Hygiene During Outages

Camp showers offer a more comfortable alternative to sponge baths if you have sufficient water.

Efficient Toilet Flushing: Conserving Water

Flushing toilet with a bucketFlushing toilet with a bucket

Pour water into the toilet tank, not the bowl, for more efficient flushing. Unpurified water is suitable for this purpose.

Toilet Paper Disposal During Water Outages

Dispose of toilet paper in a wastebasket to prevent potential plumbing backups during limited water availability.

Rotating Bottled Water Stock: Maintaining Freshness

Rotate your bottled water supply annually to ensure freshness.

Avoiding Floodwater: Protecting Your Health

Floodwater is often contaminated with hazardous materials and sewage. Avoid direct contact.

Cleaning Without Water: Utilizing Wipes and Sanitizer

Stock up on Clorox wipes and hand wipes for cleaning and hygiene during water outages.

Freezer Hack: Utilizing Frozen Water Jugs

Freezer with jugs of waterFreezer with jugs of water

Freeze jugs of water to help maintain freezer temperatures during power outages. The melted ice can be used for drinking.

Glass Containers for Water Storage: Pros and Cons

Filling glass jugs with waterFilling glass jugs with water

Glass containers are suitable for water storage if sanitized properly, but they can be heavy and breakable.

Filtering Water: Using Coffee Filters for Basic Filtration

Filtering water with coffee filtersFiltering water with coffee filters

Use coffee filters to remove sediment from water before purifying it.

Minimizing Dishwashing During Water Outages

Use disposable plates and utensils to conserve water.

Locating Your Flashlight in the Dark: A Simple Tip

Use glow-in-the-dark tape on your flashlight to easily find it during power outages.

Lightning Safety Indoors: Avoiding Conductive Paths

Avoid using corded phones, showering, or using electrical appliances during thunderstorms. Lightning can travel through wiring and plumbing.

Electrical Safety in Flooded Basements: Preventing Electrocution

Assume a flooded basement is electrically charged until the power company disconnects service.

Driving Safety During Floods: Avoiding Hidden Dangers

Never drive through floodwaters. Hidden hazards and the potential for floating can be deadly.

Generator Safety: Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Operate generators outdoors and at least 10 feet from your house to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Avoiding Fast-Moving Floodwater: Protecting Yourself from Powerful Currents

Even shallow, fast-moving water can be dangerous. Avoid entering flowing floodwater.

Fire Safety During Water Outages: Precautions When Soldering

When soldering with a torch during a water outage, take extra precautions to prevent fires. Have water and a fire extinguisher readily available.

Gas Safety During Floods: Preventing Gas Leaks

Turn off the gas supply if your basement floods, even if you don’t smell gas. Floodwater can damage gas lines and appliances.

Protecting Yourself from Contaminated Floodwater

Person in a flooded basementPerson in a flooded basement

Wear rubber boots and gloves when entering a flooded basement to avoid contact with contaminated water.

Surge Protector: Protecting Electronics from Power Surges

Use surge protectors to safeguard sensitive electronics from power surges, especially during thunderstorms.

Using Your Car as a Power Source: Power Inverters for Emergencies

A power inverter can convert your car’s DC power into AC power for charging devices and running small appliances.

Cash on Hand: Essential for Emergencies

Keep cash on hand during emergencies, as credit card machines and ATMs may be unavailable during power outages.

LED Lights: Conserving Battery Power

Use LED flashlights and lanterns to extend battery life during power outages.

Grilling During Power Outages: Cooking Outdoors

A gas grill can be used for cooking during power outages.

Preserving Food During Power Outages: Using Ice

Bags of ice in a freezerBags of ice in a freezer

Freeze bags of water to help keep food cold in your freezer and refrigerator during a power outage.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Essential for Safety

Use battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors when using alternative heating sources during power outages.

Fueling Your Car Before a Storm: Ensuring Transportation

Fill your car’s gas tank before a storm hits, as gas stations may be closed or unable to pump gas during power outages.

Battery-Powered Radio: Staying Informed

A battery-powered radio provides essential information during emergencies when other communication methods are unavailable.

Post-Power Outage Procedures: Safety First

Unplug appliances, avoid candles, and take other safety precautions after a power outage.

Patching Roof Damage: Temporary Repairs

Keep materials on hand to patch minor roof damage and prevent water intrusion.

Using Tarps for Larger Roof Damage: Emergency Cover

Use tarps to cover larger areas of roof damage until permanent repairs can be made.

Garage Door Safety During Power Outages

Ensure everyone in your household knows how to manually open the garage door in case of a power outage.

Securing Outdoor Items: Protecting Your Property

Bring in or secure outdoor furniture and other items before a storm.

Reviewing Evacuation Plans: Ensuring Everyone’s Safety

Establish and review evacuation plans with your family, including designated meeting places and emergency contacts.

Locating Utility Shut-Offs: Essential for Emergencies

Know the location of your water, gas, and electricity shut-off valves.

Adjusting Refrigerator and Freezer Settings: Preserving Food

Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings before a storm to help preserve food during power outages.