Prepare for the season you actually live in.
Six practical guides organized around risks that change through the year. Use the printable checklists, choose what applies to your local conditions and check official alerts before taking action. Not every hazard is seasonal everywhere.
Find your situation below. Each guide shows one important action first; expand it for steps and trusted sources. Downloads are available without expanding.
❄️ Winter storm and blackout readiness
Remember: If power fails, use safe lighting, conserve refrigerated food, and never run generators or grills indoors.
Open the before, during and after checklist
Before
- Check heating-system condition, smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms.
- Prepare warm layers, blankets, food, safe water and phone power banks.
- Know where you can go if you cannot keep the home safely heated.
- Fill necessary prescriptions and plan for electrically powered equipment.
During
- Follow National Weather Service alerts and avoid unnecessary travel.
- Use flashlights instead of candles when possible.
- Never use a generator, grill or camp stove indoors or inside an attached garage.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer closed to preserve food temperature.
After
- Check food safety using time and temperature guidance, not smell alone.
- Watch for damaged lines, ice and unsafe heating equipment.
- Restock what you used and document any needed repairs.
☀️ Extreme heat readiness
Remember: Identify somewhere cool and watch for heat illness. Confusion or severe symptoms require urgent help.
Open the before, during and after checklist
Before
- Identify an air-conditioned space and a backup cool location.
- Check water supply and the safety of fans/air conditioning.
- Make a plan to check on children, older adults and neighbors.
During
- Stay cool, hydrate regularly and limit strenuous midday activity.
- Use air conditioning or a cooling location during dangerous heat. CDC advises using fans only when indoor temperatures are below 90°F; fans alone may not prevent heat illness.
- Watch for dizziness, nausea, confusion or other warning signs and get medical help when needed.
After
- Review which locations stayed cool and whether your backup plan worked.
- Replenish water and supplies before the next heat event.
🌪️ Tornado and damaging-wind plan
Remember: When a tornado warning is issued, shelter immediately in a basement or interior room away from windows.
Open the before, during and after checklist
Before
- Choose a basement, safe room or lowest-floor interior room away from windows.
- Keep shoes, flashlights, alerts and pet necessities accessible.
- Practice moving everyone to shelter promptly.
During
- Respond immediately to a tornado warning. Protect your head and stay away from windows.
- A vehicle or mobile home is not a safe tornado shelter; plan access to a sturdy building ahead of time.
- Listen for official updates rather than watching the storm outdoors.
After
- Avoid downed lines and damaged structures.
- Check on household members and follow official instructions before leaving shelter.
🌧️ Flooding and evacuation preparation
Remember: Never enter floodwater or drive around road barricades. Follow local evacuation instructions.
Open the before, during and after checklist
Before
- Check whether your home and routes may flood; plan alternatives to low crossings.
- Prepare waterproof protection for important documents and medicines.
- Choose an out-of-area family contact and follow local evacuation planning.
During
- Leave immediately if officials order evacuation; follow posted routes.
- Never walk or drive through floodwater. Turn around at barricades.
- Avoid contact with floodwater and possible electrical hazards.
After
- Do not enter damaged areas until authorities say it is safe.
- Discard food exposed to floodwater; follow health instructions for safe cleanup.
- Photograph damage from a safe location when appropriate.
🚗 Vehicle breakdown and emergency kit
Remember: Check conditions before traveling and carry a small kit with warmth, light, water and a way to call for help.
Open the before, during and after checklist
Before
- Maintain fuel/charge, tires, lights and seasonal equipment.
- Keep water, safe snacks, flashlight, phone charger, first-aid supplies and warm clothes in the vehicle.
- Tell someone your route and expected arrival when traveling in hazardous conditions.
During
- Get to a safe location and call for help if needed.
- For winter, avoid exposing yourself unnecessarily; ensure exhaust paths remain clear before running an engine.
- Do not drive through flooded roads or ignore official closures.
After
- Replace used supplies and inspect equipment before the next trip.
- Update route plans based on verified road conditions.
Free emergency water calculator — calculate gallons and liters before buying containers →
🥫 Low-cost pantry and water rotation
Rather than purchasing an expensive survival bucket, begin with the shelf-stable foods your household already eats. Verify storage dates and build a menu that works without refrigeration. Price and availability differ by store and season.
Remember: Start with familiar shelf-stable meals, safe drinking water, a can opener and a simple rotation schedule.
Open the before, during and after checklist
Build a baseline
- Plan at least three days of shelf-stable meals, then expand as budget allows.
- Choose familiar staples such as oats, canned beans, canned vegetables, peanut butter, crackers and packaged proteins suited to your household.
- Store at least one gallon of water per person per day as a baseline, plus more for heat, pets and individual needs.
Keep it usable
- Keep a manual can opener and a way to prepare foods when power is out.
- Check allergies, dietary needs, infant supplies and medications.
- Use first-in, first-out rotation and check package dates.
Spend strategically
- Add one or two useful items during ordinary grocery trips.
- Compare cost per meal, actual calories and how much potable water is needed.
- Avoid buying unfamiliar emergency food until you can prepare it safely and eat it.
Simple seasonal maintenance calendar
Spring
Review flood maps, severe-weather shelter and drainage concerns; check alert devices.
Summer
Check cooling options, drinking water, heat safety and travel supplies.
Fall
Inspect winter clothing and heating safety; rotate water, batteries and food.
Winter
Update outage supplies, vehicle kit and reliable road-condition sources.
Official source notes
Learn how we review guidance and correct errors.
Safety and planning references: NWS winter, NWS tornado, NWS flood, CDC heat, FoodSafety.gov, State and territory directory, WMO global weather warnings, and Ready.gov. Last reviewed November 2026; follow changing official guidance and local conditions.