Weather can be finicky, and it’s always out of our control. But you can be prepared for what the weather throws our way.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you have an emergency kit, a plan and you stay informed. The CDC recommends you talk to your family about any possible situations that could happen to your home. Know the best escape routes from your home and each room, as well as know the safe spots inside your home. Know how to turn the water, gas and electricity off at the main switches. Your family should also have a fire extinguisher; know how to use it and where it is located in your home.

Staying informed means listening to your weather radio and understanding the terms you may hear from a weather alert. According to the CDC, a watch “gives advance notice that conditions are favorable for dangerous weather” and a warning “requires immediate action and is only used when severe weather is about to strike.”

Preparing will help you and your family respond appropriately when severe weather strikes.

For a full emergency supply list, visit Ready.gov.

Image of post author
Article by:

Melody Kitchen

Melody Kitchen is the director of communications at UofL Health. She has more than 15 years of health care marketing experience. Melody believes that empowering people with health care knowledge enables them to be better advocates for their own health care. Melody received her bachelor's and master's from Texas Tech University.

All posts by Melody Kitchen
Calendar icon that indicates scheduling an appointment
Schedule an
Appointment