No matter where you live, you need to be prepared to deal with severe weather. If you have children, get them involved in planning and preparing — it will help them learn what to do to stay safe. They can help pack emergency kits and make lists of other items such as books and games to keep them occupied, blankets and pillows, and pet care items.

These tips and checklists will help you get ready before severe weather strikes.

—Know your community’s warning systems for severe weather.
—Talk to someone at your local emergency management office to find out the types of severe weather or natural disasters most likely to happen in your area. Ask about animal care after a disaster as well.
—Pick a safe place in your home for family members to gather. For tornadoes, it should be a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room with no windows on the lowest floor. For severe thunderstorms, it should be away from windows and doors that could be broken by strong winds or hail.
—Have a hurricane evacuation plan in place which includes designated places to meet. When an evacuation is called, leave immediately.
—Practice severe weather drills so everyone knows where to go and what to do.
—If someone in your home is dependent on electricity powered medical equipment, make sure you have backup power available.
—Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans or anything else that can be picked up by high winds.
—Make sure you know what plans your workplace and your child’s school or day care center have for severe weather occurrences.

The American Red Cross recommends that you have an easily accessible Emergency Kit ready for severe weather outbreaks and power outages. It should have supplies for at least three days.