September is Disaster Preparedness month! Despite an already very active hurricane and wildfire season, it’s always a good idea to be prepared.
“Every household needs a plan that all family members know for every type of disaster,” said Ryan Grabill, International Response Director at Convoy of Hope. “What happened in Texas last month is extreme, but it obviously is not impossible that situations like that occur. Don’t believe the mindset, ‘It won’t happen to us.’ If there is even a chance, prepare for it.”
Here are five ways to prepare for severe weather.
- Make a plan. One of the most important things you can do before severe weather strikes is to take a few moments to think through a plan ahead of time. Download our Family Preparedness Guide here.
- Know your location. Be familiar with hazards and resources in your immediate location. Keep in mind what your local infrastructure is prepared for. Symptoms of severe weather may be commonplace in some parts of the country, but in less prepared areas, it can bring daily activities to a screeching halt.
- Assess your needs. Make sure your plan includes a way to access food, water, heat, light, and power. Keep in mind that stores and other resources may not be available for days or even weeks.
- Consider all angles. A good plan should account for the fact that you might not be at home when extreme weather strikes. Consider steps to take in the event that you are at work, away from your family, or in your vehicle.
- Expand your plan. Once you have a plan in place for your household, consider including neighbors or friends who may find themselves in need. Severe weather can create enormous challenges for those with accessibility needs or health concerns.
As you make preparations, consider keeping the proper supplies on hand year-round. Resources like LuminAID lanterns take up very little space and ensure that you can be prepared, no matter when disaster strikes.
“Our partnership with LuminAID helps families keep their lights on — literally,” Grabill described. Grabill and his team have seen the difference that LuminAID lanterns make firsthand while providing them to those affected by large-scale disasters around the world. “By providing light when there is no power after extreme weather, people have access to a basic need without relying on a cellphone flashlight. Additionally, the models that have built-in charging capabilities for cellphones help people stay in touch with family, friends, and their employer. Providing light and the ability for long-term cell usage makes the difficulty a disaster presents much more bearable.”
To read more about how Convoy of Hope and LuminAID spread help and hope around the world, click here. To find out how you can help, click here.