Severe Weather & Natural Disasters Quick Guide
Hey, family. The following guide is here to support you in preparing, staying safe, and caring for yourself and your community during severe weather and natural disasters.
Please note: We recognize that access to resources, housing, information, and support looks different for everyone. Take what works for you and adapt what you can. Sending you peace and love as you navigate the wild.
First, please remember:
Take a deep breath. Severe weather and natural disasters affect everyone differently, and people’s reactions can vary. Give yourself and others grace. Acknowledge stress and anxiety are normal.
Preparation helps reduce panic. Plan ahead and use these tips before disaster happens.
Have a safe person or space you can reach out to and check in with if you need grounding, especially if you’re alone.
Nature is unpredictable. Please don’t underestimate it or assume, even if you think you’ve experienced this type of weather before.
Avoid panic buying at the grocery store. Take what you need and leave some for others.
General Home and Safety Prep:
Identify safe areas in your home or surroundings.
Know escape routes and evacuation plans.
Protect important documents (ID, insurance, medical info). Make digital copies.
Charge phones, laptops, and battery packs.
Gather blankets, layers, and weather-appropriate gear.
Check supplies and expiration dates: water, food, flashlights, batteries, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher.
Fill prescriptions and gas tanks if possible.
Turn on weather alerts and limit travel when unsafe.
Prepare a compact emergency bag with water, food, medications, clothes, flashlight, and documents.
Keep mobility aids or medical equipment ready.
If you are unhoused or housing-insecure, identify nearby public resources such as libraries, community centers, or emergency services. Call 211 to locate shelters or services if conditions change.
Food and Water Essentials:
Water (at least 1 gallon per person per day for several days)
Canned soups, beans, chickpeas, chili
Tuna or chicken packets, nut butters
Crackers, trail mix, protein bars
Baby formula and food (if needed)
Shelf-stable milk, fruit, bread, or tortillas
Manual can opener if needed
Animals:
Keep pets and farm animals fed, watered, and sheltered.
Include pets in evacuation plans. Have leashes, carriers, or crates ready.
Bring medications, vaccination records, and extra supplies if possible.
Communication and Community:
Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
Share your plan with family, friends, or neighbors.
Check on people who may need extra help.
Keep emergency contacts accessible.
Keep xtra phone cords, solar chargers, or car chargers are helpful.
Evacuation and Special Considerations:
Know local evacuation routes and shelter options.
Plan transportation in advance.
Include medications, mobility aids, and medical equipment.
Use waterproof bags for valuables if flooding is a risk.
Follow official guidance in real time.
Keep small cash in case ATMs or cards aren’t available.
Weather-Specific Tips:
Hurricanes and Floods:
Know evacuation routes and local shelters.
Keep essential items in a waterproof bag.
Avoid driving through flooded areas.
Secure outdoor furniture and valuables.
Winter Storms and Extreme Cold:
Layer clothing and stay dry.
Limit travel and monitor heating sources safely.
Keep extra blankets, warm water bottles, and non-electric heat sources accessible.
Protect pipes from freezing.
Heavy ice can bring down tree branches and powerlines, stay clear of these.
Heatwaves:
Stay hydrated and wear light clothing.
Limit outdoor activity during peak heat.
Check on neighbors, especially older adults and children.
Stay in shaded or cool areas when possible.
Wildfires:
Evacuate if you are in the path.
Monitor air quality alerts.
Keep masks and a quick evacuation plan ready.
Close windows and doors to limit smoke indoors.
Remove flammable materials from around your home if safe to do so.