Hurricanes, tornadoes and other forms of extreme weather are scary — you might be able to track them, but they can cause untold amounts of damage. While extreme weather can’t be avoided, it is important to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature can dish out. What can you do prepare your home and family for any extreme weather that might come your way?

Clean Up

When you’re dealing with hurricanes and tornadoes, high winds can turn just about anything into flying debris that can break windows, damage walls and destroy cars. Your first step should be to clean up your yard and surrounding area. Branches, sticks and loose stones, such as paving stones, should all be secured or removed. Lawn furniture and potted plants should be brought indoors or secured so they can’t fly away.

At the same time, check the trees around your property — do they have any dead wood that could fall during a storm and damage homes or property? If so, take the time to either remove the dead wood yourself or have it done by a professional.

Things you use daily, or plants that require regular sunlight, can be kept outside until the last minute — just make sure they’re stowed before the storm hits.

Know Your Route

There are some types of extreme weather that you can avoid by evacuating — but where do you go when it’s time to evacuate?

Take the time to learn your local evacuation routes — most cities have them. If you’ve ever driven on a major highway in Florida, you’ve probably seen at least one sign that points you toward an evacuation route.

At the same time, you need to consider setting up a rallying point — a location where you and your family members can meet up if you’re away from home and unable to get in contact with one another.

Be Prepared

Make sure you have your emergency kit ready to go before any emergency weather strikes — otherwise you may find yourself scrambling to find supplies along with everyone else when a storm looms.

Make sure you’ve got at least:

• 72 hours worth of nonperishable food for each person
• 72 hours worth of water for each person — 1 gallon per person, per day
• First-aid supplies and any necessary medication
• Communications tools — radios, cellphone chargers, etc.
• Generators, if necessary
• Cash
• Fuel — gas stations may run out, so make sure you keep your car’s gas tank full, and that you have enough fuel for your generator/s
• Important paperwork — if you need to evacuate, you’ll want to take all your important papers with you. Birth certificates, car titles and house deeds should all be kept in a secure but easily accessible location.

This is just a general emergency kit. If your family includes babies or pets, you will need supplies specific to them to ensure they are comfortable during the emergency.

We might not be able to avoid emergency weather situations, but we can be prepared for them as best we can. Don’t let a hurricane catch you off guard — have all your supplies ready to go, whether you’re riding the storm out at home or evacuating.