Emergencies can happen without warning, from severe weather to power outages or other unexpected events. Preparing your home ahead of time can help reduce stress and improve safety when it matters most.
Here are simple steps homeowners can take to be better prepared.
- Make a Basic Household Plan. Ensure everyone in your household knows what to do in an emergency. Identify safe places in your home, discuss exit routes if evacuation is needed, and establish a way to communicate if you’re separated.
- Keep Essential Supplies on Hand. An emergency supply kit can be helpful if you need to shelter in place or experience a power outage. Keep key items in a central, easy‑to‑access location so they’re ready when needed.
- Prepare Your Home Before Severe Weather Strikes. When severe weather is in the forecast, take time to secure outdoor items, clear drainage areas, and check doors, windows, and systems around your home. These small steps may help reduce damage during an emergency.
- Plan for Power Outages. Power losses can disrupt daily routines. Having backup lighting options and understanding how to safely manage heating or cooling during an outage can help keep your household comfortable and safe.
- Create or Update Your Home Inventory. Our home inventory checklist will help guide you through each room in your home as you document your belongings. Download the PDF to get started.
- Review Your Homeowners Insurance Coverage. Emergency preparedness also includes knowing your protection. Regularly reviewing your Homeowners insurance policy helps ensure it reflects your home, belongings, and current needs before an emergency occurs.
Taking a little time now to plan ahead can help protect what matters most. For help reviewing your coverage, contact your insurance agent.
Sources:
American Red Cross. How to Prepare for Emergencies. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies.html?srsltid=AfmBOooW3Oy_rL2MVvz1YA0a_LMDX6YZ2xKRzWDVZOFPk3I5GC7cei0E. Accessed 13 April, 2026.
Ready. Hurricanes. https://www.ready.gov/thunderstorms-lightning. Accessed 13 April, 2026.
Ready. Build a Kit. https://www.ready.gov/kit. Accessed 13 April, 2026.