The U.S. government runs a site, Ready.gov, which includes a checklist of items every family should have prepared in case of an emergency.

It is 2021 and we're in the midst of a climate crisis. There are dark and depressing statistics that can be found on just about any news site. It would be wise to accept that climate change is occurring and learn how to adapt so that we can (forgive the pun) weather the storm.

Dr. Ian Giammanco, Senior Director of Product Design & Lead Meteorologist at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), says that taking active steps to prepare for severe weather actually benefits mental health. "The more you understand what you can do," he says, "the better your anxiety can get. A lot of the severe weather we're dealing with is not going away. In many instances, it is getting worse and we have to deal with it."

But what should you do to prepare? How can you ensure that you, your family, and your home are safe when a weather-related disaster strikes?

First off, when buying a new home it's important to know your home's flood zone. And even if the house is outside of a flood zone, you should get flood insurance. "Charleston, South Carolina, is a great example of where nuisance flooding [is] just from sea level rise and high tide cycles, which means when [there's] a hurricane, it's going to be that much worse," Giammanco says.

If the house is in an area frequented by tornadoes, look for one with an in-home storm shelter. "If you're on the Gulf Coast,"  Giammanco says, "we would encourage folks to look for one that carries one of the IBHS Fortified Home designations. These are homes [where] the systems are built to enhance building code and offer an extra set of protections."

Finally, for homes with an attached garage, Giammanco says to "look on the back of the garage door. There should be a sticker that has a wind rating on it. That tells you that the door is rated for the wind conditions your area experiences. A garage door is a really weak spot in a home, so you want one that has that rated sticker to tell you that it's meant for the area you're living in." He says if the garage door does not have this sticker, it should be replaced with one that does.

If you're already a homeowner or even an apartment dweller, there are steps both big and small that you can take before and after a storm to ensure that you remain safe.

"Make sure you have a photo inventory of all your stuff because it makes [it easier] when you have to file an insurance claim," Giammanco says. "You're already stressed out, and especially if you're month to month on dollars, it will make that process better when you're dealing with your insurance. Take a picture of all your valuables, your television, your washer/dryer, all that stuff, and keep it on your phone. Do it once a year."

"One of the simplest things families can do," he says, is to have a weather radio. "You get all the warnings about whatever hazard you're dealing with." 

The U.S. government runs a site, Ready.gov, which includes a checklist of items every family should have prepared in case of an emergency. Among the items on the list are a first aid kit, LED flashlight with extra batteries, whistle (to signal for help), manual can opener, and portable cell phone chargers. Small portable fans can be handy if the power goes out and you live in a humid area.

Having a stock of nonperishable food as well as water is also critical. "Fill your bathtub up with water," Giammanco says. "Fill up jugs, stick them in your freezer, so you've got ice, you've got water to flush your toilets, water to brush your teeth, that kind of stuff."

An inexpensive way to keep water and wind out of the home is using a tube of silicone caulk to seal any gaps in door jambs or around windows. "In a hurricane or even a really bad thunderstorm you can get a fair bit of water if you have enough gaps around those windows," he says. "And that can lead to wet carpet, wet drywall, and the mold problem that can happen pretty fast."

"Having surge protectors on all your appliances can help if you take a lightning strike," Giammanco says. If that's not an option, he says to unplug anything vital if you know a storm is going to occur. "Just run around and unplug that stuff. It might save you if you happen to have that really bad scenario where you take a lightning hit or there's a lightning strike nearby."

Giammanco says the zero to the five-foot area around the home is referred to as "the home ignition zone." Ideally, no plants or yard debris should be in that zone "because that's where embers can land and start fires." Instead, the IBHS Wildfire Ready Guide suggests that "concrete pavers, flagstone paths, decorative gravel (rock mulch), and natural stones" be used in this zone. Replacing plant life with these fire-resistant items can significantly decrease your home's risk of a fire hazard. 

Whether you live in an area frequented by hurricanes, snowstorms, tornadoes, or fires, there's a chance you'll experience power outages at some point. The best way to get through them is with a generator. They range in cost but can provide significant relief if your family is without electricity for an extended period. You’ll need to assess your space and ensure you have proper ventilation for a gas-powered generator. Additionally, you’ll need to look into how much fuel is needed and check the ratings, as they can be complicated. 

According to Giammanco, a lot of home issues begin with the roof, so it's important to have a Class A-rated roof. "Luckily, most asphalt shingles that a lot of us have are Class A fire rated. If you deal with hail and wind storms, it's important to have a good or excellent rated shingle to withstand hail."

The IBHS has multiple guides and checklists on its site that can be helpful for those who live in areas prone to fires, tornadoes and thunderstorms, or hurricanes.

Ultimately, Giammanco says, the important thing is that you take that first step toward protecting yourself and your loved ones. "The key for us at IBHS is just to get people to start. That's all we're after. Because that means you're thinking about it. And that's a step in the right direction of dealing with what's probably coming with our climate."