Make a severe-weather station for your household

Pick a shelter that fits your situation

For tornadoes, the National Weather Service advises a basement, safe room, or an interior room away from windows on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. If you live in a mobile home, identify a nearby substantial shelter and plan when and how you can get there before a warning. Ask about accessibility and how the shelter opens.

Walk the route from the bedroom and the rooms people use most. Include anyone with mobility, hearing, or vision needs. Keep the route free of loose storage. If you have pets, practice locating the leash or carrier without chasing a pet around the house during the drill.

Give nearby supplies a clear job

Put a flashlight, charged phone bank, sturdy shoes, and a written contact card where you can reach them on the way to the shelter. A battery radio gives you another way to hear updates if cell service fails. Set up local alerts ahead of time and check that the settings work overnight.

Keep your larger reserve of water, food, and household supplies wherever they are easy and safe to store. A small shelter pouch should be light enough for one person to carry. If a warning is already issued, go to shelter immediately. The pouch is only useful if you can take it without delaying.

Practice on an ordinary evening

• Show everyone the route and where to meet. Make a second plan for when people are away from home.
• Make sure someone can find the radio, pet supplies, and flashlight without a phone.
• Write down the gap that would slow you down most, such as a flashlight stored upstairs, and fix that first.
• Add a seasonal reminder to check batteries, power banks, and emergency contact details.