Tips To Prepare For Severe Weather In New York State

As the southeastern parts of the United States prepare for the impact of Hurricane Ian, it's super important to make sure you're prepared for severe weather and the potential for disaster to hit.

Living in the northeast, we're no stranger to bad weather.

From massive snowstorms to hurricanes and tropical storms, New York especially gets its fair share of extreme weather.

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It was just about 10 years ago when Super Storm Sandy destroyed parts of New York and caused more than $60 billion in damage. Of course, we cannot forget the October Surprise Snowstorm that dumped more than 60 inches of snow on Buffalo in less than 24 hours.

Since we know severe weather can happen at just about anytime, what are some things that we can do to make sure we're prepared to weather the weather?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a website that is dedicated to helping people get ready to survive when treacherous weather arrives.

According to Ready.Gov, there are some real tangible things that everybody should do to be ready when things take a turn for the worst:

• Always check the weather reports to know if you're at risk of being in an area that severe weather can hit.
• Sign up for any weather or emergency notifications from the National Weather Service or your local government.
• Set up a communications plan with your family and loved ones so you can stay in touch in case things get bad.
• Don't just let the plan be in your head or on a piece of paper, spend time practicing the plan to make sure it works.
• Get your house ready in case severe weather hits. Specifically, the National Weather Service suggests that you:
  • Keep trees and branches trimmed near your house.
  • Secure loose objects.
  • Close windows and doors.
  • Move any valuable objects inside or under a sturdy structure.
• Be ready to help your neighbors when they need help.

In addition to doing these things, you should also prepare some things in your home just in case you can't get out of the house due to bad weather. The US Department of Homeland Security suggests that at minimum, you have:

• Water—at least a gallon per person, per day
• Non-perishable food (such as dried fruit, peanut butter, or energy bars)
• First aid kit
• Cash
• Prescription medicines
• Extra batteries or an alternative power source
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap
• Paper plates, plastic cups and utensils, paper towels
• Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Flashlights
• Whistle to signal for help
• Can opener (manual)
• Local maps
• Pet and service animal supplies
• Baby supplies (formula, diapers, etc.)
• Extra pair of eyeglasses

The most important thing is to not get caught unprepared.

So make sure you stay ready, so you don't have to get ready.