March marks the beginning of spring—and with it comes the potential for severe weather. High winds, thunderstorms, and even tornadoes can strike with little warning. Taking time now to prepare can help keep your family safe and your home protected when storms roll in.
1. Make a storm plan.
Talk with your family about where to go and what to do if severe weather hits. Choose a safe room—such as a basement or an interior room without windows—and make sure everyone knows how to get there quickly.
2. Build an emergency kit.
Keep essentials in an easy-to-grab kit, including flashlights, extra batteries, bottled water, nonperishable food, a first-aid kit, and any necessary medications. Don’t forget to include important documents and a portable charger for your phone.
3. Stay informed.
Sign up for local weather alerts and purchase a NOAA Weather Radio to receive warnings as they happen. Pay attention to watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service.
4. Protect your electronics.
Unplug sensitive devices during severe storms, and use surge protectors to help prevent damage from lightning strikes or power surges.
5. Plan for outages.
If power goes out, check CCEC's outage map. If your outage is not reflected on the map, give us a call. Always avoid downed power lines—assume they are energized and dangerous, and report them to CCEC immediately.
Preparation today can make all the difference tomorrow. By staying weather-aware and ready for anything, you can protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind during storm season.