Make a plan

Severe weather events can come quickly and last for multiple days. Make a plan and build a kit to keep you and your family safe.

Advanced preparation helps reduce panic when a storm is about to hit.

Create a household emergency plan.

Consider the types of emergencies you could face: flooding, house fire, or downed power lines. Discuss ways to handle these emergencies with your family and assign roles for each member. Determine places to meet up if family members are separated and identify an out-of-area emergency contact. In case of evacuation, know a safe route to a hotel, shelter, or friends’ homes to avoid flood zones.

Practice your plan twice a year and keep it current. Also, be sure to keep household records well-organized to facilitate any future insurance claims.

Stay in touch.

Register to get critical information such as severe weather and unexpected road closure announcements. Click here to learn more.

Build a kit.

In considering what you may need for a major storm, think about your food, water, safety and temperature needs. 

Emergency preparedness resources encourage households to store a gallon of water per person per day. Plan for three days of water or more, if there is concern that a long-duration storm is approaching. 

For food, consider your current needs and store enough non-perishable, nutritional foods to provide sustenance for at least three days for every person in your home.

Additional items to include:

  • First-aid kit 
  • Radio; battery-powered or hand-crank
  • Flashlight with batteries
  • Whistle or air horn to signal for help 
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Manual can opener, small tools, utensils  
  • Local maps 
  • Cell phone chargers, portable chargers, batteries

Consider these additional supplies for personal needs: 

  • Medications held in a water-tight bag or container
  • Eyeglasses
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Infant formula, diaper supplies
  • Pet food and supplies
  • Sleeping bag or blanket
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Household chlorine bleach with a medicine dropper
  • Paper and pencil 
  • Extra cash 
  • Copies of personal documents 

Visit ready.gov/build-a-kit to review all of the recommendations and download a printable list.

Be prepared, not scared.

  • Rain is pouring down. In 2018, Mercer County experienced the highest annual precipitation ever recorded, simply due to heavier rains scattered throughout the year.
  • Climate change is causing this impact. For every 1°F increase in temperature, the atmosphere can hold around 4 percent more water vapor. This leads to heavier rain and increased flooding.
  • Recent storms prove the point. In 2012, Hurricane Sandy obliterated records with its exceptionally low air pressure and powerful storm surge.