09/08/2026
SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
Below this important message are several helpful links.
*PREPARE. DON’T PANIC.
As we have already seen this year, severe weather can happen any time. Fall begins 2nd severe weather season for many areas. Planning ahead saves rushing at the last minute.
*HAVE A SAFE PLACE
Consider investing in a storm shelter or safe room. If you don’t have one, know exactly where you will go, such as an approved community shelter, school, church, workplace or other designated safe location. Know your options before severe weather arrives. Know where your nearest hospital is.
If you shelter at home, go to the lowest level possible, preferably a basement or storm shelter. Without a basement, use a small, windowless interior room near the center of your home and put as many walls between you and the outside as possible. Protect your head and neck. Use sturdy pillows or even a mattress.
*BUILD A GO BAG
Include medications, first aid supplies, water, food, flashlight, batteries, weather radio, power bank, important documents, cash, hygiene items, sturdy shoes and necessary clothing.
Don’t forget children, pets, elderly family members and anyone with special needs. Include their medications, food, water, comfort items and anything else they depend on.
*GET THE WHOLE FAMILY INVOLVED
If your children or someone in your household becomes anxious during severe weather, don’t leave preparedness up to the adults. Let them help pack the go bag. Let them help choose the safest places in the house. Teach them where important supplies are and how emergency equipment works.
Teach kids their name, address/location, how to call 911 and who they should contact in an emergency. Help them understand storms instead of just being afraid of them.
*LEARN ABOUT WEATHER
Learn the difference between a watch and a warning, understand basic meteorology, learn how radar works and know how to receive emergency alerts. Know your location on a map. Do not rely on just one weather outlet.
Consider becoming a SKYWARN storm spotter and learning how trained volunteers help provide important information to the National Weather Service.
*LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER
Check on elderly relatives, neighbors and people you know who may need assistance, or those who have a habit of ignoring watches and warnings.
*WHEN SEVERE WEATHER ARRIVES, GET OFF THE ROADS.
If you absolutely must drive, NEVER stop or park under an overpass. Overpasses can become extremely dangerous during tornadoes and severe winds, and stopping there can block traffic, trap other motorists and prevent emergency vehicles from getting through.
Pre-planning and being prepared can save lives that might otherwise be lost during severe weather.
***HELPFUL LINKS ***
*Sign up to receive crucial weather alerts from Team Dominator Storm Recovery directly to your phone - sarwarn.com
*STORM SHELTER installation contractor:
https://fainstormshelters.com
*PRE PACKED GO-BAG:
https://tornadosmart.com/
*Disaster Recovery Gear:
https://www.rhinousainc.com/collections/recovery-gear
*Thunderheads keychains/plushies
Good for kids with weather anxiety -
https://thunderheads.com/collections/keychains
*PUBLIC SHELTER Searches:
Search for open shelters by texting SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362
https://survive-a-storm.com/tornado-shelter-finder/
https://www.steadfaststormshelters.com/public-tornado-shelter-locator
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html
https://findyourtornadoshelter.com/
*BASIC WEATHER COURSES:
https://pll.harvard.edu/course/backyard-meteorology-science-weather
https://weatheracademy.org/
https://alison.com/course/diploma-in-meteorology
*SKYWARN Spotter:
https://www.weather.gov/skywarn/
*Our Merch store also has bags, notepads and other severe weather needs -
https://tdstormrecovery.store/products
STAY SAFE 🧡
