7 Tips To Be Ready For An Emergency

Although I live in Florida, I have been lucky enough to never personally be affected by a hurricane or tornado. (Knock on wood.) In fact, living in Central Florida I never really even considered it a risk for where I live until the hurricane season of 2004. In one season I went from thinking natural disasters were a coastal problem to realizing that an hour away from the coast is not far enough for a hurricane.

This is a sponsored post.

I’ve always had some emergency preparedness plans in place, but after 2004 I stepped up my game. Each year at the start of hurricane season, I double-check my supplies to make sure we are ready should Mother Nature come a-knockin’.  Batteries, flashlights and lanterns ready and available, check! Freshwater, check!

According to a recent Energizer survey, only 38% of American households keep an emergency kit at home for severe weather. Of those who are prepared, 84 percent said their kit includes a flashlight/handheld light, but only 36 percent of those that keep an emergency kit have a lantern and only 21 percent keep a headlight/headlamp in their kits. (We have all three.) Do you have an emergency kit for your family?

September is national preparedness month, and Energizer wants to remind you to be prepared — just in case. If you do nothing else, make sure you review these seven tips and stock up on water and lighting. Even if you have a minor power outage or sewage issue, this water and lighting will be very important.

Energizer Preparedness Month Tips

1. Create a plan. Have a plan with your family for what to do before, during and after severe weather. Make sure to practice your plan so you are ready for any situation. 

2. Keep a portable light in every room: When the power goes out, you don’t want to go digging through closets or drawers looking for that flashlight. Energizer portable lights ensure you’re ready for any situation:

• • Weatheready®– Long lasting, practical solutions designed to keep you and your family safe during a weather emergency
  • Fusion Flashlights and Lanterns – Compact and versatile, Energizer® Light Fusion Technology products are compact, water-resistant and provide impressively bright long-lasting light
  • Headlights – Energizer’s powerful LED headlights are lightweight and versatile – perfect for keeping your hands free during an emergency situation

3. Designate a place to seek shelter. Designate a meeting place for your family to take shelter. A basement or the smallest, most interior room on the lowest floor is safest for severe weather and tornadoes. In the event of a tropical storm or hurricane, evacuate the area if instructed by local authorities.

4. Make an emergency kit. Keep an emergency kit stocked with bottled water, canned food, copies of vital information, a first aid kit with prescriptions and an Energizer® Emergency Weather Station, which acts as a light, radio and charging station.

5. Check social media for updates. Oftentimes communications can be limited during severe weather. Social media can give you the most up-to-date information from local government agencies and news outlets.

6. Charge your devices. Make sure to charge your cell phone and ensure that your radio and flashlight have fresh batteries. Energizer® MAX® with Power Seal Technology are long-lasting and are no leaks guaranteed.

7. Stock your vehicle. Don’t be caught unaware in your car during a severe weather situation. Make sure to have an emergency kit with the essentials in your vehicle.

Make sure your family is ready for anything with battery-operated lights (and batteries) from Energizer!