If you don’t start making plans for severe weather until you hear about it, sometimes it’s too late. When bad weather starts to hit the news, a frenzy hits, often resulting in looting of stores for emergency supplies such as batteries, flashlights, and even generators. Smart families know that it’s important to always be prepared to a certain degree and if you’re tech savvy, you also know that prep also includes considering your digital devices. Here are 8 ways you can prep your home, devices, and your family as severe weather approaches. Please note the first three are in video form!
Plug in or unplug. Plug in to a universal power supply (UPS) with battery backup to protect your home electronics from power surges and give yourself time to save items as you’re working on. Pricey electronics, such as a home stereo system or flat screen television, should be plugged into a surge protector or unplugged so they won’t be fried due to electrical power surges.
Round up your flashlights and check your battery supply. There’s nothing worse than fumbling around, trying to replace dead batteries in flashlights when the power goes out. Test flashlights before severe weather and make sure you have enough batteries of all kinds. Knowing that everything works provides peace of mind that you can grab a flashlight as soon as the power goes out.
Enlist your kids. Bad weather can produce fear in kids and having them help, lets them mentally prepare for the things that may happen. It also gives them a chance to share their fears and concerns while getting the physical items you need ready for what’s coming.
Ensure you have a safe place to put things that aren’t reliant on electricity. Master Lock Safe Space is a portable cases designed to secure small items like jewelry if you need to grab items in a hurry. Store important documents and medical information in the Document Steel Security File Box that’s the ideal size for files and papers and also easy to grab and go.
Stay calm. While you want the weather to be wrong, it’s best to always be prepared but do it in a calm way. Your fear will transfer to your kids and sets the tone for your family. Knowing that you’re prepared will ease everyone’s fears and helps you get through your severe weather situation safely.
I am part of Master Lock’s Live Secure Safety Squad where I receive products for review, occasionally host product giveaways and am compensated for my involvement. All opinions are my own.
