September is National Preparedness Month, and we’ve spent the past few weeks posting different ways you and your family can prepare for emergencies on our social media. Unfortunately, extreme weather is becoming more frequent and intense. We’ve seen extreme storms, tornadoes, flooding and heat this past spring and summer. We’ve also seen the devastation this weather can cause. It’s more important than ever for you be ready for these events; and the best time to prepare is before extreme weather is imminent.

Here are five ways you and your family can be prepared for extreme weather:

1.     Make a plan to stay safe. The severe storms and tornadoes we're famous for in the Midwest require you to shelter. Determine the safest spot in your home to shelter, and make sure everyone in your home can get to that place. You want to be on the lowest level of your home and away from windows. Flooding may require you to evacuate. Think about where you will go, how you will get there and what you will take with you. If you have pets, make a plan for how to keep them safe.

If you need assistance in either evacuating or getting to your shelter safely, speak with care providers, family or neighbors and make a plan well in advance.

2.     Gather and organize critical supplies. Have non-perishable food, water, medicine and pet gear ready for sheltering and evacuation. Be sure you include items like a first-aid kit, batteries, chargers and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio. It’s good to have helmets in your tornado shelter to protect your head in the event of a severe tornado. Your emergency kit should reflect the needs of your household. Include small toys and snacks for children and pets and any medical devices you may need. It is also a good idea to keep a physical copy of your pet’s vet records in your emergency kit.

3.     Stay Connected. Plan with loved ones on how you will stay connected if phone or internet services are down. Keep physical copies of phone numbers and key addresses in your emergency kit. Sign up for updates with your county and city governments to receive critical information during a disaster. Monitor local weather and news reports.

4.     Have working smoke alarms and a plan to escape. Home fires are the most common disaster. Regularly check that your smoke alarms work, and replace them every 10 years. On average, you only have two minutes to escape a home fire. Make sure everyone in your household knows how to escape and knows the shared meeting spot away from the home. Practice evacuating twice a year.

5.     Download the free Red Cross Emergency App. This app gives up-to-date weather alerts, preparedness tips and more in both English and Spanish.

Disasters can happen anywhere, often without warning. That’s why it is critical to be prepared and stay prepared.

If you are interested in helping your community prepare for and during times of disaster, visit redcross.org/volunteer.