$4.00 · 8-page PDF · instant download
Secure checkout by Stripe. Instant download after payment. All sales are final once the guide is downloaded.
A calm countdown plan for the days and hours before severe weather
This guide is for anyone who has seen a severe storm in the forecast and wants to get their home and household ready in a calm, organised way. You will learn how to follow official warnings, secure the outside of your home, prepare inside for power and water cuts, look after the people around you and know what to do when the storm arrives and passes. In an emergency, call your local emergency number and follow official emergency services and government advice, including any instruction to evacuate, which always overrides this guide. General information, not professional advice.
Your most important source of information before and during a storm is your official weather service and emergency management agency. They issue warnings based on expected wind, rain, flooding and other risks, and they will tell you if you need to take extra action, such as moving to higher ground or leaving your home.
Warning systems vary a lot by country. Some use colour-coded levels, some use categories or named warnings such as watches and warnings, and some send alerts directly to mobile phones. Find out now which official service covers your area, what its warning levels mean and how to receive alerts. Bookmark its website, follow its official social media accounts and keep a battery or wind-up radio for when the power or internet is down.
If you are in an area that could flood, also check your country's official flood warning service. Flooding often causes more damage and danger than wind, and it can happen some distance from where the heaviest rain falls.
Most big storms are forecast several days ahead. Spreading the preparation over that time means you avoid a last-minute rush and long queues at the shops. Use this countdown as a guide and adjust it to the warning and your situation. If a storm arrives with less notice, start with the items for the hours before and work backwards as time allows.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 3 to 5 days before | Check the forecast daily. Review your household emergency plan and kit. Top up supplies of water, food that needs no cooking, batteries and medicines. Check your insurance documents are accessible. |
| 2 days before | Clear gutters and drains if safe. Plan where to put garden furniture and loose items. Charge power banks. Fill your vehicle with fuel if you have one. Check on neighbours who may need help. |
| 1 day before | Secure or bring in outdoor items. Close and secure shutters if you have them. Fill clean containers with drinking water. Move valuables and important documents to a higher, safe place if flooding is possible. |
| Hours before | Bring pets inside. Close all windows and doors. Charge phones fully. Set fridges and freezers to their coldest setting. Stay tuned to official updates. |
| During the storm | Stay indoors, away from windows. Follow official instructions. Do not go outside to check damage until the storm has passed and it is safe. |
Get the rest: the full step-by-step guide plus a printable worksheet for $4.
$4
$4
$4
$4
$4
$4
$4
$4
$4
$4
$4
$4
$4
$4
$4
$4
$4
$4
$4