(HealthDay News) -- Preparing your family and your home can help keep you calm and safe during a major thunderstorm.
The American Red Cross recommends:
- Learning more about your community's severe thunderstorm emergency warning system. Have a family conversation about thunderstorm safety.
- Designating a safe area (away from windows, doors and skylights) for the family during a severe storm.
- Preparing your home by keeping shrubs and trees trimmed, and creating a list of things to be brought inside before a storm. Ensure that any outdoor shelters for pets are also ready for severe weather.
- Assembling an emergency kit that includes non-perishable snacks, water, flashlight and batteries, a first aid kit, personal documents and a cell phone and charger.