What kinds of storms should you plan for?
The threats depend on where you live: thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, hail, floods, winter storms and high winds all appear in different regions. Start by learning which ones are most likely where you are.
The National Weather Service and your county emergency management office can explain local risks and the alert terms used in your area. Learn the difference between a watch and a warning for each hazard.
Write down the worst storm you have seen on your property and what it damaged. That history helps you see where to focus your preparations.
How will you get warnings?
Rural areas can have patchy cell service and few sirens. Use more than one method: weather radio, phone alerts and county notification systems if they exist. Know what each one covers, and test them.
Decide ahead of time who will check the forecast on a stormy day and who will bring animals in. Having one person responsible reduces confusion.
Keep phones charged during storm watches and have a plan for communicating if networks fail, such as a meeting spot or a check-in time with relatives.
- Weather radio with battery backup
- Phone alerts and county notification sign-ups
- A habit of checking forecasts before travel and field work
Where is the safe place?
Choose a sheltering place for each hazard with guidance from your emergency management office and Ready.gov. The best place for a tornado is not the same as for a flood or high wind, and a mobile or manufactured home may need a different plan.
Practice with everyone in the household, including children and visitors. Keep shoes, flashlights and a radio near the shelter spot.
Teach children what the alerts sound like, where to go and what to do. Calm, simple practice makes real events less frightening.
How do you protect animals and buildings?
Ask your extension office or veterinarian how to keep livestock and pets as safe as possible during storms in your area. Know where animals will go, how to get them there and what to do if shelters or fences fail.
Walk the property before storm season. Look at trees near buildings, loose roofing, doors, sheds and anything that can blow away. Ask a qualified contractor about reinforcing weak points. Never take risks to save equipment or property during a storm.
Keep tools such as bolt cutters, a chainsaw and gloves within reach, but never cut or move wires or heavy debris unless you are trained and sure it is safe.
What do you need for an outage or blocked road?
Plan for several days without power or travel. Keep water, food, medicines, light, batteries, blankets and a way to charge phones. If you rely on a well pump, plan how you will get water.
Think about animals as well. How will you water and feed them if power fails? Generators must be used outdoors only, and fuel needs safe storage. Learn the carbon monoxide risks before using one.
- Water and shelf-stable food
- Medications and first aid supplies
- Backup light and charging
- A plan for animal water and feed
What should you do after the storm passes?
Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the utility. Watch for damaged trees, flooded roads, unstable buildings and contaminated water. If a flood touched your well or septic system, ask the county health department about testing and safe use before relying on them.
Take photos of damage before cleanup, and contact your insurance company. FEMA and your county may offer help after major disasters. Eligibility and rules are set by the agencies.
Keep notes of what you used, what ran short and what you wish you had. Update your supplies after each event so the next one is easier.
How do you look after each other?
Check on neighbors, especially older adults and anyone who lives alone. Share what you have and what you need. Be patient with the stress that follows a storm.
If the experience leaves you anxious or low, tell someone you trust or your doctor. You can call or text 988 in the US at any time.
Offer practical help, such as a hot meal, a charging station or a hand clearing a driveway, and accept help when you need it.
Key takeaways
- Learn which storms are likely where you live and what each alert means.
- Use more than one way to get warnings.
- Choose and practice shelter spots for each hazard.
- Plan for animals, outages and blocked roads.
- Stay away from hazards after the storm and ask the county about wells and septic if flooded.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.