As storm seasons lengthen and intensify, small preparations can mean the difference between a minor interruption and a major emergency. Consumer Reports’ experts offer practical, science-informed guidance for both winter storms and year-round severe weather, emphasizing actions that reduce immediate danger and long-term costs for households.

Start with the structure. Inspecting and maintaining roofs, gutters and downspouts keeps water where it belongs, preventing interior damage and foundation problems that can be costly to repair. Securing loose siding or outdoor fixtures and trimming trees and branches that overhang the house reduce the risk of projectiles during high winds. For older homes, checking insulation, weather stripping and windows not only improves comfort, it helps systems cope when power is lost.

Power outages are a central hazard in storms. Consumer Reports highlights the value of preparing for extended blackouts by ensuring portable devices and backup batteries are charged, keeping a supply of flashlights and a battery-powered radio, and understanding safe generator use. Generators must be properly ventilated and operated according to instructions to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning; maintaining working carbon monoxide and smoke detectors is essential. Households that rely on electrically powered medical devices should register with local utilities for priority assistance and plan contingencies, including backup power or alternative locations.

Food, water and medications are the basics of resilience. Stocking several days’ worth of nonperishable food, potable water, and an up-to-date supply of prescription medicines can bridge the gap until services are restored. Consumer Reports also advises keeping important documents in a waterproof container and backing up digital records. For drivers, maintaining a full tank of gas and an emergency kit in the vehicle reduces danger during sudden weather-related evacuations.

Insurance and documentation matter for recovery. Reviewing homeowners’ and flood insurance policies ahead of storms clarifies coverage limits and deductibles, reducing surprise costs after damage occurs. Documenting property with photos or video before a storm makes claims simpler and faster. For renters and lower-income households, accessing public assistance and local emergency shelters should be part of a pre-storm plan, since recovery resources are often unevenly distributed.

Beyond individual steps, Consumer Reports underscores the social dimensions of preparedness. Neighbors helping neighbors, community warming centers and clear communication from local authorities can markedly improve outcomes, especially for older adults and people with disabilities. Preparing at the household level is necessary but not sufficient; resilience depends on infrastructure investments, equitable emergency services and policies that address climate-driven increases in storm frequency and severity.

Consumer-grade products and practical maintenance are part of the solution, but so is informed decision-making. Consumer Reports, grounded in testing and expert review, aims to translate technical findings into actionable advice that reduces risk and financial strain. For households facing a storm forecast, early, simple actions—securing the home, assembling supplies, checking safety devices and clarifying recovery resources—offer the best chance to come through intact.