Before severe weather hits, it’s important to have an action plan to keep you and your family safe. The first step to getting prepared is being alerted at the first sign of severe weather.

Check out The Weather Channel’s webpage (www.weather.com) to get free e-mail or text alerts for severe weather based on zip code.

In the upper right corner, select “Menu” and in the center “Severe” section go to “Get Severe Alerts” at the bottom of the list to get push alerts by downloading an app or e-mails through “National Weather Service Alerts by Location”.

Next, put together an action plan with your family including your designated take shelter area. Make sure to have emergency supplies stocked in this area such as flashlights, water, and a radio.

For full instructions of how to keep your family safe, go to https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan or https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies.html.