Are you one of the thousands of Dallas residents who are without power or damaged property from this week? Don’t let the next severe weather event catch you off guard. There are at least three steps you can take to make sure that you, your family, and friends are prepared for the next big weather event.

Charge your devices

Make sure your phone and other electronic devices like tablets and laptops are charged and ready to receive alerts for severe weather from local, state, and federal agencies as well as your local media.
You can sign-up for the free emergency notification system, DallasALERT.

Make a plan

In the event of a tornado, you and your family will want a safe place in the house to go to. According to the City of Dallas Office of Emergency Management, the center of the house, a sturdy closet, or bathroom is a good place to hunker down.

Rolling acres of fiery grape leaves beneath stormy October skies — just a standard view at Alloro Vineyard. | Photo courtesy of @alloro_vineyard

Educate yourself

Have you ever seen a wall cloud? Do you know the difference between a watch and a warning? Whether you're already a weather expert or want to learn more, take a SKYWARN class. While most of the online and in-person courses take place between January and April, an online SKYWARN Storm Spotter course will be held virtually in September, just in time for the height of hurricane season. You'll also receive a certificate of completion for the course that's valid for two years.

Have a storm season tip that we missed? Send it our way — we may include it in our guide.