Severe Weather Safety When You Live Alone

Severe weather can strike fast. When you are home alone, knowing what to do — and having a way to alert others — makes all the difference.

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Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes cause an average of 500 deaths in the US each year — most preventable with basic preparation.

The Challenge

No one is home to help you shelter quickly, move to safety, or assist if you are injured during a storm.

Power outages during severe weather cut off news and communication when you need them most.

Many solo residents have no agreed plan with contacts for checking in during weather emergencies.

Post-storm hazards like downed power lines, flooding, and structural damage are harder to assess safely when you are alone and shaken.

How I'm Alive Helps

Identify the safest shelter point in your home before severe weather season — an interior room away from windows.

Keep a battery-powered weather radio and a charged phone power bank for outages.

Agree a check-in schedule with contacts using I'm Alive before severe weather arrives.

Stock your shelter room with water, snacks, medications, and a flashlight so you do not need to move through the house during dangerous conditions.

Preparing for Severe Weather Season

Know the difference between a Watch (conditions are right for severe weather) and a Warning (severe weather is imminent or occurring). Sign up for local emergency alerts on your phone. Stock a shelter kit: water, snacks, medications, torch, spare batteries, first aid kit, and a battery radio. Keep it in your shelter room so you are not searching for it during a storm. Bring garden furniture, planters, and other loose objects inside before a storm to prevent them becoming projectiles.

During and After a Storm

During a tornado warning: move to the lowest floor of your home, an interior room or corridor away from windows. Get under something sturdy or cover yourself with blankets to protect against debris. During a thunderstorm: stay indoors, unplug electronics, and avoid running water. If power is lost, use torches, not candles, to reduce fire risk. After the storm passes, send a check-in to your contacts using I'm Alive before venturing outside to assess damage. Watch for downed power lines, weakened trees, and flooded areas.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the safest place in my home during a tornado?

A basement is safest. If you have no basement, use an interior room on the lowest floor away from windows — a bathroom or closet works well.

Should I open windows during a storm to equalise pressure?

No — this is a myth. Keep windows closed and take shelter. Opening windows wastes critical time.

How do I stay informed during a power outage?

Use a battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio. Many areas also have sirens and emergency text alerts sent to mobile phones.

Is it safe to drive during a severe thunderstorm?

Avoid driving if possible. If caught in a storm, pull safely off the road, turn on hazard lights, and wait for the storm to pass.

How does I'm Alive help during severe weather?

Set a check-in before the storm arrives. If the storm is severe and you miss your check-in, your contacts are automatically notified and can send help.