When it comes to natural disasters, most people think, “That probably won’t happen here.” Until, of course, it does. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, ice storms, even extended power outages, can disrupt life in an instant. The difference between chaos and calm often comes down to one simple thing: preparation.
That’s something real estate expert Pat Wattam knows all too well. Living and working in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Pat has weathered more hurricanes than she can count. Her hands-on experience has made her a go-to resource on what it truly takes to be prepared, not just for yourself, but for your family, your clients, and your neighbors.
Here’s a roundup of some of Pat’s smartest tips for building a solid emergency plan, no matter where you live.
Start Before Trouble Appears
The biggest mistake many people make is waiting until a storm is forecast or a warning is issued. By then, stores are overrun, gas lines are long, and you’re left scrambling. Instead, treat emergency prep as an ongoing priority. Check your supplies periodically and refresh them at the start of each storm season or just make it a habit once or twice a year.
Create a Practical Checklist
It sounds simple, but a written list of essentials is a game changer. Stock up on enough food and water to last at least three days, though planning for longer is even better. Include items like:
- Bottled water (plus large containers you can fill)
- Non-perishable food
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- A first-aid kit
- Necessary medications
- A battery-powered radio or charger
- Important documents in a waterproof container
And don’t forget pet food if you have furry family members!
Store Water Creatively
Most people think about bottled water, but if you’re facing the possibility of losing municipal water service, it’s smart to go a step further. Fill bathtubs and buckets so you have water for flushing toilets, cleaning, or even additional drinking supply if needed.
Keep Cash on Hand
It’s easy to overlook, but power outages often mean no credit or debit cards. Having a stash of small bills $1s, $5s, and $10s means you can still pay for essentials at stores operating without electricity or card readers.
Top Off the Gas and Have Extra Fuel
Disasters almost always bring fuel shortages. Keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full during storm seasons. If you use a generator, have gasoline stored safely and enough on hand to run it for at least three days. It can also give you flexibility to evacuate quickly without worrying about where to refuel.
Secure Your Property
High winds can turn everyday items into dangerous missiles. Take time to secure or store patio furniture, grills, planters, and other loose outdoor items that could become projectiles and damage your home or your neighbor’s.
Turn Off Electricity
If you are at risk of flooding and plan to evacuate, be sure to turn off your electricity before you leave. Water and electricity don’t mix and could potentially create a hazard for others trying to evacuate or first responders trying to access the area. Prevent further damage to your property and protect others by turning off the main breaker to your home before you evacuate.
Know Where You’ll Go
An emergency is no time to start searching for hotel availability or debating routes. Decide in advance where you’d go if you needed to evacuate, whether that’s to family, friends, or a pet-friendly hotel. Map out multiple routes, since main roads may be congested or closed.
Adjust Based on Experience
Every storm or emergency teaches new lessons. Maybe you ran out of batteries last time or underestimated how long stores would be closed. Let past experiences fine-tune your plan so you’re even more ready next time.
Share the Knowledge
If you work in real estate or any community-facing role, consider how you can help others be prepared too. Pat, for example, gives her clients a hurricane preparedness sheet long before the weather heats up. It’s a thoughtful way to show you care and it can save people a lot of last-minute stress.
Preparedness Gives You Confidence
Being ready for emergencies isn’t about fear, it’s about peace of mind. Knowing you have a plan and the supplies you need helps you stay calm and take smart action when it matters most.
Whether you live near the coast, in tornado alley, or even in a snowy climate prone to ice storms and blackouts, these simple steps can make a world of difference. So, start today. Build your checklist, review your plan, and talk it over with your family. You’ll be glad you did no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.
Remember: Real estate success is built one relationship at a time. Let these strategies help you connect, convert, and thrive.
You Are Not Alone—And You Don’t Have to Do It Alone At Kim Hughes & Co., we specialize in helping agents build not just systems, but confidence. We understand the unique mindset challenges real estate professionals face, and we offer tools, resources, and one-on-one support to help you work smarter, not harder.
Ready to take control of your mindset and your business? Book a free strategy call today and let’s build a plan that works for you.
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