Living in South Florida means being ready for a variety of emergencies. Hurricanes, flooding, severe thunderstorms and home fires can happen with little warning, and being prepared before an emergency occurs can make all the difference.

The good news? Preparedness doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of low-cost, and even no-cost, ways to help protect yourself and the people you love.

1. Make an Emergency Plan:  It’s Free!

One of the easiest ways to start preparing costs nothing at all.

Talk with everyone in your household about what you would do during an emergency. Choose two meeting places ; one right outside your home and another outside your neighborhood  and determine where you would go if you needed to evacuate.

For South Florida families, this is especially important during hurricane season. Know your evacuation plan before a storm threatens our area, including where you’ll go, how you’ll get there and what you’ll do with your pets.

Keep important phone numbers and emergency contacts written down in case cell service or internet access is unavailable.

2. Build Your Emergency Kit a Little at a Time

You don’t have to purchase everything for your emergency kit in one shopping trip.

Start with items you may already have at home, then add supplies gradually. Pick up an extra flashlight, batteries or a few shelf-stable food items when they’re on sale. Check clearance sections, use coupons and look for buy-one-get-one deals.

In South Florida, households should be prepared for the possibility of losing access to power, water, internet or stores for several days following a major storm.

Remember to include supplies for everyone in your household — including children, older adults, people with disabilities and pets.

3. Download the Free Red Cross Emergency App

Turn the phone already in your pocket into another preparedness tool.

The free Red Cross Emergency app provides weather alerts, preparedness information, live weather maps and information about Red Cross shelters. You can also monitor multiple locations, making it easier to keep an eye on conditions where loved ones live.

The app is available in English and Spanish and can be found by searching “American Red Cross” in your app store or visiting redcross.org/apps.

4. Sign Up for Local Emergency Alerts

Make sure you know how your county or city will communicate important information during an emergency.

Sign up for local emergency notifications and familiarize yourself with where to find evacuation orders, shelter information and other updates. During hurricanes and other severe weather events, having multiple ways to receive reliable information is important.

5. Prepare for More Than Hurricanes

Hurricanes may receive much of the attention in South Florida, but they aren’t the only emergencies families should prepare for.

Home fires can happen anywhere and at any time. Test your smoke alarms regularly, create and practice a home fire escape plan and make sure everyone in your household knows two ways to get out of every room.

Preparedness is about taking small steps before you need them. This National Preparedness Month, choose one thing you can do today — whether it’s creating your family emergency plan, adding a few items to your kit or downloading the Red Cross Emergency app.

A little preparation today can help you and your loved ones feel more ready when an emergency happens.

Want to learn more? The American Red Cross South Florida Region offers preparedness education to help individuals, families and organizations learn how to stay safe before, during and after disasters.