Have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive emergency alerts if cell towers or the internet go down.

Why it’s important to do this:
When power or cell service fails, a radio can be your lifeline to official updates. Staying connected helps you make quick, informed decisions during severe weather or other emergencies.

How to stay prepared:

• Choose a radio that receive local emergency channels.
• Pick one with multiple power sources such as batteries, hand-crank, solar, or USB charging.
• Keep extra batteries or regularly recharge your device.
• Store your radio in your emergency kit or “go bag.”
• Write down local AM/FM and weather frequencies in case you need to tune in manually.
• Test your radio every few months to make sure it still works.

Bonus tip: Practice using your radio ahead of time so you can quickly find accurate information when it matters most.