Summer
June – August
Wildfires, extreme heat, hurricane season starts, drought.
Summer is brutal across climates — wildfires in the West, heat death in the Southwest, early hurricane activity on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Power grids regularly fail under AC demand. This is the season where a home evacuation plan, water storage, and cooling capacity matter most.
Top Threats This Season
Extreme heat
Leading weather-related cause of death in the US; elderly and children most vulnerable
Hurricane season (starts June 1)
Atlantic and Gulf coasts; pre-positioning matters before peak in August/September
Drought & water scarcity
Rolling regional crises in the West and Southwest
Grid failure from AC load
Rolling blackouts increasingly common during heat waves
Priority Tasks
Create evacuation plan + routes
Two routes minimum. Meet-up point. Pre-decided lodging (friend, family, hotel). Vehicle always half-full of gas.
Stage go-bags by the door
When a wildfire evacuation order comes, you have minutes. Have bags loaded, not assembled.
Audit water storage
Drought pushes restrictions — 2 weeks minimum, 14 gallons/person. Fill a WaterBOB if hurricane is forecast.
Cooling plan without power
Battery fan, cooling towel, basement or lowest floor, wet cloths, avoiding midday exertion.
Hurricane shutters / plywood ready
Pre-cut plywood for windows if you're on a vulnerable coast. Cut dimensions now, store labeled.
Gear Focus
N95 masks (box of 20+)
Wildfire smoke travels thousands of miles; AQI warnings are summer reality
Battery-powered fans
When AC fails, airflow prevents heat stroke
Full fuel cans (20+ gal)
Evacuation rushes drain gas stations fast; generators need fuel
WaterBOB (100 gal tub bladder)
Filled before a hurricane; massive backup water source
Skills to Sharpen
Seasonal Checklist
- Go-bags staged and ready to grab
- Vehicle kept at half tank or better, evacuation routes known
- Water storage topped off, filter working
- N95 masks accessible (fire smoke, pandemic, construction)
- Generator fueled, stabilizer added, run monthly
- Pet evacuation supplies ready (carrier, 2 weeks food, vaccination record)