Fredericksburg, Va. - 2022 has already proven to be a banner year for powerful summer storms.

Unfortunately, even as summer winds down, peak tropical storm and hurricane season continue through November. And snow and ice? Well, we won’t talk about that just yet.

With severe weather events occurring more frequently, now more than ever, it makes sense to be prepared.

In honor of National Preparedness Month in September, /Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) wants to remind member-owners about the power of preparation. While you don’t have to achieve a “doomsday prepper” level of preparedness, there are several practical steps you can take to keep you and your family safe.

Even at a modest level, preparation can help reduce stress, anxiety and lessen the impact of an emergency event. REC recommends starting with the basics.

Here are general guidelines recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency:

• Organize your supplies so they are together in an easily accessible location that family members know about.
• Assemble a grab-and-go disaster kit. Include nonperishable food items, water, diapers, batteries, flashlights, prescription medications, a first-aid kit, battery-powered radio and phone chargers.
• Have some extra cash available – during a power outage, electronic card readers and cash machines may not work.
• Store important documents in a safe place away from home, such as a bank safety deposit box.
• Gas up your car or charge your electric vehicles.
• Develop a plan for communicating with friends and family.
• For older family members or those with special needs, make sure they have enough medication and supplies for several days.
• If you have an infant or young child, make sure you have ample formula, diapers, medication and other supplies on hand.

Learn more at myrec.coop/stormprep.

REC provides electric service to over 171,000 connections in parts of 22 Virginia counties. With its general office in Fredericksburg, Va., the Cooperative operates and maintains more than 17,000 miles of power lines through its service area, which ranges from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay. For more information about REC, please visit www.myrec.coop. Follow REC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.