Julia Wright, Executive Director of American Red Cross in Southeast Tennessee, says to make sure you have your essentials on hand.

"When we see the weather forecast that we're having, you want to be prepared before those things happen,” she says.

Wright says there are three steps to prepare.

First, build a kit.

“You'll want to have a disaster supply kit. In that kit, you'll want to have things that are personal to you, as well as some just basic items, non-perishable food, blanket,” she explains.

Wright says personal items include any medications you may need.

If you have children or a pet, keep their favorite and essential items nearby so they are easier to find.

Other items to include are gallons of water, flashlights, a battery-powered radio, cell phone chargers, and extra clothing to keep you warm.

The second step is to make a plan.

Thirdly, stay informed.

If the power goes out, Wright says to take some precautions.

“Unplug your appliances so when the electricity comes back on, sometimes it'll flicker back and forth, it can be very damaging to your appliances and other electronics,” she says.

Wright says to keep the refrigerator and freezer door closed. She says perishable items are typically good for two hours without electricity.

If you have a generator, Wright says to only use it outside because it can create carbon monoxide poisoning. She says to make sure the generator is set in a dry area.

“Anytime that you're prepared ahead of time, you're much more relaxed when something does happen, so, you're prepared,” she says. “You know what to do and you have the tools and the resources to do what you need to do in case of emergency."

Wright says it's a good idea to keep essentials in your car, in case of an emergency.

To prevent pipes from freezing, Wright says to remove outdoor hoses, cover outdoor faucets, and make sure outdoor pipes are wrapped with foam insulation. She says to open the inside cabinet doors and let faucets drip when temperatures drop below freezing.

Our Local 3 Weather team will keep you up to date on weather conditions.