Summer should be fun—BBQs, road trips, time off with family. But for many of us, it also marks the start of high-risk seasons: hurricanes in the South and East, wildfires in the West, and extreme heat just about everywhere.

As someone who has spent more than two decades in emergency management, I’ve learned that preparation doesn’t have to be complicated, and it shouldn’t get in the way of enjoying summer. In fact, being prepared helps protect the fun. When you have a plan in place, you can breathe a little easier knowing you’ve done what you can.

Whether you're leading a business, managing a team, or just looking out for your family, here are a few things to keep in mind as the season kicks off.