Severe Weather Safety Kit Must-Haves

Written by Kelly Hughes

 

There are two kinds of Oklahomans during severe weather season: the kind that chases the storm (or stands out in the front yard filming a tornado 100 yards away on their cell phone), and the kind that prepares and gets in the cellar early. While we love a good tornado thrill every now and then, this post is for the latter group.

Our team has put together a list of supplies to keep in your family’s emergency kit. Grab a plastic tote or water-resistant container and get your supplies together so your family will be ready to head to the cellar or designated safe meeting place at a moment’s notice.

 

Severe Weather Safety Kit Must-Haves

Stock in storm cellar or designated safe place:

  • Bottled water
  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • Weather radio and extra batteries
  • Whistle or flare to signal for help
  • First aid kit [check back next week for an emergency preparedness first aid kit checklist!]
  • Enough non-perishable foods to last several days [things like granola or protein bars and canned fruits and veggies are great choices! If you pack cans that don’t have easy open lids, be sure to store a handheld can opener in the cellar.]
  • Alcohol wipes or hand sanitizer
  • Large bucket and toilet paper for waste if unable to leave shelter for extended period
  • Trash bags
  • Infant/toddler care items if applicable to your family [diapers, baby wipes, formula, canned baby food, bottles, etc.]
  • Pet food and leashes if applicable

 

Keep these items nearby so they can be grabbed at a moment’s notice:

  • Important documents like birth certificates, passports, Social Security cards, copies of driver’s licenses, titles for vehicles, etc. Be sure to keep these in a folder that will keep them dry.
  • Emergency information for each family member with name, date of birth, list of medications, allergies, health insurance documents and emergency contact information.
  • Medications
  • Blankets and pillows
  • Change of clothes for each family member including jackets
  • Cell phone
  • Hard drives
  • Sentimental items

 

Did we leave something out? Send your severe weather safety kit contents to kelly@highfivemedia.com.

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