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.