Storm Emergency Kit

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

Spring is the time of year when many things change—including the weather. Temperatures can swing back and forth between balmy and frigid. Sunny days may be followed by a week of stormy weather. Sometimes extreme weather changes can occur even within the same day. Thunderstorms cause most of the severe spring weather. They can bring lightning, tornadoes, and flooding. Whenever warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air, thunderstorms can occur. Because spring weather is so unpredictable, you may be unprepared when severe weather hits—particularly if you live in a region that does not often experience thunderstorms, tornadoes, or flooding. And when severe weather hits unexpectedly, the risk of injury and death increases. So planning ahead makes sense; prepare for storms, floods, and tornadoes as if you know in advance they are coming, because in the spring, they very likely will. Advance planning for thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes, and floods requires specific safety precautions. Keep an emergency kit on hand. Some items to include are: A battery-operated flashlight, a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio, and extra batteries for bothAn emergency evacuation or shelter plan, including a map of your home and, for every type of severe weather emergency, routes to safety from each roomA list of important personal information, including:telephone numbers of neighbors, family, and friendsinsurance and property informationtelephone numbers of utility companiesmedical informationAccording to the American Red Cross a first aid kit may include:non-latex glovesassortment of adhesive bandagesantibiotic ointmentsterile gauze pads in assorted sizesabsorbent compress dressingstweezersscissorsadhesive cloth tapeaspirin packets (81 mg each)First aid instruction booklet (NOTE: Customize your first aid kit to meet your individual and family needs.)A 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable foodPersonal hygiene itemsBlankets or sleeping bagsAn emergency kit in your car