Tornado Emergency Kit: How to Pack for Your Whole Family
Tornado Emergency Kit: How to Pack for Your Whole Family
Hello Love!
I’ve been obsessed with the weather for as long as I can remember and every time I know bad weather is coming our way, I’m always prepared. I’ve been lucky enough to have never had damage from a storm but after an EF-0 hit at the end of our street in November 2016, I always knew I needed an emergency kit ready.
The best way to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe and have a chance at weathering the storm is to have an emergency kit ready to go. That’s why I’ve created this ultimate guide to creating a tornado emergency kit. I’ll help you determine your needs, build your kit, know where to store it, keep it up to date, and give emergency preparedness tips so you can be as ready as possible. Don’t wait until it’s too late – start building your emergency kit today.
Determining Your Needs
Before you can start building your tornado emergency kit, it’s important to determine your specific needs. Factors like the number of family members, ages, and medical conditions should all be taken into account when creating your kit. Make a list of all the potential scenarios that could occur during a tornado and what you and your family would need to weather the storm.
Take the time to assess your home and the surrounding area to identify any potential hazards, like falling debris or flooding. This will help you determine what additional items, like blankets or sandbags, you may need to add to your kit.
Building Your Tornado Emergency Kit
First and foremost, consider the number of people in your household and any specific needs they may have. For example, if you have a baby in the family, be sure to include diapers, formula, and other necessary supplies. If anyone in your household has a medical condition, make sure to include any necessary medication.
Next, gather the essential items, such as water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, and a flashlight with extra batteries. Don’t forget to include a whistle and a portable radio to stay informed about any updates on the storm.
As mentioned earlier, after assessing your home and surroundings, you may need additional items such as blankets, pillows, or sandbags to help protect yourself during a tornado.
As you build your kit, consider storing it in an easily accessible place, such as a closet or under a bed, where you can grab it quickly in case of an emergency.
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Where to Store Your Kit
As crucial as it is to have a tornado emergency kit, it’s equally important to store it in an easily accessible location. When an emergency strikes, the last thing you want is to scramble around looking for your kit. Some good places to store your kit include a closet or your designated area you will wait out the storm, as these locations are convenient and won’t take up too much space.
But there are a few factors to consider when choosing a spot to store your kit. First, think about the size of your kit and where it will fit best. You may also want to consider storing it in a spot that’s easy to remember or close to an exit.
Another important factor to consider is the temperature of the storage spot. Keep your kit away from areas that are prone to extreme temperatures, such as a garage or attic. Extreme heat or cold can damage items like batteries and medications, rendering them useless when you need them the most.
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Keeping Your Kit Up to Date
It’s important to remember that emergency kits aren’t a one-and-done deal. Keeping your kit up-to-date is crucial for its effectiveness in the event of a tornado. The first step to maintaining your kit is to regularly check the expiration dates on items like medications, food, and water. Replace any expired items and add any new medications or necessary items.
It’s a good idea to revisit your kit every six months to make sure it’s fully stocked and everything is in good condition. You may also want to consider adjusting the contents of your kit based on the changing seasons. In the colder months, include extra warm clothing, blankets, and hand warmers. In the warmer months, include sunscreen, insect repellent, and extra water.
By regularly checking and updating your tornado emergency kit, you’ll ensure that you’re fully prepared for any tornadoes that may come your way.
Emergency Preparedness Tips
First and foremost, it’s important to have a plan in place. Discuss with your family where the safest place in your home is in the event of a tornado, and practice going there quickly. Make sure everyone knows how to get there and what to bring with them. If you have young children, make sure they understand the plan as well.
It’s also a good idea to have a designated meeting place outside of your home in case you need to evacuate. Choose a location that’s easily accessible and far enough away from your home to avoid any danger.
Another important aspect of emergency preparedness is staying informed. Pay close attention to weather forecasts and warnings, and make sure you have a reliable way of receiving updates, whether it’s through a weather radio or a smartphone app.
Finally, it’s important to stay calm during a tornado. If you’re caught outside or in a vehicle, seek shelter immediately. If you’re already in a safe place, stay there and avoid going outside until the danger has passed.
Following these emergency preparedness tips, in addition to having a fully stocked tornado emergency kit, can help ensure that you and your family stay safe during a tornado.
Grab our GT-3 Weather Radio HERE!
In the face of a tornado, one can never be too prepared. Creating an emergency kit can mean the difference between life and death, and that’s why we’ve put together this guide. By determining your needs, building your kit, and storing it in a safe place, you’ll be well on your way to being prepared for the unexpected. Remember to keep your kit up to date, and don’t forget to practice your emergency plan regularly. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Take action today and build your tornado emergency kit – it could save your life.
