Storm Safety Kit 101 | Everything You Need To Survive

With weather changes happening so abruptly, a storm safety kit is your best chance at braving any storm that might be headed your way.

Check out this round-up of what to add to your storm safety kit for adequate preparation.

RELATED: Power Outage: What To Do When The Power Goes Out

Everything You Need to Make a Practical Storm Safety Kit

Click here to jump to the instructographic.

1. Drinking Water and Food

Your regular water supply might be compromised after a storm due to contaminations or lack of electricity to run your pumps. Therefore, consider storing at least a gallon of water per person for drinking and sanitary purposes.

Consider packing canned soups and vegetables, crackers, cereal, and other non-perishable foods to last you for at least three days. Also, only pack foods that you are sure your family likes and will consume.

Tips

• Remember to throw away any canned food that is swollen, smells, or is rancid
• Nursing mothers and baby may need more than a gallon
• You may also need more than a gallon if you live in warmer areas
• Bottled water is best for storage, especially with its original container. If you go for tap water, buy, and thoroughly clean storage containers meant for holding water
• Avoid packing salty foods as they will make you more thirsty
• Throw away any food contaminated by floodwater
• Store away more water if you have pets around

2. Blankets, Pillows, and Clothing

Ensure that every person has a warm blanket. Also, consider having additional beddings if you live in colder areas or if someone needs more.

Similarly, ensure that everybody has a complete change of clothing that includes long and warm pants, a warm pair of shoes that fits well, long-sleeved shirts, a warm jacket, and headwear.
Store away an additional pillow per head and some extra socks and underwear.

Tip: A pair of gloves will come in handy if you live in colder areas.

3. Basic First Aid Supplies

Every storm safety kit should have basic first aid supplies to treat minor injuries. These include supplies such as antibiotics, burn ointments, bandages.

Consider stocking up on medical supplies such as syringes should the need arise. And also, nonprescription drugs such as diarrhea medication and aspirin.

4. Prescriptions

Since you do not know the magnitude of the storm to expect, stocking up on your prescription rugs is your best chance to stay on your medication. This is especially important when you cannot go out for a refill.

Also, depending on the nature of the storm, drug stores may not be in operation.

5. Basic Toiletries

A practical storm safety kit should also contain toiletries such as soap, toilet paper, toothpaste, and other sanitary items. You may not realize the importance of some of these items until you run out of them. Store away all these supplies in a waterproof container to avoid damage.

Tip: Remember to stock up on diapers if you have a toddler.

6. Flashlights

Storms almost often lead to power outages hence the need for flashlights. The best thing is that there are many in the market so you cannot miss several that will suit your needs.

Ensure that you have a flashlight per head in your household. Stocking up on batteries will also ensure that you remain in the light, especially at night.

Tip: You can also use dry matches and candles but be careful with these, especially when you have children.

7. Battery-Powered Radio

With power out, you will have no way to keep your radios, TVs, and other electronic devices recharged hence the need for a battery-powered radio. Staying updated on essential storm warnings and news is crucial during emergencies.

This way, you can increase your survival chances by restocking on supplies, should need be. It is also a great source of entertainment during a blackout.

8. Battery-Operated Clock

Keeping track of time can be challenging, especially during adverse weather conditions, as it can get dark quickly. Keep a battery-powered clock in hand so that you adequately plan your day in addition to knowing the time.

Note: Knowing the time can also save your life as you can be at the right place at the right time, especially during an ongoing storm

RELATED: Emergency Preparedness for Blackout Threats

9. Extra Battery Supply

Photo by jadimages / Shutterstock.com

Without electricity, you are likely to go through battery power fast. This is considering you have a radio and flashlights per head in your household.

Stocking up on batteries guarantees that you do not end up in the dark, especially in cases where the storm might last long.

Tips

• Go with the most durable batteries you can find
• Purchase items that use the same type of batteries so that you can change from one object to another
• Having items that use the same type of batteries also saves you the hassle of looking for different types

10. Phone

Many people rely on our cell phones which become a high-tech hunk of junk when there is no power to recharge them. However, having an old-fashioned phone will come in handy during a storm since such phones will still work during a blackout. That is unless the telephone lines are broken.

11. Cash and Credit Cards

You can bet that banks will still not be in operation during and in the aftermath of any storm, and ATM will more likely than not be shuttered. It will help to have some cash at hand, therefore.

This will enable you to purchase items from grocery stores since you cannot swipe your credit or debit card during a power outage. It also makes it easier to travel should there be directions to evacuate certain areas due to floods.

12. Emergency Numbers

You can never underestimate the importance of emergency numbers. It is the easiest way for people to find each other, especially if you get separated during a storm. It is also the easiest way to reach your relatives should you need help or vice versa.

13. Important Documents

Another thing you need in your storm safety kit is your essential documents like birth certificates, and social security certificates packed away in waterproofs cases. This is the easiest way to keep them safe in case of a flood. It also makes them readily available for you in case of an evacuation.

14. Toys, Books, and Games

Without electricity to keep iPads, laptops, TVs, and other electronic devices charged, you will undoubtedly need different ways to keep people in your family entertained. You can go for books for family members who can read.

Toys and other toddler games will do for toddlers. Games such as cards are also a great way to keep grownups and older children entertained.

15. Baby Supplies

Photo by Sia Footage / Shutterstock.com

Besides toys, make sure you stock up plenty of diapers, and baby food, and infant formula on hand. It is a surefire way to keep infants or toddlers happy during and after a storm's aftermath.

16. Pet Supplies

Ensure you have enough pet food and extra water to feed any pets you may have around. Also, if your pet is on any medication, ensure you have enough to get it through the long haul.