Shutterstock
As we move past winter and move into spring, many of us stop worrying about ice storms and start worrying about other natural disasters, such as tornados.
Though tornados are a common occurrence for folks living in the midwest and the south, it’s still a scary and nerve-wracking experience. Not to mention, tornados move fast, so there’s often not very much time to prepare.
If you live in a tornado-prone area or want to be prepared for one just in case, here is everything you should have in your tornado emergency kit. Stay safe!
Before we even discuss what to put inside your emergency kit, it is very important you know where to go in case of a tornado. In fact, most homes in the Midwest and South have a basement for this very reason.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a basement, make sure to identify a safe spot that is away from any windows and feels secure. If you don’t have a basement, find a spot in your home that is away from windows and not near anything that could fall over.
Things become a little more tricky if you live in an apartment building or high-rise. Talk to your landlord or building supervisor and ask them where you should go in case of a tornado.
Alright, now for the emergency kit. Arguably the most important thing you should have is food and water. We all need it to survive, right? Should your home get destroyed, it’s vital you have enough sustenance for your whole family. Pack bottled waters and non-perishable foods, such as peanut butter, protein bars, and crackers.
If a tornado is coming there’s a good chance your power will be out, in which case you should make sure to have a burner cellphone and an AM/FM radio.
You’ll be able to track the storm on the radio and listen for updates, while the phone will allow you to make important calls to family members in the event you get separated. Make sure to have enough batteries in your kit as well, just in case.
Any good emergency kit will have a solid first-aid kit, complete with bandages, ointments, and pain relievers. It’s also important to pack any prescriptions you or your family members take, should they end up needing them.
Though tornados usually happen in the spring and summer (when the temperature is warm), packing blankets is still a good idea. Again, there’s a good chance your power will be out, in which case you’ll need something to stay warm. Flashlights are also important to have on hand if the power goes out. You can never be too prepared!
