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How to make a storm safety kitThe best way to stay safe during a storm is to have an emergency safety kit in place ahead of time. You can make one yourself at home - just ask a grown-up to help.
To get started, you'll need a big plastic box - one with a lid is best. Use a marker to write "SAFETY KIT" on a big piece of tape and stick on it on the box.
Find a good place to keep the box so you can find it quickly when a storm hits. A coat closet or kitchen cabinet might be a spot.
Now you're ready to fill up your box.
Ask a grown-up to help you find:
- Flashlights
- Battery-operated radio
- Extra batteries
- Small fire extinguisher
- First aid supplies, like bandages
- Blankets
- A few bottles of water
- Snacks like granola bars and fruit roll-ups
If you have room, you can add stuff to play with while the lights are out - coloring books and crayons, a deck of cards, puzzles or board games.
If there's a baby in your house, keep some extra diapers, wipes and baby food in the safety kit too.
Make a list and check it twice
Another good thing to keep in your safety kit is a list of important information. Ask a grown-up to help you write down:
- Emergency telephone numbers, like the electric company, gas company, neighbors and relatives.
- Medicines that someone in your family might need.
- A map of where to find the main shut-offs for the electricity, gas and water.
- Instructions on how to open the garage door without the automatic opener
Winter Safety Kit
Have disaster supplies on hand, in case the power goes out.
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
- First aid kit
- One-week supply of food (include items that do not require refrigeration or cooking in case the power is shut off)
- Nonelectric can opener
- One-week supply of essential prescription medications.
- Extra blankets and sleeping bags
- Fire extinguisher (A-B-C type)
It's also good to know the difference between "watches" and "warnings". Watches mean that conditions are favorable for the development of bad weather, a warning means the bad weather is actually happening.
