Storm Supply Kit

An emergency can occur quickly and without warning. The most important things you can do to keep yourself and your family safe in an emergency are to prepare, stay calm and follow instructions from emergency response personnel. This guideline will help your household develop an emergency plan, assemble a disaster supply kit and learn some basic information about what to do before, during and after any type of emergency. It will also provide important information about how to obtain emergency and ongoing disaster recovery assistance.

Make a Plan!
Steps to take in creating a household emergency plan include:

Schedule a family meeting to discuss the dangers of possible emergency events including fire, severe weather, hazardous spills and terrorism.
Discuss how you and your family will respond to each possible emergency.
Discuss what to do in case of power outages or personal injuries.
Draw a floor plan of your home and mark two escape routes from each room.
Teach adults how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at main switches.
Post emergency contact numbers near all telephones, and pre-program emergency numbers into phones with auto dial capabilities.
Teach children how and when to dial 9-1-1 to get emergency assistance. Because it is often easier to call long distance during an emergency than within the affected area, choose an out-of-state friend or relative whom all family members will call if separated during an emergency.
Instruct household members to turn on the radio for emergency information.
Pick two meeting places — one near your home and one outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home after an emergency.
Take a basic first aid and CPR class.

Make a Kit!
Electricity, water, heat, air conditioning or telephone service may not work in an emergency. Preparing disaster supply kits in advance can save precious time in the event you must evacuate
or go without utilities for an extended period. Store items for a “go” kit in an easy-to-carry bag, such as a shopping bag, backpack or duffle bag and keep the kit in a car or in the garage. The “home” kit can be stored in a plastic tub or garbage can and kept in your home’s safest place where you will take shelter.

Consider including the following items when putting together your disaster supply kit:

At least a 3-day supply of water (1 gallon per person per day). Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers. Replace every 6 months.
A 3- to 5-day supply of nonperishable packaged or canned food and a non-electric can opener.
A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes.
Blankets, bedding or sleeping bags.
A first aid kit and prescription medications (be sure to check expiration dates).
An extra pair of glasses or contact lenses and solution.
A list of family physicians, important medical information and the style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers.
Special items for infants, the elderly or family members with disabilities.
A battery-powered radio, a flashlight and extra batteries.
Identification, credit cards, cash and photocopies of important family documents including home insurance information.
An extra set of car and house keys.
Tools such as screwdrivers, cutters and scissors. Also duct tape, waterproof matches, an ABC fire extinguisher, flares, plastic storage containers, needle and thread, pen and paper, a compass, garbage bags and regular household bleach.

Stay Informed!
We live in Tornado Alley, and Oklahoma is vulnerable to a variety of severe weather hazards including severe heat, thunderstorms, flash floods, tornadoes and snowstorms. Because of this, it is important to understand the difference between a watch and a warning for severe weather.

A severe weather watch means that severe weather may develop.
A severe weather warning means a storm has developed and is on its way — take cover immediately!

The safest place to ride out any storm when you don’t have access to a SafeRoom (specially anchored enclosures that can provide safety during tornadoes or windstorms) is inside a secure building or a well built home.

If you live in a sturdy house or apartment building:

Listen to weather updates and stay informed.
Keep on the lowest level of the building, away from windows and doors.
Have your disaster supply kit handy.
Be ready to evacuate if it becomes necessary.