Storm Ready Checklist

by FamilyEducation Staff

Your Family Checklist

You might like to print out this list as a guide when you're shopping for storm supplies. The items on this list are pretty basic, and don't necessarily include everything your family will need to ride out a severe storm.

Be prepared, and assume you'll lose all power, lights, heat, telephone, and water service for at least a week. Don't panic -- buy and plan accordingly.

General Items:

• Flashlights (one for every member of the family and one or two spares)
• Extra batteries
• Electric lantern for area lighting (fluorescent lights will last the longest on a single set of batteries)
• Sterno and a small grill or cook stove
• Fire extinguisher(s)
• Extra medications (prescription and non-prescription)
• Tarps or large, heavy-gage plastic sheets (to protect the inside of your home from water damage from the windows or the roof)
• Garbage bags -- lots of them!
• Plenty of disposable diapers, wipes, and infant supplies (if appropriate)
• Mosquito repellent
• Battery-powered radio(s)
• Candles
• Wooden kitchen matches or spare lighters (store in plastic container)
• Duct tape
• Address book with key phone numbers
• Toilet tissue, paper towels, and paper plates (in plastic bags)
• Bleach for cleaning and purifying water (eight drops per gallon)
• Plenty of bottled water (1-3 gallons per person per day, enough to last at least a week)
• At least one change of clothes for every person in the household (stored in sealed plastic trash bags)
• Full tank of gas for every vehicle
• Enough cash to last a week
• Put valuable papers, insurance policies, and birth certificates in a secure area in a waterproof container. If worse comes to worse, you'll need these documents to help in the rebuilding process.

First-Aid Kit

• Sterile adhesive bandages, gauze, pads, rolls, and first-aid book
• Scissors
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Aspirin and antacid tablets
• Snake-bite kit (especially if snakes are common in your area)
• Tweezers
• Antiseptic spray and ointments
• Latex gloves
• Thermometer

Non-Perishable Food items

• Powdered or evaporated milk
• Powdered drink mixes and soda
• Canned foods including fish, meat, fruits, vegetables, soups, puddings, and snacks
• Instant coffee, tea, and powdered cream
• Rice and noodles

Notes

• Don't stock up on any food item which must be frozen or refrigerated in order to stay fresh. Assume you'll lose all refrigeration for at least a week.
• In the hours just before the storm hits, turn your refrigerator and/or freezer to the highest setting and fill any empty space with plastic bottles of water 3/4 full.