Make a Storm Safety Kit
The 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:
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:
Old-fashioned phones come in handy
It's also a good idea to have at least one old-fashioned telephone with a cord in your house. Why? If the power is out for a long time, a corded phone might be the only way you can call for help.
Cell phones need electricity to charge up the batteries. Cordless phones need electricity too - the base part needs power to pick up signals from the handset.
If you don't have a regular phone in your house, remind the grown-ups that it's always best to be prepared for an emergency.
Links for teachers and parents: