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Make a Storm Safety Kit

flashlightThe 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

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: