How to Create an Emergency Kit

Last May EF4 and EF5 tornadoes stormed through Oklahoma destroying homes and schools in Edmond, Shawnee, Moore, and surrounding areas.  One of those tornadoes came within a fourth of a mile of our home sending my two babies, my husband and myself sprawling for our bicycle helmets, bed mattress, and life essentials only to crowd into a small closet and pray for the best.  Yes, we live in tornado alley and we did not have a tornado shelter.

Following that scary life-threatening experience, we vowed we would do all we could to save the money for a tornado shelter.  And last fall we were able to see that goal fulfilled.

Spring is now in the air, and we’ve already had our first tornado threat of the season.  Yet we fill so much safer knowing we have a safe place to go should a twister come to threaten our home again.

Next came the creation of an emergency kit that we could leave in the tornado shelter just in case.  Thanks to an emergency list from our local Emergency Responders and some lessons learned from past experience, the first of April our emergency kit was complete with all essentials as well as a few fun items to pass the time if needed.  Thus, if you are thinking about putting together an emergency kit for your own storm shelter, here are some items you may want to consider as you put your kit together.

Emergency Kit Essentials

1. One gallon of bottled water for each person
2. Dried, canned and packaged food (2-3 day supply)
3. 2-3 day supply medicines (if needed)
4. First Aid Kit
5. Baby supplies (diapers, wipes, baby food, etc.)
6. Weather radio
7. Flashlight
8. Extra batteries
9. Tiolet paper and a bucket with a lid to serve as a portable commode
10. Pet food (for 2-3 days)

Other Items to Consider

1. Extra car keys
2. Blankets, sleeping bags, and/or pillows
3. Fire extinguisher
4. Rope and tool kit
5. Extra contact lenses or eye wear
6. Change of clothing for each person
7. Medical insurance ID numbers
8. Cash and credit card
9. Out of town contact list
10. Paper, pencils, books, games, etc.
11. Important family documents
12. Soap, hand sanitizer, and/or lotion
13. Dust masks

 Take it to the next level with these resources:

• Home: Everything-In-Between Pinterest board for more ideas on preparing and organizing those odds and end places in your home like your storm shelter, mud room, and command center.