Must Haves for Tornado Season and Severe Weather

It is officially the season for tornado weather and if you live in one of the states that is susceptible to violent weather, then you understand how important it is to have a plan in place ahead of time just in case you end up in the path of a twister this year. Here are 7 Must Haves For Tornado Weather that are important for anyone living in the danger states. As years past have shown, tornadoes can be extremely devastating and fatal at times. This year be prepared with a few things that will help protect, provide and ease the minds of your family if a Tornado Warning is in your area.

7 MUST HAVES FOR TORNADO WEATHER

LIST OF EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS (Include Insurance Information): Every family needs a notebook or print out with a listing of current emergency contact numbers. This can include your family (mom & dad), physicians, insurance (home, car & personal), employer, kids schools and such. Update routinely and keep in a waterproof bag in a central location in your home or a duplicate copy with your emergency readiness kit.

COPIES OF IMPORTANT PAPERS: This includes birth certificates, marriage license, will, power of attorney, insurance cards and policies, titles and license for vehicles and any paperwork regarding mortgage or home owners insurances.

WEATHER RADIO: These battery operated radios are good for information if you lose electricity or Internet service during the storm. Make sure to keep spare batteries with it and check them routinely to make sure they are in date and operational. Here are some quality weather radios on Amazon that you can pick up for a great price.

EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT: There are tons of ready made kits you can buy, or you can make your own. It is recommended that you have things like canned meats, peanut butter, shelf stable milk, water, vitamins, first aid kit, batteries, flashlights, blankets and the above mentioned items all in one easy to grab tub or bag that can be pulled out if needed in an emergency. Prepare and include enough supplies for at least 2-3 days.

BLANKETS & JACKETS: People tend to forget these since tornado weather is typically in the late Spring and early Summer months when the temperatures are warmer, but rain and being wet with winds can cause a lot of cold. Additionally they are great bedding, pillows and a way to gather belongings together quickly if needed.

MEDICATIONS & PRESCRIPTION INFORMATION: This is one that has to be watched and updated routinely but if you or someone in your household takes daily maintenance medications it is very important to have the information on file in your emergency kit. If you are able to keep up with it and rotate out fresh medication routinely then keep a 2-3 day supply in your kit as well. If not make sure to have your pharmacy telephone number, RX number from bottle, the prescription information (drug, dosage and how it is taken) and your prescribing physicians information (telephone number & office hours) listed and stored safely for emergency use.

PORTABLE CHARGERS: When the electric goes out for days you are often stuck with a dead cell phone or other electronic device that you really need to be able to use. Look into grabbing a portable charger that will hold a charge for an extended period of time and will allow you to recharge your devices multiple times before it has to be recharged itself. Although pricey, this one is an excellent choice for durability and length of charge it holds.

Making sure you have these 7 must haves for tornado weather may seem unnecessary if you’ve never been in the midst of a tornado or storm of that magnitude, but if you have been through one or seen the devastation after up close you know that this is a serious issue dealt with every year. In recent years storms have hit outside the traditional “tornado alley” making more and more families aware of what is important to have on hand just in case. Be prepared this year to provide for and protect your family if tornado weather comes your way.