What do you have in your Storm Kit?

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

Are you prepared for severe weather?

Even though in East Tennessee we don't face hurricanes head-on we can see some effects of them in wind and rain.  The tips that SERVPRO of West Knoxville wants to provide can ensure you're prepared for any type of storm when power is lost. 

1. Cash
   
   
• In the aftermath of a storm, banks might not be open and ATMS might be shuttered. Make sure to go by the bank/ ATM before the storm! Places and shops may have a loss of power after the storm, which could prevent them from taking electronic payment. 
2. Games and/or Activities
• No emergency kit would be complete, especially if you have children, without board games, puzzles, coloring books, and other activities. Handling the aftermath of a storm is already taxing, make it easier for your family and add activities in your Storm Kit!
3. Utensils
• This bullet point can be overlooked since you will mainly have canned food in your storm kit, you want to be able to eat it easily, so utensils are essential. 
4. Sanitary Items
• Make sure you have all the necessary supplies like: shampoo, toothpaste,  deodorant, toilet paper, and diapers. If stores are closed or completely wiped out, you will want to have these items.
5. Sleeping Bag/Blankets
• This one is more obvious than others. If you live in a colder climate make sure you have additional supplies.  Also, make sure you have extra socks and a pillow for each family member.
6. Lighting
• Flashlight! Make sure you have new, working batteries in each! If the power goes out you will want to have a source of light.
7. First Aid Kit
• You want to be able to treat minor injuries, so make sure to include: bandages, antibiotic ointments, burn ointments, and other supplies. If you take prescription medications on a daily basis, make sure you have enough in case you can't run to the drug store.
8. Battery- Powered or Hand Cranked Radio
   
   
• If there is a loss of power, recharging your devices will be difficult, so you will need something like a crank radio to get storms and news updates. 
9. Food 
• Canned vegetables and soup, boxed cereal, peanut butter, crackers, and other nonperishable food should be part of your kit. Experts say to store about 3 days worth of food 
10. Water
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends storing at least 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation purposes. Children and nursing mothers might need more.

We hope that these tips will help you be prepared when inclement weather occurs. Click here if you would like to watch a video about how to be prepared if a fire occurred in your home.