Severe Weather Preparedness Week - Build a Kit

Prepare supplies for home, work and vehicles.

March 6, 2013 | 2 min reading time

This article is 12 years old. It was published on March 6, 2013.

 National Severe Weather Preparedness Week is being observed from March 3 through March 9.  During the week, Federal, state and local emergency management agencies are reminding people to take appropriate preparedness action now, before a severe storm or disaster strikes.

Each day of Severe Weather Preparedness Week brings attention to one aspect of preparedness.  Today, the theme is "Build a Kit."  Since an emergency can occur at any time, it is recommended that you prepare supplies for home, work and vehicles.

According to the Ready.gov web site, a basic disaster supplies kit should contain:

  • one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
  • at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
  • flashlight and extra batteries
  • first aid kit
  • whistle to signal for help
  • dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • moist towlettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • manual can opener for food
  • local maps
  • cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
At home, keep this kit in its designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly.  Additionally, you may want to consider having supplies for sheltering for up to two weeks and may need to take into consideration items to meet any unique needs of a family member.

At work, you need to be prepared to shelter-in-place for at least 24 hours.  Be sure to have comfortable walking shoes at your workplace in case of an evacuation.

In case you are stranded in your vehicle, this kit should include:
  • jumper cables
  • flashlights and extra batteries
  • first aid kit and necessary medications in case you are away from home for a prolonged time
  • food items containing protein such as nuts and energy bars; canned fruit and a portable can opener
  • water for each person and pet in your car
  • AM/FM radio to listen to traffic reports and emergency messages
  • cat litter or sand for better tire traction
  • shovel
  • ice scraper
  • warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket, and an extra change of clothes
  • blankets or sleeping bags
  • flares or reflective triangle
Be prepared for an emergency by keeping your gas tank full.  If you find yourself stranded, be safe and stay in your car, put on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives.

For more recommendations and emergency preparedness information, visit the Ready.gov web site.

To learn more about preparing a 72-hour emergency kit, stop by Wohl Recreation Center today, March 6, from 11 a.m.  to 3 p.m. or Cherokee Recreation Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow, March 7.

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