Storm Ready Checklist
Is a storm heading your way? Find out what supplies you'll need to ride it out.
Storm Ready Checklist
Your Family Checklist
You might like to print out this list as a guide when you're shopping for storm supplies. The items on this list are pretty basic, and don't necessarily include everything your family will need to ride out a severe storm.
Be prepared, and assume you'll lose all power, lights, heat, telephone, and water service for at least a week. Don't panic -- buy and plan accordingly.
- Flashlights (one for every member of the family and one or two spares)
- Extra batteries
- Electric lantern for area lighting (fluorescent lights will last the longest on a single set of batteries)
- Sterno and a small grill or cook stove
- Fire extinguisher(s)
- Extra medications (prescription and non-prescription)
- Tarps or large, heavy-gage plastic sheets (to protect the inside of your home from water damage from the windows or the roof)
- Garbage bags -- lots of them!
- Plenty of disposable diapers, wipes, and infant supplies (if appropriate)
- Mosquito repellent
- Battery-powered radio(s)
- Candles
- Wooden kitchen matches or spare lighters (store in plastic container)
- Duct tape
- Address book with key phone numbers
- Toilet tissue, paper towels, and paper plates (in plastic bags)
- Bleach for cleaning and purifying water (eight drops per gallon)
- Plenty of bottled water (1-3 gallons per person per day, enough to last at least a week)
- At least one change of clothes for every person in the household (stored in sealed plastic trash bags)
- Full tank of gas for every vehicle
- Enough cash to last a week
- Put valuable papers, insurance policies, and birth certificates in a secure area in a waterproof container. If worse comes to worse, you'll need these documents to help in the rebuilding process.
- Sterile adhesive bandages, gauze, pads, rolls, and first-aid book
- Scissors
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Aspirin and antacid tablets
- Snake-bite kit (especially if snakes are common in your area)
- Tweezers
- Antiseptic spray and ointments
- Latex gloves
- Thermometer
- Powdered or evaporated milk
- Powdered drink mixes and soda
- Canned foods including fish, meat, fruits, vegetables, soups, puddings, and snacks
- Instant coffee, tea, and powdered cream
- Rice and noodles
- Don't stock up on any food item which must be frozen or refrigerated in order to stay fresh. Assume you'll lose all refrigeration for at least a week.
- In the hours just before the storm hits, turn your refrigerator and/or freezer to the highest setting and fill any empty space with plastic bottles of water 3/4 full.
