Safely stowed away -- preparing a storm safety kit

Surviving the severe weather is only the first step to surviving a storm. The biggest challenges often become apparent after the skies have cleared. To help overcome these hurdles, UL recommends consumers develop and keep a storm safety kit handy. Families should customize their storm safety kit to meet specific needs. Following are some recommended contents:

Storm safety kit contents

• First-aid kit
• Bottled water (one gallon of water per person/day for at least three days)
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Non-perishable food
• Can opener
• Weather radio (battery-operated)
• Blankets
• Fire extinguisher
• Aspirin
• Any prescription medication(s) needed by family members
• Extra clothes
• Games to keep children occupied
• Corded telephone
• List of phone numbers for relatives, neighbors and utility companies
• A map to find the main shut-off valves for electricity, gas and water