Tornado Checklist - are you prepared?

The recent tornado in Joplin, Missouri has been considered one of the worst in history. The EF5 that passed through Joplin, has been called 2nd deadliest tornado to ever hit Missouri; just behind the one that hit St. Louis in 1896. 

Did you know 2011 could be one of the worst years in history for tornados? Do you have your supplies in place to take cover or will you scramble at the last minute? Recent studies show that only 7% of Americans have a disaster plan in place. What will you do?

If you live in Kansas City North, Liberty, Kearney, Smithville, Gladstone, Parkville, or Platte City then you know that a tornado or other disaster could strike at anytime and without much warning. Will you be ready?  

I have developed a quick list for you that hopefully will help you prepare for such an event. Also consider that in the case of a natural disaster or other emergency, you may or may not be forced to evacuate. If you are forced to evacuate, you will need to be sure to have some of these items in an easily portable container. A Rubbermaid 48 gallon container that can be easily secured with a bungee cord; if you can find one with wheels, even better.

Below is our best list. Items with an asterisk should go in the portable container. Items in bold, are what you should have at a minimum in your basement or safe room. Don’t wait, be prepared and involve the entire family in the planning process so they know what to expect during tornado season.

1) Weather Radio* - Purchase a NOAA (National Oceans and Atmospheric Administration) approved weather radio. The average cost is around $ 31.00 and can be purchased at online at Amazon.com or at local Price Chopper stores. Learn how to set up and use the radio before the storm hits.

2) Extra Batteries* - (AA, AAA and 9 volt). 

3) Flashlights * (do not use candles or matches)

4) Whistle* to call for help, you may not have cell phone service during an emergency

5) Cash or Travelers Checks*

6) Non-electric can opener, and utility knife*

7) Fire Extinguisher, available at Amazon.com for about $23.00

8) Water* - Store one gallon per person per day, two quarts (half of the gallon) for drinking the other for food preparation or sanitation 

9) Food, store at least a three day supply of non-perishable food

    a. High energy, calorie dense foods like peanut butter, jelly, crackers, trailmix, sports bars, cereal         bars

    b. Ready to eat canned meat, vegetables and fruit

    c. Canned juice

    d. Vitamins

    e. Food for infants, elderly or persons on special diets

    f. Comfort foods – cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereal

    g. Mess kits, paper cups, plates, plastic utensils*

10) Blankets* and pillows*

11) Plastic cover or tarp

12) Prescription MEDICINES – especially if you or someone in your home relies on daily meds. Keep extra in the safe room

13) First aid kit* (For a complete list of items, click here) 

14) Non-prescription medications (Tylenol, Aleve, Ibuprofin, etc)

15) Map of the area and disaster shelters