What you need to know about packing a weather safety kit
JOPLIN, Mo. — Severe weather is a frequent threat this time of year, which means it’s even more important to be prepared for a power outage or storm damage.
“We know the storms can come up in the middle of the night. They can be when you’re on the way to work when you’re traveling on vacation, especially in this time of year. So you don’t want to be anywhere where the power’s out and you don’t have the basic resources for your family, your friends, and your pets,” said Skip Harper, Freeman Environmental Health & Safety Officer.
And while you may be familiar with how to stock one in the past, don’t forget to factor in modern technology. For example, there are better choices than candles for keeping the lights on.
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“We look at solar powered lighting systems which are $10 a piece, little electric generator systems which can power a TV and lights which are $150 a piece. Get out there and look,” said Harper.
But a battery operated radio is still a good idea.
“We’ve seen a big drop in sales of weather radios, because you get the alerts on your phones until the cell network goes down and you don’t know what’s going on,” said Harper.
You want to stock up with several days’ worth of shelf-stable food.
“You can get everything for freeze-dried foods, some very expensive things out there. I look at things that you’re just going to use on a regular basis. You know, six or eight cans of tuna have some peanut butter. Anything that the kids like, you like—it doesn’t have to be a gourmet meal,” said Harper.
And don’t forget to keep extra medication on hand.
“You can go to the store and you see this 400-piece first-aid kit and you get a home with 398 things of little things you’ll never use. Go out and buy you some bandages, a little small set for yourself or you can create on your own for a few dollars,” said Harper.
You can find out more through the Missouri “Ready in 3” program by following this link here.
