Do You Have a Home Emergency Kit?

We normally don’t think to be prepared for an emergency until it is too late. Below is a list of items you should have in your home emergency kit.

– Water – Plan for 1 gallon per person per day and don’t forget your furry friends!
– Battery-operated electronics – A battery or crank radio, cell phones with battery pack for charging, charger cords, and lots of spare batteries in different sizes
– Easy to prepare food – Again, don’t forget your pets!
– First aid kit – First aid supplies, flashlights and medications
– Protected documents – Important documents should be stored in a waterproof bag or off site in a safety deposit box.
– Extra cash and emergency contact information
– Blankets, sleeping bags, and personal items

General Home Preparation
– Bring anything in from outside that can act as a projectile
– Find your “safe haven” inside the house. Avoid windows. The basement, inner rooms and below the stairs are good places.
– Look over your homeowner’s policy. You might want to ask your agent to go over damage and replacement costs with you ahead of time. Do you even have or need flood insurance?

Know Your Weather Lingo
– A “watch” means that hazardous weather is possible. It does not mean that they will occur.
– A “warning” is issued when a storm is imminent. When a tornado warning is issued, seek safe shelter immediately.
– A “heat advisory” is issued when the heat index is expected to reach 100 to 104 degrees within the next 12-24 hours.
– A “winter weather advisory” will be issued for any freezing rain or when 2-4 inches of snow is expected to cause a significant inconvenience, but not serious enough to warrant a warning.