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Is your storm kit fully stocked?

Now is the time to prepare for spring storms! March is the start of tornado season in Alabama. Even spring showers can rapidly turn into flooding.

It's a good idea to restock your storm kit before a severe storm. Having emergency supplies readily available gives peace of mind, and ensures that you're prepared if the power goes out or you must evacuate.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that you have an emergency kit for tornado and hurricane season. The kit should have supplies for each member of your family, for at least three days without electricity and running water. Place the storm kit in an easy-to-carry bag, box or bin. It’s best to store it in a cool, dry and easily accessible area of your home. You never know when you might need to grab your emergency kit and go!

If you include boxed food in your kit, place it in a tightly sealed plastic or metal container to prevent moisture from entering.

Emergency supply kit checklist

  • First aid kit.
  • Manual can opener.
  • Multipurpose tool, such as a Swiss Army knife.
  • Bottled water (one gallon per person, per day).
  • Easy-to-prepare canned goods and nonperishable foods.
  • Ice chest stocked with ice before a storm.
  • Flashlights or lanterns and extra batteries.
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
  • Prescription medications and medical items (two-week supply).
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items, including disposable diapers and wipes for children under 2.
  • Extra cash (ATMs may be inoperable).
  • Extra fuel for your car and generator (if you have one).
  • Cell phone, fully charged portable charger and charging cord.

Family emergency contact information and personal documents (birth certificates, medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home and insurance policies).

Additional emergency supplies (optional)

  • Scissors.
  • Work gloves.
  • Paper towels.
  • Disposable plates, cups, and utensils.
  • Portable outdoor camping stove or grill with fuel supply.
  • Cooking fuel (Sterno).
  • Masking tape or duct tape.
  • Plastic sheeting or drop cloths.
  • Water purification tablets (halazone).

When assembling an emergency kit, don’t forget about young children or pets! You may need additional supplies, such as baby food or pet food. Evaluate the items in your emergency kit annually as your family’s needs change, so you don’t forget a critical item.

If you work outside your home, it's wise to have an extra storm kit at work or in your car.

We hope this information helps you assemble an emergency kit with everything you and your family need for severe weather. Be sure to sign up for Outage Alerts to receive real-time updates about power outages and restoration in your area. You can receive alerts via text message, email or phone call. Visit the Outage Alerts page for more information. When the power is out, you don’t want to stay in the dark.