It's spring in Oklahoma and that means it's severe weather season.
EMSA paramedics are urging KRMG lsiteners to have a safety plan. They suggest putting together a tornado kit.
“When you’re caught in the middle of a storm there’s little time to react let alone think through all the items you would need to survive a couple of days if you got trapped,” said Kelli Bruer, EMSA spokeswoman. “At EMSA we recommend preparing a kit in advance and having a designated space to survive the storm”
Experts agree that the safest places in a home to weather a storm are enclosed areas with no windows or exterior walls. A basement or storm shelter is ideal. Other options include a center hallway, bathroom, closet or under the stairs.
Items EMSA paramedics suggest you have in your tornado kit include:
- Three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day)
- All current prescription medications (oxygen tank for those who need it)
- First aid kit (make sure to have antiseptic cleansers)
- Food that won't spoil and a can opener
- Battery-powered weather radio, extra batteries
- Flashlight
- One change of clothing and footwear per person
- One blanket or sleeping bag per person
- Extra set of car keys
- Cash or credit card
- Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members
- Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water, if authorities advise
- Make copies of your important documents & papers
- Take your cell phone into your shelter and call 911 if you are injured
Small items can be placed in a large water resistant toolbox, Ziploc bag while larger items should be stored near the designated safe place in your home.