Michigan storms can often turn quickly into tornado weather conditions. It’s important to be prepared for such a disaster, which is why you should always have an emergency tornado survival kit for your home.
Putting together a supply and survival kit means considering all of the items you will need in the case of a tornado touching down. You will need supplies and items that will last you and your family a minimum of three days, in the unfortunate event that you are trapped or unable to get out from underneath debris.
You also want to be prepared in case an emergency forces you to have to leave your home quickly, such as a fire or tree falling into your home. An emergency kit should always be easy to access if you need to grab it on the way to a safe area inside your home, or if you need to evacuate quickly with little notice.
Whether you are hunkering down to weather a storm at home, scrambling to evacuate to get to safety, or facing the possibility of being stranded inside your home, one thing is certain: taking the right steps to be prepared can make these difficult scenarios easier on you and your family.
The following list are some essentials to add to your emergency survival and safety kit.
- A whistle to signal for help.
- Several gallons of water. Make sure it’s enough for every person in your home to last several days.
- Non-perishable and canned foods.
- A non-electric can opener.
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items such as toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer, mouthwash, washcloths and soap, etc.
- Two or more flashlights.
- At least one battery-powered radio.
- Extra batteries for your flashlight and radio.
- Extra clothing and blankets.
- A standard first-aid kit with solutions and band aids or gauze.
- A small amount of cash and/or checks.
- Chargers for electronics, including vehicle chargers.
- Duct tape.
- Copies of documents such as a home inventory list, homeowners insurance policies and other important legal or financial documents.
- Bug spray.
- Pen and notebook.
- A list of important phone numbers.
- If necessary, baby supplies such as diapers, wipes, infant formula, food and bottles.
- If necessary, pet food and extra water for your pets.
- A 7-day supply of any medication for family members and/or pets.
Being prepared for a storm in Michigan is crucial for your own safety and the safety of your family and pets. Your local insurance agent will know the temperament of Michigan weather, and can advise you on other precautions to take before a storm hits. You should always review your homeowners insurance policy to make sure you have the necessary coverage for storm damage. Additionally, if a storm or tornado causes damage to your car, you will want to carefully review your Michigan auto insurance policy to make sure any damages will be covered.
