Household Checklist
Family Storm Checklist. Every item checked and current before storm season.
A family storm kit that sits in a closet from October to March is a kit that fails when the sirens go off. This checklist tracks every item and every maintenance interval so the kit stays ready when severe weather season begins.
90 sec
typical tornado warning lead time
March
annual full kit audit month
1 gal
water per person per day
1/year
family tornado drill
Section 1
Warning System.
The weather radio is the first item because it is the item that gives your family time to shelter. Without it, you are reacting to the sound of the storm instead of the warning ahead of it.
Communications
- NOAA weather radio with SAME tone alert, stored near the bedroom
Section 2
Shelter Protection.
Helmets and overhead coverage for the active storm. NOAA recommends thick padding and head protection. Stage everything where you can reach it in seconds.
shelter
- One impact-rated helmet per family member, stored near the shelter room
- Mattress or thick blankets staged near the shelter room for debris protection
Section 3
Light and Power.
Safe lighting for the family and battery power for phones, medical devices, and morale. No candles.
Energy
- Two LED lanterns plus one flashlight per child
- Portable power station (500 to 1,000 Wh) for phones, lights, and medical devices
Section 4
Documents.
Insurance, IDs, medical records, and a photo of each child in a waterproof bag. If you evacuate post-storm, grab this bag.
Documents
- Waterproof bag with insurance, IDs, medical records, and photos of each child
Section 5
Food and Water.
Three days of no-cook meals and stored water. Stock brands your children already eat.
Food
- Three days of no-cook food kids will eat, plus a manual can opener
- One gallon of stored water per person per day for three days
Section 6
Comfort and Activity.
Activities, glow sticks, and whistles. Children who are busy and comforted are children who are manageable in a crisis.
shelter
- Family comfort bag: coloring books, cards, a stuffed animal, whistle per child
- Pack of glow sticks for comforting ambient light
Gear
Essentials. Start here.
A NOAA weather radio and safe lighting are the foundation of a family storm kit.
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