Household Checklist
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
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.
Section 2
Helmets and overhead coverage for the active storm. NOAA recommends thick padding and head protection. Stage everything where you can reach it in seconds.
Section 3
Safe lighting for the family and battery power for phones, medical devices, and morale. No candles.
Section 4
Insurance, IDs, medical records, and a photo of each child in a waterproof bag. If you evacuate post-storm, grab this bag.
Section 5
Three days of no-cook meals and stored water. Stock brands your children already eat.
Section 6
Activities, glow sticks, and whistles. Children who are busy and comforted are children who are manageable in a crisis.
Gear
A NOAA weather radio and safe lighting are the foundation of a family storm kit.
My Readiness
Free account. Access your saved checklists from any device. No spam.
Personalize
Answer 21 questions about your home, location, and situation. We'll tailor this checklist and every other one to match.
Take the Assessment