Tornado Season

Spring is the prime time for thunder storms and tornados... and I live in Kansas which is referred to as "Tornado Alley"!  I have my storm shelter in my basement ready to flee to at a moments notice.  No matter where you live, a random tornado or heavy thunder storm can occur... I STRONGLY advise that you... A) know where the safest place to hunker down somewhere in your home, and B) you have some basic staples at hand in case of any emergency.

Even if you do not have a tornado, it is always possible with Spring/Summertime storms to lose power for hours or days.  Just in case you aren't sure exactly what you should have on hand in case of any kind of natural disaster/emergency... below is a list of some very basic and common sense items to have on hand.

1.  Bottled water

2.  Flashlight(s).... with fresh batteries

3.  Candles

4.  Water proof matches and/or lighters

5.  Blankets/towels

6.  First Aide Kit/Medical supplies

7.  Extra batteries for flashlights

8.  Cash

9.  Some sort of non-perishable food supplies... such as peanut butter crackers, crackers, beef jerky, canned food such as canned tuna/chicken/deviled ham... etc.

10. Battery powered radio (preferably a weather band radio)

11. Generator (if possible)

12. Cell phone

13.  Spare clothing


There are many items that could be added to this list... but the above list would get you through the first day or so of an emergency.  I have an actual storm shelter in which I can store these items to have at the ready any time night or day... if you don't have a storm shelter and/or basement area in which to flee... you can get a plastic tote and store the above items in it to have ready to grab in a moments notice.

I certainly hope none of us will ever experience an emergency circumstance... but truth is... some of us will be in an emergency situation sometime in our life time.  Just recently the massive devastating tornado that struck Joplin Missouri a couple days ago has hit close to home to us Kansas residents.  My husband has had to be in Joplin the last couple of days because one of the businesses that was leveled was one of his stores... therefore he has 90 employees that need help and assistance of every kind... from emotional support to financial support... they lost their homes, their jobs, and some lost family, friends, and neighbors.  This is the first time that my husband and I have personally experienced a natural disaster and/or the effects of the aftermath.  Our hearts are with all the residents of Joplin.

Please take time to prepare your household for any kind of natural disaster.  Pay attention to the weather sirens when they go off, and please DO go seek shelter.  It doesn't matter how many times you have to run to shelter on false alarms, or that storms pass over without any damage... ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS take the precautions necessary to keep yourself and your families safe.

Life is precious...