The recent severe weather has reminded us of all that Nebraska weather throughout the spring and summer months can be harsh. Severe weather events can include heavy rain, high winds, lightning, hail and tornadoes. Weather changes rapidly and often don’t provide enough time to gather items during an event. These events can also be frightening, especially for children.
To help to reduce the stress of a severe weather event, it is helpful to put together a disaster kit. A kit should contain the following items,
- Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days).
- Non-perishable food for several days.
- Flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio.
- First aid supplies and medications.
- Personal hygiene items and clothing.
- Important documents and cash.
- Pet supplies of applicable.
- Weather radios.
- Backup communication methods (phones, two-way radios, messaging apps.)
- Printed lists with names, numbers and addresses.
Kits need to be updated yearly. Practice what to do with your family if any disaster occurs. Regular drills help everyone to be comfortable and reduce the stress of the event. In a tornado, move to the most interior room or a basement and stay away from windows.
When looking for additional ways to be prepared for weather related disasters and how to complete preparedness kits you can contact the National Weather Service or the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Youth who develop a disaster plan or a disaster preparedness kit can also enter them in 4-H. Buffalo County 4-H helps youth to be prepared for disasters through the Health and Safety projects. For more information on 4-H, contact your local Extension Office, 308-236-1235.