How To Prepare For A Storm?!

On a hot and humid summer day I strolled through Target with the intent of buying storm supplies as I knew Minnesota was expecting some heavy winds later in the day, and instead I left with a picture frame and a vacuum… In my defense, Dyson was having a sale!

That said, the storm did roll in that evening & I was abruptly reminded about the supplies I forgot to grab earlier in the day. If you recently purchased a home or are finally thinking maybe some basic storm supplies would be helpful as we in MN experience some heavy storms this season check out the helpful list below.

I pulled this list from ready.gov & the external links add some extra information - Amazon also has a few kits prebuilt as well & you can find those in my Amazon Storefront.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

  • Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)

  • Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)

  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert

  • Flashlight

  • First aid kit

  • Extra batteries

  • Whistle (to signal for help)

  • Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)

  • Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place)

  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)

  • Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)

  • Manual can opener (for food)

  • Local maps

  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

    Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

    • Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces

    • Prescription medications. About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.

    • Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives

    • Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution

    • Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream

    • Pet food and extra water for your pet

    • Cash or traveler's checks

    • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container

    • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person

    • Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes

    • Fire extinguisher

    • Matches in a waterproof container

    • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

    • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils

    • Paper and pencil

    • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

The other piece that I did a double check on recently was my insurance coverage. When all of those trees came down a few weeks ago in the big storm, I wanted to make sure my coverage was appropriate for my home. If you have insurance questions or need a recommendation, let me know - always happy to help where I can.

Stay safe out there friends!

Paige Gibson