What to pack in your storm preparedness kit

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is asking Americans to become a "weather-ready nation" one emergency kit at a time. This spring there's already been a spate of severe weather and NOAA cautions that there'll likely be more to come as May is the peak season for tornadoes and June is the start of the hurricane season. So it's time to get packing, or updating, your to-go kit.

The federal Ready.gov website is packed with information on what to put in your kit and where to keep it. Emergency preparedness experts also encourage families to make a plan that includes where everyone will gather and how you'll communicate. Often text messages get through when a phone call cannot. Here is what federal authorities recommend for a basic kit that last three days, but you should tailor yours to your family's needs, especially if you have small children.

• One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation;
  
• Non-perishable food and a manual can opener;
  
• A battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries;
  
• Flashlight and extra batteries;>
  
• First aid kit;
  
• Whistle to signal for help;
  
• Filter mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air;
  
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation;
  
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities;
  
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place;
  
• Important family documents in a waterproof container;
  
• Items for unique family needs, such as daily prescription medications, infant formula or diapers.
  

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