Stay up to date with the latest watches and warnings on CBS 17 and CBS17.com.
Download the CBS 17 Weather app for your smartphone. Y
Use the interactive radar, watch our live stream in case your power goes out, and have access to our latest weather forecast.
- Watch the latest warnings and advisories on CBS 17 and CBS17.com.
- Have a family plan in place and stay together at all times. Go to a predetermined interior room away from windows.
- Fill sinks, bathtubs, and buckets full of water for sanitary use. If the power goes out, you may lose your water supply.
Remember, one gallon per person, per day. - Fill a cooler with ice to store food in case the power goes out.
- Bring in outdoor lawn furniture, toys, garden tools and tie down objects that cannot be brought inside.
- Make sure all of your portable electronics; smartphone, tablet, MP3 player, laptop, are fully charged. Consider
buying a battery operated charger to use if the power goes out. - Have plenty of toys and books to keep children entertained.
- Let someone know you are staying home during the storm.
- Do not go out in the brief calm, as strong winds can pick up sooner than you expect.
Home Disaster Kit:
Water & Food
- At least one gallon of water per person per day for at least 3-5 days
- At least a 3-5 day supply of non-perishable food
Food
- Ready-to-eat canned meat, fruits, vegetables
- Canned juices, powdered milk, soup
- Non-perishable high-energy food: nuts, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars
- Food for infants and elderly persons
Tools & Supplies
- Cell phone with chargers
- Hand-crank or battery-operated radio
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Paper plates, cups and plastic utensils
- Extra cash or travelers cheques, loose change
- Manual can opener, utility knife
- Map of area (for locating shelters or evacuation routes)
- Matches in waterproof container
- Multi-purpose tool
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Camera (damage photos)
- Extra set of car keys and house keys
Sanitation
- Toilet paper, towelettes, soap, hand sanitizer, liquid detergent, feminine supplies
- Personal items, plastic garbage bags and disinfectants
Clothing & Bedding
- Sturdy shoes or work boots
- Rain gear
- Hats, work gloves, sunglasses
- Extra set of clothing
- Blankets or sleeping bags
Baby Items
- Formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk, and medications
Special Items for Adults
- Prescription and non-prescription medication that are regularly used, denture needs, contact lenses, eye glasses, hearing aid batteries
Important Records
- Keep copies in a waterproof, portable container
- Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
- Passports, Social Security cards, immunization records
- Bank accounts and credit card numbers
- Inventory of valuable household goods
- Family & emergency contact information
- Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)