Storm Chasing: How to Prepare a Home and Road Disaster Kit

When it comes to safety and preparation for Natural Disasters, a home or travel disaster kit is the best option. Disaster kits have everything you and your family need in order to survive and be prepared for anything that may happen before, during, and after a bad storm. All of these items that will be listed are suggestions by myself and is not set by any kind of regulation. All items that are optional will be marked with an asterisk.

What you need for a Home Disaster Kit:

• Bottled Water
• Food Rations (non-perishable)
• Multiple hand-held flashlights
• Weather radio
• Zip-like plastic bags to keep electronics safe (phone, chargers, etc.)
• Batteries
• Any medications you or your family may need
• A family-level first aid kit
• Tools in case of rubble escape*

Things you need for a Travel Disaster Kit:

• Spare parts. (serpentine belt, spare tire, oil, fluids)*
• Tools to repair vehicle*
• Fix-a-flat
• Gas can
• Flares, Reflective Hazard Triangle
• Plastic jacket or raincoat*
• Weather radio*
• Batteries
• Family-grade First Aid kit
• Whistle*
• Maps
• Power converter*

These Disaster kits are for basic family needs. On the other hand, if you are a Storm Chaser, then you may need to prepare a different kit. Storm Chasers encounter weather aftermaths on the road all the time, and must be prepared to render aid to survivors when ambulances are on their way. You could potentially save a life.

Storm Chaser First Response and Road Kit:

Personal supplies:

• Bottles of Water
• Food
• Hand-held flashlights
• Weather radio
• Working Gloves
• Utility Knife
• Raincoat
• Whistle
• Blanket and pillow
• Movies
• Games
• Chargers
• Toothbrush
• Soaps
• Change of clothes
• Zip-like plastic bags

First Response Kit:

High Grade First Aid Kit which may or may not include these needed items:

• Small, Medium, and Large size gauze
• All types of bandages
• Several wrapping kits
• Tourniquet
• A CPR assist device
• Surgical scissors
• Bottles of generic pain-killers
• Neosporin
• Hydrocortizone
• Antiseptic wash and pads
• Analgesics
• Human Thermometer
• Stethoscope*
• Small sledgehammer, small pickaxe (for rubble escape assist)
• Medical-grade rubber or latex gloves

Storm chasing equipment:

• Laptop equipped with real-time wifi or broadband
• Cameras or Video Recorders
• Tripod(s)
• Measurement Electronics (Handheld meters, or vehicle-installed equipment)
• Bandlengths for local HAM radio Emergency Net, and Cell phone number of operator
• Road Hazard Equipment (look at Road Disaster Kit)
• Compass
• Helmet
• Notebook with pen or pencil
• GPS

There you have it. If you are a concerned civilian, or an avid Storm Chaser, these items will mean the difference between life and death of yourself and your family, or the life of another. Remember to always obey the law and be safe. Natural Disasters claim the lives of thousands each year, be prepared for them. Remember to comment! ~Ace Critic PW