ST. LOUIS — As severe spring weather approaches, here are a few reminders from the American Red Cross.
Make sure you put together an emergency preparedness kit that has everything you and your family would need if you lost power for a couple of days. Here are some things you should include in your kit:
- Water
- Non-perishable food
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- First aid kid
- Medications
- Personal hygiene items
- Chargers
- Emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Emergency blanket
You can see a full list of what else to include in your emergency preparedness kit here.
Here are some other safety tips from the American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas:
- Watch for storm signs. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger of lightning.
- If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, take shelter in a substantial building or vehicle with the windows closed.
- Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds and move to a nearby safe, sturdy building.
- Identify a safe place in your home where everyone can gather during a tornado. The best places to go are your basement or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- If you are in a high-rise building, pick a hallway in the center of the building.
When there's a tornado threat, it's important to know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. A tornado watch means a tornado is possible. A tornado warning means a tornado is already happening or will happen soon, so you should go to your safe place immediately.
Power outages are also possible during severe weather. You can check up-to-date power outages on Ameren's website.
To watch 5 On Your Side broadcasts or reports 24/7, 5 On Your Side is always streaming on 5+. Download for free on Roku or Amazon Fire TV.