Call me crazy, but I love the thrill of major storms. During the winter, I can hardly contain my excitement when I hear big snow in the forecast. Now that it’s summer, I look forward to thunder and lightning storms, even tornado warnings.
Of course, I never want anyone to get hurt or anyone’s property to get damaged; however, I truly enjoy watching severe weather (from inside, of course).
Being a mother makes my enjoyment a little different. I still feel a shiver of excitement go through my body when I hear severe weather in the forecast, but my thoughts immediately turn to preparation. I ask myself, “What do I need to do to make sure my daughter is safe?”
In the event of a tornado, it’s essential that people get to their basements as quickly as possible and stay there. Because there may not be time to pack some necessary items, I’m compiling a checklist of items you may want to keep in a tornado kit. You’ll put this kit in your basement at the beginning of tornado season, and remove it at the end. These are items that will make your baby’s temporary stay in the basement more comfortable – for her and for you.
Tornado Kit
Pack & Play (tornados often happen in the evening or at night, and it’s nice to have a place for the baby to sleep)
Large Tupperware storage bin (in which you will place the rest of the items on the list)
Diapers
Wipes
Diaper Rash Cream
Baby food and spoons
Bottled water and sippy cup
Can of formula, clean bottles, and appropriate water (if your baby is formula fed)
Infant Tylenol and teething medicine (there’s nothing worse than being trapped in the basement and realizing the medicine you need is upstairs)
Two pairs of pajamas
Baby toys and/or books
Flashlights
Battery-operated lamp (power outages can make the basement a scary place for a little one, and flashlights don’t always cut it)
Battery-operated radio (so you can hear updates as soon as they come)
Extra batteries for flashlights, lamp, and radio
Blankets
Pillows
Having these items ready to go and storing them in your basement will make tornado season much less stressful for you. When you hear the sirens go off, your only responsibility will be getting your baby and family safely to the basement.