What should I put into a safe room?

Many families will never even use their safe room, and those that do will likely only remain in the room for a few minutes or hours. Despite these long odds, you should be prepared by stocking your safe room with items you might need during an emergency. Consider storing the below items in your safe room.

·        Bottled water (one to two gallons per person)

·        Battery-powered radio

·        Flashlight (with batteries)

·        High energy snacks, such as granola bars

·        Cell phone or outside phone line

·        Burglar alarm switch

·        Duct tape

·        First Aid Kit (include bandages, medicine, and a first aid manual)

·        Valuables (e.g. jewelry, important documents)

·        Blankets

·        Toilet bucket (if there is no toilet in the room)

·        Books or other items to pass time and entertain children

·        Television monitors contacted to security cameras in your home

·        Chairs or other seating

 

You should stock your safe room as soon as the room is prepared so that you do not have to think about it later. Do not plan to grab anything on the way to your safe room during an emergency. Over the years, however, you should check your supplies to make sure that you have everything you need and that the phone line from the safe room works. In addition, replace batteries or throw out old food as needed.

 

Finally, make sure there is adequate electricity and ventilation in the room. Without windows, these safe rooms can become very dark, so determine whether you want any other light besides your flashlight. In addition, you don’t know how long you will be in the room, so it is vital that you have a constant source of breathable air.