If you decide to install a shelter, your emergency plan should include notifying local emergency managers and family members or others outside the immediate area that you have a shelter. This will allow emergency personnel to quickly free you if the exit from your shelter becomes blocked by debris. You should also prepare an emergency supply kit and either keep it in your shelter or be ready to bring it with you if you need to evacuate your house. Some of the items that the emergency supply kit should include are:

	an adequate supply of water for each person in your household
	non-perishable foods that do not have to be prepared or cooked (if these include canned goods, remember to bring a can opener!)
	a first-aid kit, including necessary prescription medicines
	Cash and credit cards
	Sturdy shoes
	tools and supplies: flashlight (do not bring candles or anything that lights with a flame) battery-operated radio cellular phone or CB radio list of telephone important telephone numbers (work numbers, schools, Grandparents, etc.) extra batteries camera and film for recording the damage after the tornado. DO NOT attempt to take pictures of the tornado! tornadoes are unpredictable and deadly! wrench (to turn off household gas and water) clothing and bedding portable toilet
	special items: for baby - formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk for adults - contact lenses and supplies, extra glasses for pets - food, leashes, Rescue Remedy calming drops (available at local health food stores)

What You Need to do AFTER a Tornado Strikes

Help injured or trapped persons

	Give first aid when appropriate. Don't try to move the seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
	Turn on radio or television to get the latest emergency information.
	Stay out of damaged buildings. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
	Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
	Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, or gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the buildings if you smell gas or chemical fumes.
	Take pictures of the damage--both to the house and its contents-- for insurance purposes.

Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance-- infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

	Check for gas leaks--If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
	Look for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
	Check for sewage and water lines damage--If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.

You can get more information about emergency planning from American Red Cross (ARC) and FEMA publications, which you can obtain free of charge by calling FEMA at 1-800-480-2520, or by writing to FEMA, P.O. Box - 2012, Jessup, MD 20794-2012.

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