Tornado emergency checklist from FOX 9 meteorologists

FOX 9 meteorologists put together a tornado emergency checklist. Bookmark it, print it out, screengrab it, share it. Be prepared.

Track severe weather:

Make sure you have a way to get severe weather alerts. You can download the FOX 9 Weather app to get live storm alerts and track any severe weather, including National Weather Service alerts specific to your location and custom alerts directly from the FOX 9 Weather Center.

You can watch FOX 9 live storm coverage on Channel 9, and streaming on the FOX LOCAL app. FOX 9 is available to watch for free on Roku, Amazon FireTV, Apple TV, Google Android TV and Vizio with the FOX LOCAL app.

You can also stream FOX 9 at fox9.com/live and on the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for your phone, even during a power outage. 

Our commitment to you:

During severe weather, FOX 9 is committed to live coverage until our viewing area is in the clear. We will be with you to let you know when to activate your severe weather safety plan and we will let you know when your warnings have expired and you are safe.

Tornado emergency checklist

Large plastic bin with lid ____ 

Flashlight ____ 

Battery powered radio ____

First aid kit ____

Bicycle helmets (to protect your head) ____

Whistle (to call for help if you are trapped) ____

Extra clothing/blankets ____ 

Extra shoes (to walk over damage/debris) ____

Extra car keys ____ 

Extra credit card/cash/travelers checks ____

Extra batteries (for all electronic items) ____

Bottled water (1 per person) ____

Snacks (like granola bars) ____

Conduct severe weather safety drills every year on May 1 and designate an area of your house as your "safe room". Keep the emergency kit in the safe room at all times.

Your safe room should be a windowless interior room, preferably in the basement.

Pick two meeting places, one near your house/one outside of your neighborhood, just in case family members get separated: 

1. ________________________________

2. ________________________________

Choose an out of town friend or relative to act as your family "check-in" contact for everyone to call in case you are separated. This is important for parents who work out of the home and kids in school and after school activities:

Contact and phone number(s): ___________________________________________

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