It is that time of year again in Manhattan when it’s time to ensure your crank radio is charged, you have extra flashlight batteries, and you’re ready to go to your storm shelter in case there is a tornado in the area. This guide is to help you set your family up to be prepared for severe weather in Manhattan.
Decide on Your Safe Space
Ideally the safest space to go during a storm is downstairs and away from all windows. If you don’t have a basement, don’t panic; you will want to find the most interior room in your home to make into your safe space. For example, your safe space might be an interior closet or bathroom.
Setting Up Your Safe Space
Once you have identified your safe spot, you need to identify the items you might need. I like to divide this into two categories. The first category is items you will leave in your safe space for the whole season and the other category is items you grab when you need to take shelter.
If you’re in the basement and can set up a little area to make everyone comfortable and cozy, then go for it. For us, we have a living room and guest room in our basement so we can hang out when it is storming and then we have specific beanbag chairs we use for our kids during the storm when we choose to go into our storm shelter. We chose these specific bean bag chairs because our kids love them and from a safety standpoint, they are super solid if we needed to toss the bags on top of us for additional protection.
In addition, we have extra pillows, blankets, a sealed, water proof picnic bag that is packed with bottled water and snacks, and a small bag of clothes. We also keep extra flashlights, lanterns, batteries, glow sticks, life jackets and our bike helmets. We keep a bag with our important documents along with books for our kids and small fidget toys. I also keep a wrap carrier for our youngest along with whistles, dust masks, a manual can opener and a basic tool kit and a first aid kit. We also keep rain boots and socks for us to all slip on if needed.
We always get asked why we have our kids wear life jackets, bike helmets and glow sticks when the weather gets really bad. If our house were to get damaged, the life jackets would ideally protect their major organs while the helmets would protect their heads and the glow sticks to help them be seen if the power goes out. For younger children, it is also recommended to have them sit in a carseat. While none of us want to think worse case situation, it is better to prepare incase of the what if.
Other items you will probably want to consider include any pet supplies such as a pet carrier and extra food and water plus a dish. You might consider keeping your dog leashes in the safe area or even picking up a cheap one at the store so you don’t have to remember it while rushing during a storm.
Last Minute Grab Bag 
After you get all of your items set up for your safe place, it is time to plan your list of items you will grab when the weather takes a turn. Ideally you have a list of items you can easily get together quickly and move to safety. We keep a backpack packed and ready to grab including our car keys, IDs and a phone charger among other smaller items we use more often so we don’t like to keep in our basement because we use them regularly.
Additional Mom Tips
- Make a plan with your family and practice. Just like you should have a family plan for a fire, it is important to also have a plan in place for storms. When we have a few minutes notice we need to take shelter, it is so much easier when we have practiced what we are doing and where to go already. Practice while you listen to the monthly siren tests and have your children learn to identify the sound of the siren.
- Follow local news stations, sign up the local Manhattan Weather Alerts and keeping active weather apps on our phones.
- Close all interior doors. On your way to your safe spot, quickly shutting the doors as you pass them can help protect you from any potential damage from broken windows or other potential damage flying into your home.
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Know the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning. A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form so you should make sure your Grab Bag is ready. This is a great time to toss your phone onto the charger, just in case. A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted or detected, and you immediately need to take cover in your safe spot.
- Remain calm. When adults panic, kids panic. When adults are calm, kids are calm. Prep now so you can do your best to remain as calm as possible later.
Storms are a big part of living in the Midwest and while they can feel scary at times, it is better to take the time now to feel prepared later!
