5 Items You Need for Summer Storms

As much as we love sunshine, there's something to be said for the occasional pitter-patter of raindrops on a summer day.

Those rainfalls often cool off a hot day and add much-needed moisture to ground that tends to harden and grass that yellows in the heat.

But as we've seen over and over again, those pleasant, light rainfalls can turn into heavy and sometimes violent storms that do more damage than good.

Hurricanes and tornadoes threaten lives, lightning strikes start fires in dry areas, and strong storms and high winds destroy property.

A vast majority of us will experience some of those severe weather events this summer. So today I want to do what I can to help you deal with them. Below are 5 items you need in order to prepare for inevitable summer storms.

NOAA emergency radio

When extreme weather comes calling, you need something reliable to provide you with details about the storm and where it's headed. And you need it quickly. That's where a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration radio comes in.

In addition to early weather warnings, this radio provides evacuation routes and other breaking news. It broadcasts National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts, and hazard info 24/7. If you program your county's 6-digit code into it, a loud alarm will sound when dangerous weather approaches.

You want an emergency radio with a powerful battery inside. But you also want other ways to charge it. Including plugging it into an outlet, exposing the radio's solar panel to the sun, and cranking it up by hand.  

You also want a radio with a bright flashlight and a power bank to charge other devices, including your cellphone. Plus one that's compact and durable. Choose one that includes a sturdy metal clip, a charging indicator, and an earphone jack so you can listen discreetly. We'd recommend the 4Patriots Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radios – it provides vital info, charges in the sun, has a bright light component & more. 

Backup power

There's a common denominator when it comes to summer storms: power outages. They are pretty much inevitable. And they can cause a wide variety of problems.

That's why it's crucial to have backup power. This could be in the form of a solar-powered generator, or on a smaller scale, a handheld power bank to keep smaller devices running.

Tactical flashlight

The power outage we just discussed means you'll need flashlights to light your way in the dark. The best ones are tactical flashlights. They have multiple light settings, a hammer for breaking a window, and a sharp edge to cut a seatbelt or rope.

Some flashlights also include a small solar panel so you can charge it with the sun. Plus a compass and a magnetic mount so you can secure your flashlight to a metal surface to free up both hands for work. 

Survival food 

Nobody has to be told that non-perishable food is important to have during a summer storm that is likely to knock out power for a while. Especially a storm that might keep you indoors longer than normal due to outdoor damage and blocked roads.

Choose an emergency food supply with a long shelf life and which is offered in disaster-resistant packaging. It should be easy to prepare, taste good, and provide plenty of variety. 

Bug-out bag

Nobody wants to leave their home during or immediately after a storm. But sometimes that becomes necessary due to damage done to a home. It might not be safe to stay if the storm was severe enough.

If each member of a household has a bug-out bag fully stocked and located near the front door, it will save lots of time and reduce the panic level. Fill it – in advance – with all the essentials you might need over the course of several days.  

The More You Know... 

The more information you have, the better prepared you'll be. Now you have an idea of some must-haves to get you through summer storm season. Tornadoes are already ripping through cities and hurricanes are brewing in the warm summer water. A disaster won't wait for you to be ready.