KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- The reality of severe weather and it's destruction hit home for many at the end of April. But, you can prepare your family, before the severe weather warnings even go off.

Many people know in case of a severe storm or possible tornado, to get to your basement or interior room, but there are a lot of other things you need to have ready, before you go in there.

Margaret Broyles lives in the Rocky Hill area of West Knoxville and she knows the safest place in her home is the hallway. "The hail hit and it really scared me," she said of the severe storms, adding, "I had my telephone and flash light."

Her family is busy preparing the yard to hopefully avoid flooding in the future, but she's not sure what she should have to be storm ready inside her home. "I hadn't thought of what it would be," she said.

Boyd Romines, Executive Director of the Knoxville area chapter of the American Red Cross said, "We think that there is a greater awareness of the need to prepare on all levels."

The American Red Cross can help you get your emergency supplies together. They should include a battery powered radio, preferably with the National Weather Service channel, canned food, and bottled water.

Curtis Parham lives in West Knoxville and he said, "I keep a flashlight handy, because it does get dark with no windows if the power goes out."

A flashlight is a must for your kit, and Curtis said he waited for the storms to pass in his reinforced studio. "When I heard the hail start, that's when I retreated," he said.

But, he doesn't have a first aid kit, like the Red Cross recommends.

"That's something that's on my shopping list," Curtis said.

Boyd said, "At least one member of every family should have CPR and first aid training," and he recommends two or more be trained in case something happens to the one. Classes are available through the American Red Cross.

Boyd says your emergency response kit should be tailored to your family, including particular medicines you need, necessities for children, and even your pets. "We all need to prepare to take care of ourselves and our families," he said.

The American Red Cross can help you figure out what all you need, see the other links at the bottom of the page for helpful information online or call the Knoxville area office at 865-584-2999.

They have helpful guides, checklists, and even ways to help children understand what to do during a disaster or emergency.