HELOISE 'Tornado toolbox' helps during bad weather

Dear Heloise: My parents and I survived a tornado in the 1950s that destroyed the homestead. As a result, my mother and I have put together a list of suggestions for a tornado toolbox (except it's a plastic grocery sack) of things to grab when you take shelter. They are:
UAll medications in their original bottles.
UPurse or billfold for identification.
UCar keys.
UFlashlight (check to make sure it's working).
UTransistor radio.
UYour personal phone book of relations and friends.
UYour cell phone and adapter.
URaincoat and umbrella -- it always rains after a tornado, so you will need i.t
UExtra set of clothes and underwear.
I just want to share these with you. Copy this list and tape it to your flashlight, so the next time it's needed you will have it handy. Jan Koememann, Springfield
And here's another tornado emergency hint from Marilyn Lanpher of Springfield, Mo.: "Our Midwest area has been hit by a lot of destructive tornadoes lately. This week, as I prepared a bucket of emergency supplies to keep in a closet, I added a whistle. Many times, people get buried beneath rubble. This sound carries well and might help rescuers locate someone too exhausted to yell."
Jan and Marilyn: Thanks for sharing your ideas on making a tornado (hurricane/flood/fire) survival kit. P.S. Don't forget nonperishable food and bottled water. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Keeping a 5-by-7-inch spiral-bound notebook and pen by the answering machine is helpful, as I can write down the message and the telephone number to return the call, and can erase the message right away.
When I close the notebook, all messages are discreet. I also date the pages of the messages, and having them written has been helpful in keeping a list of some seldom-used numbers. Marge Thomssen, Lincoln, Neb.
Dear Heloise: I am frustrated with telephone callers who forget to identify themselves. Apparently, my friends and acquaintances think I have the little machine that shows telephone numbers and names and that I already know who is calling when I answer.
The people jump right into conversation. I always wonder whether to politely ask who it is or just play along and guess who it is. Do your readers have any hints on this topic? A.E., Via E-mail
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