Essential Items You Need for Your Tornado Shelter
A storm shelter protects you and your family against tornados or other severe weather conditions. Having a tornado shelter has various advantages and could potentially save your life.
When a storm hits, your power may be out for hours, days, or even weeks. Having a basic storm shelter and stocking it with the necessary items could prove immensely helpful while waiting out the storm. Keep reading to ensure you have the essential items you need for your tornado shelter.
Clothing and Bedding
If you want to be able to spend the night in your shelter, you must keep the proper clothing and bedding inside it. Make sure you have clothing and bedding that will provide warmth. When you're packing for your shelter, include enough underwear and clothes to last throughout the storm. If you get stuck in extreme weather conditions, packing extra clothing and bedding will prevent anyone from getting sick and increase comfortability.
Medical Supplies and First Aid Kit
Having sanitation and medical supplies is wise for your tornado shelter. Find a small bag to fill everything you may need. This way, you can deal with any injuries, keep clean, and treat sickness if necessary. Here's what to include in your first aid kit:
Tweezers
Antibacterial soap
Ace bandages
Over-the-counter pain relievers
Sterile gauze pads
Thermometer
Antibiotic ointment
Band-aids
Alcohol swabs
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper/tissue
Important Documents
You should have a copy of personal documents in your tornado shelter just in case a tornado hits your house directly. Placing important financial and personal records in a safe place, such as a vinyl envelope, will keep your records clean and dry despite the weather. Here are some documents to make a copy of and keep in your shelter:
Birth certificates
Passports
Medical papers
Banking information
Tax information
Insurance records
Ample Amount of Food and Water
Stocking enough food and water is very important for your tornado shelter. Try to get at least a week’s worth of food and water per person in your household. The food you should store in your shelter includes:
Canned soup and ravioli
Canned fruits and vegetables
Beef Jerky
Trail mix
MREs (Meals Ready to Eat)
Crackers
Peanut butter
Canned meats
Baby food
Pet food
Make sure you have a trustworthy can opener as well!
Pro-tip: You should have at least five gallons of water per person. The best way to store water for your shelter is to purchase enough one-gallon water bottles so that each person can drink one each day.
Flashlights and Batteries
You never want to go without light during a severe storm. When the power goes out, you should be able to use flashlights, candles, or any other battery-operated lights so that your tornado shelter and the items inside it are visible. Ensure you have enough batteries just in case your flashlight or battery-operated device goes out.
Getting the essential items that you need for your tornado shelter is vital for your family's safety. Reviewing your checklist and stocking your shelter will prepare you for when you must wait out a severe storm.
