From fierce winds to flying debris, tornadoes can be unpredictable, but being prepared can make all the difference. Learning how to build a tornado survival kit is the first step to being prepared. Stay safe and ready for anything Mother Nature throws your way!
When the skies darken and the wind starts to howl, it’s crucial to be prepared for the wrath of a tornado. Building a tornado survival kit might not sound like the most exciting project, but let me tell you, it could be a lifesaver when you’re faced with the fury of Mother Nature.
By the time that a tornado is bearing down on you, it is too late to do any preparation. At that point, your goal is simply to take shelter and for you and your family to survive. I talk about what to do when a tornado hits you in THIS post and I highly recommend that you read it as well.
What is a Tornado Survival Kit?
First things first, let’s talk about what exactly a tornado survival kit is. Think of it as your emergency stash, packed with essential items to help you weather the storm and its aftermath. From staying safe during the tornado itself to coping with potential power outages and other challenges in its aftermath, your kit should cover all the bases.
With that being said, tornadoes are unpredictable and are harder to prepare for than other things. When building your emergency tornado kit, don’t try to cover every base or have every survival item on the planet. Not only is that unnecessary, but you could actually put your family in danger by attempting it.
What Should You Put in a Tornado Survival Kit?
Water, Water, Water:
Hydration is non-negotiable, especially in emergency situations. Aim for at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation plus more for pets. Depending on the damage caused by a twister, your family could be without water for days, so you’ll want to consider investing in water purification tablets, survival water pouches or a portable water filter for longer-term use in addition to having bottled water in your go-bags.
Non-Perishable Food:
Stock up on easy-to-eat, non-perishable food items like canned goods, granola bars, mixed nuts, and dried fruits. Make sure to include a manual can opener and a few eating utensils in your kit to access those canned goodies. If you have children, you’ll want to be sure you include a few of their favorite portable snacks as well.
In an emergency, keeping things as normal as possible for children is incredibly important and will help to keep meltdowns at bay. A simple pack of fruit snacks and a juice box may just be what keeps them calm enough to help.
If you have an infant, you’ll also want to ensure you have a spare can of baby formula, extra diapers, diaper rash cream and so on included as well. Be sure to keep the size of the diapers updated as your baby grows.
First Aid Kit:
Accidents happen, especially in chaotic situations. Pack a well-stocked first aid kit containing essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, tweezers, and adhesive tape. Don’t forget to include any necessary medications for you and your family members.
If you or a family member are insulin-dependent (or any other medication that requires refrigeration), you’ll also want to pick up a portable travel case with ice pack to help keep those things cold along with alcohol prep pads, syringes and any other medical supplies that are necessary for those doses. Obviously you can’t keep refrigerated medications directly in your emergency kit, but you can be prepared to keep them from spoilage once you grab them just in case of complete power loss.
Flashlights and Batteries:
When the lights go out, you’ll need a reliable light source. Skip the candles and instead opt for LED flashlights with long battery life and pack extra batteries to keep them shining bright throughout the night.
For kids, you can even grab a cute kids flashlight that may help to calm them a bit more.
Emergency Weather Radio:
Stay informed and connected with an emergency weather radio that can tune into NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts. This will provide you with up-to-date information and alerts, even if your other communication channels are down.
When choosing an emergency radio, you can find one that works via hand crank or battery, has a flashlight and charges your phone as well. These multi-purpose gadgets are usually the best option for a tornado emergency since they allow you to scale down the amount of gear in your kit while providing you with the tools you need to have on hand.
Whistle:
In case you need to signal for help, a loud storm whistle can be a lifesaver. Keep one in your kit, and teach your family members how to use it in case of emergency. If you have multiple bags or kits, make sure that each one has a whistle in it. Many people end up buried under debris during a tornado and this whistle allows you to alert rescuers should the unthinkable happen.
For school age children, attach a whistle to their clothing or ensure they’ve got one in their pocket. This is especially important if you have a child who can not speak for themselves for one reason or another.
Blankets and Warm Clothing:
Tornadoes can strike at any time of year, so be prepared for both warm and cold weather conditions. Pack blankets, extra layers of clothing, and sturdy shoes to keep you comfortable and protected. Ideally it is best to have 3-days worth of clothes on hand plus extra socks. Keeping a pair of good shoes in your bag is important too. When a twister hits, you may not have time to grab your normal shoes.
Don’t carry thick blankets and instead, add several thinner throws that will be much simpler to carry. You may also want to consider adding plastic sheeting to your kit as well to protect your blankets and body from the ground should you find yourself in a situation where you have to sit or sleep outdoors. In a pinch, it can also be draped to provide some shelter from rain.
Important Documents:
Make copies of essential documents such as identification, insurance policies, and medical records, and store them in a waterproof, portable container. You may also want to include a USB drive with digital copies of these documents for added security.
Another good idea is to keep your medical records updated and on a USB for quick access. There are specific services that you can look into that store them on a USB and the cloud to help medical personnel know of any specific health issues you may have.
Personal Hygiene Items:
Don’t overlook personal hygiene in the midst of an emergency. Pack items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, baby wipes, soap, hand sanitizer, and feminine hygiene products to stay clean and comfortable.
In a situation where everything you know has been turned upside down, something as simple as brushing your teeth or a quick shave can make a world of difference in your mood and outlook.
Cash:
In a power outage, ATMs and card readers may be out of commission. Stash some cash in small denominations in your kit to cover any unexpected expenses or purchases. A good amount to keep set aside is $500.00. This is plenty to get you and your family into a hotel if needed or to use as gas money to get to a friend of family members home.
Just be sure to keep track of it and always carry cash on your person in an emergency.
Tools and Supplies:
A multi-tool such as a Leatherman or Swiss Army knife can come in handy for a variety of tasks during and after a tornado. Additionally, consider including duct tape, rope, matches, and a fire extinguisher for added versatility.
A multi-tool can be carried directly in your go bag. Other tools, however, will likely add too much weight to your bag. In this case, these items are best kept in storage bins in or near your tornado safe room.
Comfort Items:
Last but not least, don’t forget to pack a few comfort items to help reduce stress and anxiety during a challenging time. This could be anything from a favorite book or game to a beloved stuffed animal or blanket for younger family members.
When you have to shelter in place for a storm, you never know how long you will be there. If you attempt it without comfort items, you may find yourself climbing the walls in boredom or worry before it’s over.
Where is the Best Place to Store a Tornado Kit?
Now that you know what to include in your tornado survival kit, let’s talk about where to keep it. Ideally, your survival kit should be stored in a sturdy, waterproof container that’s easy to grab and go in case you need to evacuate quickly. A backpack or duffel bag works well for this purpose.
It’s also a good idea to keep your survival kit in a designated spot in your home where everyone knows where to find it. This could be a closet near your front door or a shelf in your basement. Just make sure it’s easily accessible to everyone in your household.
If you have a tornado safe room already chosen – and you should have by now – leave your supplies in that room ahead of time. This way when the storm hits, you won’t need to worry about grabbing it.
Once you’ve assembled your survival kit and found a place to store it, don’t forget to check it regularly to make sure everything is still in good condition and nothing has expired. It’s also a good idea to review your emergency plan with your family periodically so everyone knows what to do in case of a tornado.
Remember, being prepared is the key to staying safe during a tornado. By building a tornado survival kit and having a plan in place, you can help ensure that you and your loved ones make it through the storm unscathed.
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