12 Things You Should Always Keep in Your Storm Shelter, Just in Case

When storm season hits, you’ll thank yourself for having a well-stocked storm shelter. Not knowing how long you will need to spend in the space can make it difficult to plan, but there are a few essentials that can make a stressful situation more comfortable.

The list of things you need to keep in a storm shelter include everyday necessities such as non-perishable food, plenty of water, and personal hygiene items. It also includes battery-powered devices to hold you over while there’s a power outage, blankets and sleeping bags for comfort, and games to help pass the time and provide a little bit of relief from the potentially stressful situation. It is generally recommended to stock up on supplies that will last you anywhere between three days and a week.

If you don’t have a designated storm shelter or tornado room, keep these items in your basement during storm season.

1. Non-Perishable Food

Stocking your storm shelter with non-perishable food items and plenty of water is essential. Since you don’t know how many days you may need to spend in the room, it’s generally recommended that you stock the shelves with enough food and water to last anywhere from three to seven days. Look for non-perishable canned items such as canned soup, pasta, meats, fish, and fruits—and don’t forget to have a can opener on hand!

As for snacks, things like nuts, crackers, and granola bars are good to stock up on because they typically don’t expire quickly and they are a great source of energy. Peanut butter, whether in a jar or in small individual pouches, is another excellent food item to keep in the storm shelter as long as nobody in your home has a peanut allergy. If you have a baby or toddler in the house, be sure to add their non-perishable food essentials to your storm shelter pantry.

2. Water

Along with non-perishable foods, you’ll want to stock your storm shelter with water. Make sure you have enough water for three days to a week, as staying hydrated is crucial. As a general rule of thumb, you will want to have one gallon of water per day per person. Keep water in shatterproof containers with airtight lids to prevent contamination.

3. Disposable Dishes and Utensils

While you’re stocking the storm shelter with food and water, don’t forget to grab disposable dishes and utensils! Keep plastic utensils, paper plates, and plastic cups in the room since washing dishes is most likely not an option during a weather emergency. Make sure you also have the necessary tools to open all the non-perishables, such as a can opener, a knife, or a pair of scissors.

4. Personal Hygiene Necessities

Create a designated storage container with personal hygiene necessities for your storm shelter. Include things like toilet paper, tissues, personal sanitation products, paper towels, hand sanitizer, and wipes. You’ll also want to add in a roll of large trash bags so you have a place to dispose of all the used items.

5. First Aid Kit and Medication

Purchase a first aid kit to keep in your storm shelter in case you need to take care of any minor cuts and scrapes. The kit will be stocked with all the essentials such as bandages, antiseptics, and tools such as a thermometer. Additionally, pack a small bag with any over-the-counter medication you take on a regular basis so you can easily grab it when you go into the shelter along with any prescription medications.

6. Important Documents

While you shouldn’t keep important documents in your storm shelter at all times, you should absolutely grab them with you when you shelter in place. Keep documents such as passports and insurance paperwork in a waterproof, fireproof container or locked safe to prevent any potential damage. Additionally, keep a laminated list of emergency contacts with all your important documents and update the list periodically to keep it current.

7. Sleeping Accessories

Blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows are all must-haves for a storm shelter. You may need them to stay warm depending on the time of the year and area you live in, but they’ll also keep you comfortable and promote better sleep and rest. Throw in some towels for personal hygiene, which can also serve as

8. Battery-Powered Devices and Power Banks

A power outage often accompanies weather emergencies, so having battery-operated devices is crucial. Get battery-operated flashlights and make sure you have extra batteries. Additionally, battery-operated radios, lanterns, and lamps can be very helpful when you lose power. Bring your charging cables to the storm shelter for the case that you have power, but have multiple fully charged power banks on hand so you can charge devices even if you lose power.

9. Pet Food

If you have pets, make sure to keep extra food for them in the storm shelter. Store canned pet food on shelves and dry food in sealed bags. When purchasing water for your family, purchase extra water to have for your pets to drink, and keep a set of food and water bowls in the room for feeding times.

10. Extra Clothes

Given that you don’t know how long you will have to stay in the storm shelter, it’s wise to pack some extra clothes. Think seasonally and pack items that are comfortable and will keep you warm if it’s cold and cool if it’s warm, since you may not have power in your home and the HVAC system may not be running. Don’t take open-toed shoes with you and bring a hat for added warmth and protection.

11. Tool Set

It’s good to have a basic tool set in your storm shelter. Items such as a hammer, wrench, or pliers can come in handy if you need to make any small repairs or if you need to get out of the storm shelter and your escape route requires extra force.

12. Games

Games may not be a survival necessity, but they’re a great way to help pass the hours or days you may have to spend in the storm shelter. Don’t pack anything too big or bulky and consider the people and age groups you want to keep entertained. In addition to card card games that take up little storage space, think about adding coloring books and markers or crayons to your storm shelter game collection. Not only will these items help pass the time, they can be a good distraction during inclement weather and way to lift everyone’s spirits during a potentially stressful time.