When a tornado strikes, every second counts. Having a well-stocked emergency kit ensures you and your family have the essentials needed to stay safe during and after the storm. This guide walks you through the must-have items for your tornado preparedness kit.
Read our Ultimate Tornado Preparedness Guide.
Why You Need a Tornado Emergency Kit
Tornadoes can leave communities without power, water, or medical services for hours—or even days. Preparing an emergency kit in advance means you won’t have to scramble for supplies in the middle of a crisis. A well-planned kit can make a life-saving difference by ensuring access to food, water, and first aid.
Core Survival Items
Every tornado emergency kit should include the following essentials:
- Water: At least one gallon per person per day (3-day supply recommended).
- Non-Perishable Food: Canned goods, energy bars, and dried fruit.
- Manual Can Opener: If packing canned foods, don’t forget a non-electric can opener.
- First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and prescription medications.
- Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio: A NOAA weather radio for real-time storm updates.
- Flashlights & Extra Batteries: Essential for navigating in the dark if power is lost.
- Whistle: To signal for help if you become trapped under debris.
- Personal Identification & Important Documents: Copies of insurance policies, medical records, and emergency contacts stored in a waterproof container.
- Cash: ATMs may be down after a disaster, so keep some small bills on hand.
Additional Items for Special Needs
Consider the unique needs of your household when assembling your kit:
👶 For Infants & Young Children
- Formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and baby food.
- Comfort items like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal.
🐶 For Pets
- Extra pet food and water.
- Leash, collar, and pet carrier.
- Copies of vaccination records.
🩺 For Medical & Accessibility Needs
- Extra glasses, hearing aid batteries, and mobility aids.
- Medical devices and at least a week’s supply of prescription medications.
- Written emergency plans for individuals with disabilities.
Storage & Maintenance Tips
✅ Keep your kit in an accessible location – Your emergency kit should be stored in an easily reachable spot, such as your tornado safe room or basement.
✅ Update your kit regularly – Check expiration dates on food, water, and medications every six months.
✅ Store duplicate kits in multiple locations – Consider keeping one at home, in your car, and at work.
Prepare Today, Stay Safe Tomorrow
Don’t wait until a storm is approaching—assemble your tornado emergency kit now. Being prepared ensures you have everything needed to weather the storm and recover safely.
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Together, we can provide hope in the storm.
