What should you take with you into your storm shelter when it comes time to seek cover from an approaching storm? I will suggest some things to keep in a storm preparedness kit, which should be close to the shelter with ease of access so you don’t have to search for it. We cannot know exactly what the circumstances might be when seeking shelter and therefore we can not know what our state of mind might be. The best way is to keep it simple. Have a duffel bag or something similar with everything in it, close to the shelter or inside the shelter.

So, what are some of the items you should have in your kit. Here are some suggestions. First of all, what is the possible scenario going to be when you come out of your shelter? What if your neighborhood has dramatically changed from a direct hit? What if you are trapped in your shelter for a period of time, and you have to wait to be rescued? You should be prepared for both situations. If your neighborhood takes a direct hit from a tornado, there most certainly will be no electricity. So, take your cell phone and car charger with you. Battery operated flashlight(s). Flashlights are used to signal for help and pinpoint your location. Have a whistle in the shelter for the same reason.

Also, what usually comes after a tornado? Heavy rain and sometimes hail. I would have some kind of helmet for everyone to protect yourself from hail. A raincoat or poncho to protect yourself from the cold rain. I would have gloves in case you have to dig your way through debris to escape. Shoes, (not flip flops) will be a necessity.

Will you be taking your pets to the shelter with you? When leaving the shelter, your house and everything around might be gone. I would take leashes for all pets so you can hang onto them when you exit.

What if you’re trapped for a while and the call of nature strikes? A great suggestion made by a customer of Enid Storm Shelters is to have a 5 gallon bucket with kitty litter on hand if needed. If the house is gone, the bathroom will also be gone. Some stores have seats that are made to fit over the bucket. Thank you Rayne for this suggestion as well as the pet leash suggestion. Good ideas!!

With all this in mind, it is most important to save room in your shelter for your family. It can quickly become crowded if you take too much in the shelter with you. Only take the bare necessities.

Cell phone and car charger

Flashlight(s) (extra batteries)

Whistle

Head protection

Rain gear/jackets

Gloves

Good shoes

Pet leashes

Nature bucket

Bottled water

First Aid items

Food

Radio (maybe walkie talkies)

The important thing is preparedness. You have done well in making the decision to install a storm shelter. Now prepare for the storm. And, very importantly, register your shelter with your local authorities so they know where to look for you.

Mike Bennett

Enid Storm Shelters

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