Tornado Safety
Tornado Emergency Kit Checklist: Shelter Supplies for Warnings and Aftermath
What to keep in a tornado shelter area, including helmets, shoes, flashlights, weather radio, documents, pet supplies, and cleanup basics.
Quick answer: A tornado kit should be stored near your shelter spot so you can protect yourself during the warning and handle the first minutes after damage.
Shelter items
Keep helmets, sturdy shoes, flashlights, batteries, a weather radio, phone battery, and a small first-aid kit nearby.
Shoes matter because broken glass and debris are common after a tornado.
Family needs
Include medications, glasses, baby supplies, pet leashes, copies of documents, and emergency contacts.
Label items so they are easy to grab in the dark.
After the storm
Add gloves, a whistle, dust masks, and a small tool if safe to store.
Do not leave shelter until warnings expire and immediate danger has passed.