Tornado Emergency Kit - Complete Supply List

The Essential Kit Categories

A complete tornado emergency kit covers:

• Water and food
• First aid
• Light and communication
• Personal documents and cash
• Clothing and shelter
• Tools and safety equipment
• Sanitation supplies
• Special needs items

Water Supply

How Much Water

Minimum requirements:

• 1 gallon per person per day
• 3-day supply minimum
• 7-day supply preferred
• Additional for pets
• Extra for cooking/hygiene

Water Storage

• Sealed water containers
• Store in cool, dark location
• Rotate every 6-12 months
• Label with date
• Consider bottled water for emergency

Food Supply

Non-Perishable Options

• Canned goods (with manual can opener)
• Peanut butter
• Crackers
• Granola bars
• Trail mix
• Dried fruits
• Cereal
• Rice
• Pasta

Emergency Meal Kits

Convenient options:

• MREs (Meal Ready to Eat)
• Freeze-dried meals
• Long-shelf-life meal kits
• Emergency food rations

Special Considerations

• Consider dietary restrictions
• Include comfort foods
• Children's preferences
• Elderly needs

First Aid Supplies

Basic Kit Components

• Adhesive bandages (multiple sizes)
• Sterile gauze pads
• Medical tape
• Antiseptic wipes
• Antibiotic ointment
• Ibuprofen/acetaminophen
• Prescription medications (7-day supply)
• Digital thermometer
• Latex gloves
• Sterile scissors
• Tweezers

Advanced First Aid

• Israeli combat bandage
• Tourniquet
• Instant cold packs
• Emergency blanket
• CPR mouth barrier
• Splint materials

Light and Communication

Lighting

• LED flashlight (multiple)
• Headlamp (hands-free)
• Chemical light sticks
• Battery-powered lantern
• Emergency candles + matches

Communication

• NOAA weather radio
• Battery-powered radio
• Extra batteries (multiple sizes)
• Cell phone charger
• External battery bank
• Hand-crank radio
• Solar charger (optional)

NOAA Weather Radio Recommendation

Midland WR120 is highly recommended:

• Automatic tornado alerts
• SAME technology
• Reliable operation
• Reasonable price
• Full radio comparison →

Personal Documents

Physical Documents

Include copies:

• Driver's license
• Passport
• Insurance policies
• Medical records
• Bank account information
• Vehicle titles
• Property deeds
• Marriage/birth certificates

Digital Backups

Store digitally:

• Cloud storage
• USB drive
• Email backup
• Password-protected

Emergency Contact List

Include:

• Family contacts
• Out-of-state relative
• Insurance company
• Bank contacts
• Employer
• Local emergency services

Cash

Emergency Cash

• $200-$500 minimum
• Small bills preferred
• Quarters for parking meters/laundry
• Keep in waterproof container
• ATMs may be inoperable after disaster

Clothing and Shelter

Change of Clothes

• Rugged pants/shorts
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Sturdy shoes/boots
• Socks
• Weather-appropriate outer layer
• Weather-appropriate hat
• Rain gear

Shelter Materials

• Emergency blanket (Mylar)
• Sleeping bag
• Waterproof tarp
• Duct tape
• Plastic sheeting

Tools and Safety

Basic Tools

• Crowbar
• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdriver set
• Utility knife
• Wire cutters
• Duct tape
• Pliers
• Hammer
• Waterproof matches
• Lighter

Safety Equipment

• Fire extinguisher
• Whistle
• Dust masks
• Work gloves
• Safety glasses

Sanitation Supplies

Basic Sanitation

• Toilet paper
• Feminine hygiene products
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Soap
• Wet wipes
• Antibacterial wipes
• Trash bags
• Hand sanitizer

Water for Sanitation

• Extra water for washing
• Water for teeth brushing
• Water for cleaning wounds

Special Needs Items

Elderly and Disabled

• Prescription medications
• Medical equipment
• Backup batteries for equipment
• Contact lens supplies
• Hearing aid batteries
• Cane/walker
• Special dietary needs

Infants and Children

• Formula
• Diapers
• Baby food
• Comfort items
• Special toys
• Coloring books
• Stuffed animals

Pets

Full pet safety guide →

• Pet carrier
• Pet food
• Water for pets
• Leash
• Vaccination records
• Recent photo

Kit Storage

Location

Store where:

• Easily accessible
• Near shelter location
• Waterproof
• Not exposed to elements
• Regular access for maintenance

Multiple Locations

• Home main kit
• Bedroom quick-grab kit
• Vehicle basic kit
• Work location kit
• Family designated meeting places

Maintenance

Monthly Checks

• Test flashlight batteries
• Check first aid supplies
• Verify NOAA radio function
• Update cash amount

6-Month Rotation

• Rotate water supply
• Check food expiration
• Replace batteries
• Update contact information
• Refresh medications

Annual Review

• Comprehensive review
• Update all documents
• Replace expired items
• Add any new needs
• Practice using kit

Kit Buying Options

Pre-Made Kits

Available options:

• Emergency kit companies
• Red Cross store
• Sportsman's Warehouse
• Amazon emergency kits
• Costco emergency supplies

Build Your Own

Cost-effective approach:

• Grocery store food/water
• Drugstore first aid
• Hardware store tools
• Amazon specific items
• Customized to your needs

Estimated Cost

Basic Kit (3-day)

• Food/water: $50-$100
• First aid: $30-$75
• Communication: $50-$100
• Miscellaneous: $30-$50
• Total: $160-$325

Enhanced Kit (7-day)

• Basic multiplied
• Additional supplies
• Better tools
• Total: $400-$800

Premium Kit (Extended)

• Comprehensive supplies
• High-quality items
• Backup equipment
• Total: $1,000-$2,500

Bottom Line

A well-stocked tornado emergency kit is essential preparation. Build gradually - start with basics and add over time. Focus on water, food, first aid, communication, and shelter. Rotate supplies and maintain equipment regularly. A $200-500 investment can protect your family during and after tornado disasters. Don't wait until warning day to build your kit.