How to Make a Tornado Survival Kit

The chances of surviving a tornado are higher than most people think. With a nice kit ready, you will be more prepared.

Steps

  1. Image titled 374847 1
    1
    Find a medium-sized container (preferably plastic to seal out moisture/bugs) that is able to hold at least two small blankets.[1]
  2. Image titled Make a Tornado Survival Kit Step 1
    2
    Purchase or find the following items:[2]
    • A whistle
    • A permanent marker
    • A small radio, preferably a self-powered radio
    • A flashlight, preferably a self-powered flashlight
    • A medium sized pack of batteries
    • Canned food or power bars
    • A hand-powered can opener
    • A few small plastic dishes and silverware
    • Two small blankets
    • A phone
    • A few water bottles
    • A first aid kit (Band-Aids, cloth, ect.)
    • Money (preferably small bills)
    • A car charger for your cell phone
    • Medicines
    • A spare set of keys to your vehicle and home
    • An extra change of clothes for each person
    • Anything you may need for pets
    • Anything you may need for children
    • A multipurpose/knife.
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    3
    Put all of the objects into the medium-sized container.
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    4
    Put the container in the shelter/closet/safe room where you will be if there is a tornado warning.[3]
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    5
    Store bicycle helmets and sneakers in the shelter for each person.
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    6
    Store your documents safely in the (interior) shelter,[4] along with a recent copy of one of your utility bills. If your neighborhood is wiped out, you'll need to prove to authorities that you live there.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    Where should I go during a tornado?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If possible, go to a basement. If you cannot get to a basement, go to a hallway, closet or room without windows.
  • Question
    How does the knife help me when I am in a tornado?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    A knife is an all-purpose utility tool. It can be used to open cans, eat food, cut wood, cut your way out of something, cut twine/rope, dig a hole and more.
  • Question
    Why do I need all these things for a tornado?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Some these items will help you during a tornado. The other items will help you after the tornado, especially if there is a power outage, or if you are stuck at home for the next few days.
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Warnings

  • Tornadoes are often deadly. Proper shelter will increase your chances of survival, and lessens the risk of serious injury.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Many towns and cities in high tornado risk areas have Outdoor Warning Sirens. Be familiar with what their signals mean, and know where to seek shelter and what to do when they sound.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Never wait until the last minute to prepare for a tornado.[5]
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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Things You'll Need

  • Small container or a tub
  • Small radio, (preferably self powered)
  • Flashlight, (preferably self powered)
  • Medium sized pack of batteries
  • Glow-sticks
  • Non-perishable food
  • Plastic bags
  • Manual can opener
  • A few small plastic dishes and silverware
  • Two small blankets
  • Pet food (if pets are present)
  • Enough water to last two weeks
  • Extra shoes and clothing
  • Things to do for the kids

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit
  2. ↑ https://www.lifesecure.com/what-should-you-have-in-your-tornado-emergency-kit/
  3. ↑ https://www.emsaonline.com/mediacenter/articles/00000243.html
  4. ↑ https://stormaware.mo.gov/preparing-for-a-tornado/
  5. ↑ https://stormaware.mo.gov/preparing-for-a-tornado/

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 48 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 193,671 times.
399 votes - 86%
Co-authors: 48
Updated: September 16, 2021
Views: 193,671
Categories: Storms | Hazard Survival Equipment
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