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Tornado season is part of life in Arkansas, and the time to think about what you’ll do when severe weather hits is now, not when the sirens are already blaring.
Arkansas averages about 30 tornadoes each year. Some are minor, but others leave behind serious damage, injuries, and even loss of life. The best way to protect yourself and your family when a storm turns dangerous is to have a plan and, if possible, a tornado shelter.
For years, my family didn’t have a storm shelter. If I’m being honest, we were a little complacent. We would watch the radar, talk ourselves into thinking the storm would miss us, and assume we would be fine. Becoming a mom cured me of that pretty quickly. For years, we huddled in a bathtub with bike helmets and pillows, doing the best we could with what we had. Last year, we were finally able to install an above-ground shelter, and it has brought us so much peace of mind. Now, when the sirens sound, we move with purpose instead of panic.
But installing a storm shelter is only part of the equation. Once you have a safe place to go, the next question becomes just as important: what should you keep inside it?
Essential Items to Keep in Your Storm Shelter
Having a well-equipped storm shelter can make all the difference during severe weather. You may only be in your shelter a few times a year, but if it’s somewhat comfortable, you are more likely to use it. It’s also a good idea to keep essential supplies on hand in case of damage and if you are unable to return home.
When assembling your storm shelter emergency kit, consider including the following must-haves:
- Water and Non-Perishable Food: Store at least one gallon of water per person per day (a 3-day supply is often recommended) and keep a selection of non-perishable, ready-to-eat foods. Choose items like canned goods, granola bars and dried fruit that don’t require cooking. Don’t forget a manual can opener for any canned food. We store everything in 5-gallon buckets with gamma-seal lids to protect it from mice and bugs.
- Lighting and Communication: Have multiple flashlights or battery-powered lanterns, plus extra batteries. Include a battery-powered NOAA weather radio to receive tornado warnings and updates if power and cell service fail. A backup portable charger or power bank for cell phones can also keep you connected.
- First Aid Kit and Medications: Keep a well-stocked first aid kit on hand in the event of an injury.
- Hygiene and Sanitation: Baby wipes, hand sanitizer, tissues, and trash bags will keep you comfortable and help to manage waste. It’s also wise to have a roll of toilet paper and even a large bucket with a lid that can serve as an emergency toilet if needed. Hint: A little kitty litter in the bottom of the bucket can help with odor.
- Warmth and Comfort: The temperature can drop considerably during tornadoes. Having a few blankets or sweatshirts on hand can keep you warm and cozy.
- Important Documents and Cash: In a waterproof pouch, keep copies of important documents such as IDs, insurance policies, and emergency contacts in your shelter kit. It’s also smart to have some cash on hand (small bills), since ATMs and card readers may be down after a disaster.
- Tools and Safety Gear: Equip your shelter with basic tools that could be lifesaving after the storm.
- Whistle – for signaling for help.
- Small tool kit
- Pry bar – this can help push open a jammed door if debris falls on the shelter and traps you inside.
- Work Gloves – for handling debris
- Helmets (like a bicycle, motorcycle, or sports helmet) – to protect against head injuries from debris
- Entertainment Items: Especially if you have children, consider adding small games, cards, coloring books or a few toys to keep kids occupied and reduce anxiety.
- Pet Supplies: Don’t forget your pets in your emergency plans. If you have pets, keep pet food, some water for them, and a leash or pet carrier in the shelter or ready to grab.
Keeping these essential supplies in your storm shelter helps you be better prepared to ride out the storm and its immediate aftermath. But don’t overdo it. Your shelter is designed to protect you, so don’t overfill it with unnecessary items. Periodically review your shelter inventory with your family so everyone knows what’s available and where it’s stored, and replace any expired items as needed. Another option is to create a “go-bag” filled with essentials you can keep by your door. Just grab the bag before heading to the shelter.
Learn more about storm prep from the Arkansas Storm Recovery Team.
What to Do if You Don’t Have a Dedicated Storm Shelter
Not everyone has a storm shelter or safe room, so it’s crucial to know how to stay safe from a tornado if you don’t have one. The general rule is: get to the most interior, lowest place you can find in whatever building you’re in. If a tornado warning catches you at home without a shelter, move to an interior room on the ground floor, away from windows, as quickly as possible. Ideal spots are small, windowless rooms, such as a first-floor bathroom, closet, or interior hallway, at the center of the house. Put as many walls as you can between you and the outside.
For those in mobile homes or manufactured homes, evacuate well before the storm hits if at all possible. Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes, and nearly 40% of tornado fatalities occur in them.
Many schools and churches across Arkansas have community storm shelters available. It is important to remember that most school shelters are available to the public only when school is not in session, and most public storm shelters do not allow pets.
The key takeaway is to have a plan ahead of time. Identify the safest place in your home (or find a neighbor’s shelter if you don’t have one), and make sure everyone in your household knows where to go and what to do when a tornado warning is issued. Preparation and quick action can save your life.
Arkansas Made Storm Shelters
If you are looking to install a storm shelter, you won’t have to go far. There are quite a few local companies that build and install a variety of storm shelters.
Cozy Caverns – Austin
Cozy Caverns manufactures heavy-duty underground steel storm shelters and bunkers right here in Arkansas. Their shelters are installed in yards or garages and are known for their reinforced-steel construction and a long-standing reputation across central Arkansas and 28 other states.
Arkansas Storm Shelters – Russellville
This Arkansas-owned company offers both underground shelters and above-ground safe rooms, including concrete and steel options. They’ve installed thousands of residential shelters across the state.
Tornado Shelter Systems – Beebe
Tornado Shelter Systems builds and installs above-ground steel safe rooms and in-ground shelters designed for residential properties. Their indoor garage safe rooms are a popular choice for homeowners who want quick access during a storm.
MySafe Place Tornado Shelters – Jonesboro
MySafe Place builds above-ground tornado-safe rooms using U.S. steel, with options customized to residential needs.
Tornadoes are part of living in the Natural State, but fear doesn’t have to be. Whether you have a fully installed shelter, a carefully stocked go-bag, or simply a solid plan for where to go in your home, preparation brings peace of mind.
We can’t control the weather, but we can control how ready we are when it comes.
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