Wichita sits in the heart of Tornado Alley. April through June brings the worst storms, but winter ice storms cut power just as fast. Here’s a no-nonsense storm pantry guide — what to actually keep, what’s a waste of money.
Water — The Most Important
Minimum: 1 gallon per person per day, for 3 days. Family of 4 = 12 gallons.
- Cases of bottled water (last 2 years sealed)
- Plus 1-2 five-gallon jugs for general use
- Rotate every 12 months
- Don’t trust “fill the bathtub when the storm warning hits” — bathtubs leak water out the overflow in 6-12 hours
Food — 3 to 7 Days of Shelf-Stable Meals
Mix categories so you don’t get tired of one thing.
Canned proteins (no cooking required)
- Canned chicken, tuna, salmon
- Canned beans (black, pinto, kidney, chili)
- Canned soups (heat-and-eat, but they’re fine cold)
- Peanut butter (jar lasts 1+ year)
Carbs
- Crackers, tortillas, instant rice
- Cereal (eat dry if no milk)
- Instant oatmeal packets
- Granola bars, protein bars
Fruits & Vegetables
- Canned fruit (peaches, pears, pineapple)
- Canned vegetables (corn, green beans, peas)
- Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries)
Dairy alternatives
- Shelf-stable milk (boxes in pantry aisle)
- Powdered milk
- UHT-treated almond/oat milk
🍴 Don’t Forget a Can Opener
Manual can opener. Battery-powered ones die when you need them. $5 at Mr. Mc’s — buy two, keep one in the storm kit.
Cooking Without Power
- Grill or smoker (already in the backyard) — most Wichita homes have one. Burn through any meat in the freezer that’s thawing
- Camp stove / propane stove — boil water, heat soup
- Sterno / canned heat — emergency option for inside use (ventilate)
- NEVER use a gas grill or generator indoors — carbon monoxide kills
Light & Power
- Flashlights — one per family member, plus 1 in each room
- Batteries (AA, AAA, D) — fresh, not pulled from a junk drawer
- Battery-powered or crank lantern
- Phone power banks — charged and ready
- Hand-crank or battery weather radio (NOAA-band)
- Candles + lighters (use carefully)
First Aid & Meds
- Pre-built first aid kit + extras (Band-Aids, gauze, tape, antiseptic)
- Pain reliever (Tylenol, ibuprofen)
- Antidiarrheal, antihistamines
- Prescription meds — 7-day supply ahead
- Glasses backup pair if you wear contacts
The Wichita-Specific Storm Bag
- NOAA weather radio — Wichita sirens warn for incoming tornadoes but the radio gives detail
- Helmet or bike helmet per family member — for the basement during tornado warnings
- Mattresses/heavy blankets at the basement entrance — for cover from flying debris
- Pet food + carrier — don’t leave pets behind
- Important documents in a waterproof bag — IDs, insurance, deed copies
- Cash — ATMs don’t work without power
Pick Up Storm Supplies at Mr. Mc’s
Most of this stock list — bottled water, canned food, candles, batteries, lanterns, flashlights, can openers, prescription pet food, first aid basics — is on our regular shelves. Shop online or stop in.
When storm warnings are forecast for Wichita: shelves clear fast. Stock the pantry NOW, in calm weather. Don’t wait for the watch.
Related
Visit Mr. Mc’s Market
📍 1901 E 21st St N
Wichita, KS 67214
🕐 Open 9 AM – 9 PM, 7 days a week