Wichita sits in Tornado Alley. Most years bring multiple severe weather days. Here’s the practical family prep guide — before, during, and after.
Before Tornado Season
- Build your shelter — see our Tornado Shelter Stock List
- Stock your pantry — see our Storm Pantry Guide
- Family plan — where to meet if you can’t reach home
- Out-of-state contact — designated person to call/text and let everyone reach you through
- Practice the tornado drill with kids — make it routine before it’s needed
Setting Up Alerts
- Wireless Emergency Alerts — enabled by default on most phones, double-check settings
- NOAA Weather Radio — battery-powered backup when cell towers fail
- Wichita Eagle weather alerts + KAKE / KWCH / KSN weather apps
- Spotter Network app — see real-time storm spotter reports
- Sirens — Sedgwick County uses outdoor warning sirens. They’re for OUTDOOR warning, not the only signal. Don’t rely on hearing them inside.
Understanding Alerts
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch — conditions favorable for severe storms
- Tornado Watch — conditions favorable for tornadoes. PREPARE.
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning — severe storm imminent. Take cover from wind/hail.
- Tornado Warning — tornado spotted or radar-indicated. GO TO SHELTER IMMEDIATELY.
- Tornado Emergency — confirmed major tornado threatening populated area. Most serious tier.
🚨 When Sirens Sound
Sedgwick County tests sirens MONDAYS AT NOON. Any OTHER time you hear them, treat it as a real warning. Go to shelter, turn on weather radio, wait for ALL CLEAR.
During the Tornado
- Get to your designated shelter spot
- Wear helmets, closed-toe shoes
- Bring phone + power bank + weather radio
- Cover yourself with heavy blankets/mattress
- Don’t open windows (old myth — doesn’t help, wastes time)
- Stay until you get OFFICIAL all-clear, not just because it sounds quiet
After the Tornado
- Check family for injuries first
- Wear shoes — glass and nails everywhere
- Check for gas leaks before turning on lights
- Stay off the phone unless emergency — keep lines open for first responders
- Use text/social media to update out-of-state contact
- Take photos of damage for insurance
- Don’t enter damaged buildings
- Watch for downed power lines
Mobile Homes — Critical Note
Mobile homes + tornado = death sentence. They get destroyed even by weak tornadoes. If you live in a mobile home, identify your closest sturdy shelter NOW and have a plan to drive/walk there at first tornado WATCH (not warning). Many Wichita mobile home parks have community storm shelters — know yours.
Related
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Wichita, KS 67214
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