Tornado Shelter Stock List β Wichita Edition
Tornado Alley brings serious storms. Here’s exactly what to keep stocked in your shelter year-round.
π Shop Storm Suppliesπ (316) 265-9930Wichita sits dead-center in Tornado Alley. Severe weather season runs March through July with secondary fall season. The window between tornado watch and tornado warning is often minutes. Have your shelter stocked before the warning β not during.
β οΈ Watch vs Warning
Tornado WATCH = conditions favorable. Tornado WARNING = a tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar. When you hear sirens or your phone alerts WARNING, go to shelter immediately.
Must-Have in Shelter Year-Round
π§ Bottled Water
1 gallon per person per day, 3-day supply minimum
π» Battery / Crank Weather Radio
NOAA-band. Phone may lose signal.
π¦ Flashlights + Batteries
One per family member. Headlamps for hands-free.
π©Ή First Aid Kit
Bandages, gauze, antiseptic, pain reliever, prescriptions.
βοΈ Helmets / Bike Helmets
Tornado debris kills via head trauma. Wear them in shelter.
Heavy Blankets / Sleeping Bags
Protection from debris + comfort if you’re down there hours.
π Closed-Toe Shoes
After a tornado you walk through nails and glass. Don’t be barefoot.
π Phone Power Banks
Keep them charged. Cell service may persist after storms.
Important Documents (in Waterproof Bag)
IDs
Driver’s licenses for every family member.
Insurance Cards
Homeowners/renters, health, auto.
Property Deed Copy
If you own the home.
πΈ Family Photos / Memory Cards
Irreplaceable items go in the bag.
π΅ Cash
ATMs may not work post-storm. $100-200 in small bills.
Pet Vaccination Records
If you have pets.
Food (Shelf-Stable, 3-Day Supply)
Canned Proteins
Tuna, chicken, beans. Plus a MANUAL can opener.
Granola / Protein Bars
Easy energy. Family-friendly.
Peanut Butter Jar
Calorie-dense, doesn’t go bad fast.
Crackers / Tortillas
Carb base for the above.
Dried Fruit / Trail Mix
Snacks that don’t melt or break.
Pet Food
3-day supply for pets.
Comfort & Sanity
Kid Toys / Books
Tornadoes scare kids. Distraction matters.
Earplugs
Sirens are loud. Storms inside basements echo.
Wet Wipes
No running water for hours/days, possibly.
Toilet Bag (5-gal bucket + bags + lid)
Plumbing may be cut. Plan for it.
Phone Chargers
USB-C, lightning β what your family uses.
Hand Sanitizer
Post-storm cleanup involves dirt and worse.
π¦ Pre-Built Storm Kits
Mr. Mc’s stocks individual emergency supplies β water, batteries, flashlights, first aid. Build your kit during calm weather. Storm-warning shelves clear fast.
Where in Your House
Best shelter location, in order:
- Storm cellar / underground shelter β if you have one, the best option
- Basement β under a sturdy structure like the stairs or workbench
- Interior bathroom (windowless, ground floor) β bathtubs add some debris protection
- Interior closet under stairs β no windows, sturdy framing
- Center hallway, ground floor β windowless interior
NEVER: Mobile home, vehicle, upstairs room, room with windows. Mobile home + tornado is a death sentence β leave immediately to a sturdier structure.
Related
Storm Pantry Stock Guide
Full pantry checklist for Kansas storms. Read β
Wichita Tornado Prep Guide
Weather watching + family plan. Read β
Holiday Shopping
Year-round at Mr. Mc’s. Read β
Visit Mr. Mc’s Market
π 1901 E 21st St N
Wichita, KS 67214
π (316) 265-9930
π Open 9 AM β 9 PM, 7 days a week