As peak storm season approaches in Texas, ensuring that your tornado shelter is fully prepared and stocked with essential supplies is crucial. This guide will help you prepare your shelter to provide maximum protection and comfort during severe weather events.
Step 1: Inspect Your Shelter
Structural Integrity
Begin by inspecting the structural integrity of your tornado shelter, looking for any signs of wear, rust, or damage that may compromise its ability to withstand an EF5 tornado. If you have a steel-safe room, ensure that the ¼-inch thick steel walls, floors, and 36-inch steel-encased doors are intact and undamaged since it will help keep you safe.
Door Functionality
Test the doors to ensure they open and close smoothly and that they can be securely locked from the inside.
Step 2: Clean and Organize
Clear Out Debris
Remove any debris, dirt, or obstructions inside the shelter. A clean environment is essential for both comfort and safety during an emergency.
Organize Supplies
Designate specific areas for storing essential supplies, ensuring everything is easily accessible. Use shelves or containers to keep items organized and avoid clutter.
Step 3: Stock Essential Supplies
Emergency Kit
Create a comprehensive emergency kit to ensure preparedness during a tornado. Include a first aid kit with essential medical supplies, at least one gallon of water per person daily for three days, and non-perishable food with a manual can opener. Equip the kit with flashlights, extra batteries, a hand-crank flashlight, a multi-tool, duct tape, a whistle, and a basic toolkit. Add extra blankets, warm clothing, and sturdy shoes to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
Communication Devices
Ensure you have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive weather updates and emergency broadcasts. Keep a fully charged cell phone with a backup battery or a solar charger.
Personal Hygiene Items
Keep hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products.
Important Documents
Store copies of important documents in a waterproof container. This should include identification, insurance policies, and medical records.
Ventilation
Ensure the vents in your shelter are unobstructed to maintain proper airflow. This is crucial for staying comfortable and safe during extended periods inside the shelter.
Step 4: Conduct Drills
Family Preparedness
Conduct regular drills with your family to ensure everyone knows the plan and can quickly reach the shelter. Assign specific roles to each family member, such as grabbing the emergency kit or securing pets.
Review Safety Protocols
Review safety protocols and emergency contact information. Ensure everyone knows the procedures to follow during a tornado warning.
Choose Safe Rooms US for Unmatched Tornado Protection
For those looking to enhance their safety during tornado season, consider investing in a custom-built safe room from Safe Rooms US.
Our steel safe rooms are designed to withstand EF5 tornadoes, exceeding FEMA standards and passing the rigorous Texas Tech Impact Test.
Whether you need a safe room installed in your garage or as a standalone structure, we ensure a quick installation within two weeks. Contact us at 469-629-6000 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day to discuss your needs and secure your peace of mind with a top-of-the-line tornado shelter.
