If you are located in tornado alley or its surrounding areas, particularly in Oklahoma, you know just how dangerous mother nature can be. Weather can change on a moment’s notice, leaving many unprepared during a dangerous and stressful situation. While it is important to have a proper storm shelter to keep you and your family safe from the elements, you may not have considered all the essential items you should keep on-hand in your storm shelter to prepare for the worst.

Throughout this article, we’ll highlight a few of the key items that you should consider keeping in your storm shelter, so that you can be prepared for the most severe weather that may arise. At FamilySAFE Shelters, our primary focus is on providing Oklahomans with reliable shelters that stand strong against the region’s severe weather conditions. With a range of storm shelter models tailored to meet diverse needs, we have been dedicated to serving communities nationwide since 1998. For insights into essential items for your storm shelter in Oklahoma, continue reading below. To learn about some of the essential items you should consider keeping in your storm shelter, read more below.

Sufficient Food and Water

Arguably two of the most important items you can possess in a storm shelter, it is important to have enough food and water stocked up to last you several days in case you were unable to leave your shelter immediately. More importantly, you should plan to stock up on enough food and water for not just yourself, but also family members or others who may need a secure area to outlast a severe storm. Consider keeping canned food, MREs, or other nonperishable foods in your shelter so that you can ensure that your food will not spoil. Food is going to be one of the biggest supplies to keep on hand for emergencies and ensure you are well-equipped to handle any situation that may arise during a severe weather event in Oklahoma.

First Aid Kit

Bandages, triple antibiotic ointment, alcohol swabs, and gauze are just a few items every storm shelter should have in its first aid kit. First aid kits are especially handy if someone in your party or family happens to injure themselves while seeking shelter. Since you will most likely not be able to leave your storm shelter immediately, it is imperative that you have the proper tools to care for wounds and injuries while inside your shelter.

Warm Clothing and Bedding

Since you could end up spending the night in your storm shelter, it is essential that you keep proper clothing and bedding inside of your shelter that provides sufficient heat. Blankets, sleeping bags, jackets, sweatshirts, pants, beanies, and gloves are just a few items you should consider stocking up on to prepare yourself for cold nights. Be ready to face chilly temperatures by stocking your shelter with the necessary clothing and bedding items to maintain optimal warmth and comfort throughout your shelter experience.

Lanterns, Flashlights, and Candles

In addition to warm clothing and bedding, it is crucial to equip your storm shelter with essential light sources to ensure visibility and comfort during dark conditions. Storm shelters are generally dark areas with little visibility or room for light. As such, you should always keep light-emitting items in your shelter like candles, flashlights, or lanterns. If you are using a traditional lantern, you will also need to keep a large box of matches on-hand, so that you may light your lantern or candle with ease. If you plan on keeping multiple flashlights in your shelter, you should consider buying extra batteries so that you will never have to go without light during severe weather. Stay prepared and prioritize safety by maintaining a well-lit and functional shelter environment to address any emergency situation with confidence.

Pollen Masks

When storms hit rural areas, dust, dirt, and debris can easily swirl throughout the air. To protect the quality of air you breathe during large storms, it is a good idea to keep a large box of pollen masks in your shelter. Pollen masks will help filter the air that you breathe, so that you aren’t continuously breathing in dust or debris which can lead to coughing fits or asthma attacks, in some cases. Pollen masks are very cheap, and will save you and your lungs the trouble of breathing air filled with particulates. By investing in pollen masks, you not only prioritize your lung health but also ensure a safer and more breathable environment within your shelter. These cost-effective masks offer a simple yet effective solution to safeguarding your lungs against airborne particulates, allowing you to breathe easier and maintain optimal wellness during storm-related challenges.

All of the items listed above can be purchased for little to no money, and will save you a lifetime of worry and stress if kept in your storm shelter. FamilySAFE Shelters is committed to keeping you and your family safe during the most severe weather, and that starts by having the most secure shelter installed in your home. If you would like to learn more about all that FamilySafe Shelters has to offer, contact our friendly staff today. We’ve successfully installed over 20,000 shelters, and continue to provide the highest level of safety and security to families around the country. Stay safe, stay ready, and fortify your shelter for the storms ahead. Contact us today to help keep your family safe in Oklahoma weather!