What to Put in a Storm Shelter: Complete 2026 Guide
What goes in a storm shelter? First aid, water, food, light, communication, and post-storm tools. Here is the complete list — organized by priority — for underground concrete shelters.
An underground concrete storm shelter is only as useful as what is inside it. A bare concrete box with nothing stored is protection during the tornado. A properly stocked shelter is survival capability for the 12-72 hours after it.
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Priority 1: Medical Supplies
Post-tornado injuries can be severe — debris impacts, glass lacerations, structural collapses. Your shelter first aid kit must be trauma-capable and waterproof. The SurviveX Large Waterproof First Aid Kit ($150.99) is the right choice: sealed against the humidity in underground shelters, 250+ professional components, Zip Stitch wound closures, and burn dressings. Store it in the same fixed spot every time so you find it in the dark.
Add these alongside it:
- CAT Tourniquet — for arterial bleeding
- 7-day supply of prescription medications in a waterproof bag
- Children's medications if applicable
Priority 2: Water
Roads and water mains are commonly disrupted post-tornado. Store enough water for your household for 72 hours minimum.
- Individual water pouches — easy to store, 5-year shelf life
- WaterBOB bathtub reservoir — fill before a storm for 100 gallons
- Sawyer water filter — for filtering post-storm water sources
Priority 3: Communication
- Hand-crank NOAA weather radio
- Charged power bank (recharge quarterly)
- Printed emergency contact list (phones die)
Priority 4: Light
Underground shelters are completely dark. Do not rely on phones.
- Battery LED lantern (100+ lumens)
- Headlamp for hands-free light
- Glow sticks — backup, no batteries needed
Priority 5: Food
- Emergency food bars (5-year shelf) — 1 per person
- Comfort snacks (stress eating is real — include them)
- Manual can opener if storing canned goods
Priority 6: Post-Storm Tools
- N95 masks — tornado debris creates serious air quality hazards
- Heavy-duty gloves
- Pry bar — for clearing debris from shelter exit
- Duct tape, contractor trash bags
- $200 cash in small bills
— Kay, Founder of Home Defend Pro. We sell EF5-rated underground concrete storm shelters delivered to your driveway from $4,250. Get an instant quote →
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you put in a storm shelter?
A storm shelter should contain: a waterproof first aid kit, 72-hour water supply, emergency food, NOAA hand-crank radio, LED lantern, headlamp, power bank, N95 masks, work gloves, pry bar, emergency blankets, waterproof document bag, and cash.
What first aid supplies should be in a tornado shelter?
Your shelter first aid setup should include the SurviveX Large Waterproof Kit ($150.99), a CAT tourniquet, and a 7-day supply of prescription medications in a waterproof bag.
How much food do you need in a storm shelter?
FEMA recommends a 72-hour supply minimum. Emergency food bars (3,600 calories per bar, 5-year shelf life) are the most space-efficient option — one bar per person covers 3 days.
Do storm shelters need a weather radio?
Yes. Cell towers and power often fail during severe weather. A hand-crank NOAA weather radio is the only reliable way to receive tornado and severe weather alerts when the grid is down.
How do you keep supplies fresh in a storm shelter?
Inspect and rotate supplies every April before tornado season. Replace water annually, check expiration dates on food and first aid supplies, and recharge all electronics quarterly.
Should you keep a pry bar in a storm shelter?
Yes. Tornado debris can block shelter exits. A 24-inch steel pry bar gives you the leverage to clear debris and force open a jammed hatch from inside.