How to Prepare a Storm Shelter

Don't panic when the skies turn dark – this guide will have you prepared for the worst weather mother nature can dish out.

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Stay safe during severe storms and hurricanes with videos on assembling emergency kits, building storm shelters, and more.

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Steps

Step 1

Assess risks

Assess the greatest risks for your area, which may include flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes, or winter storms.
Step 2

Choose a room

Choose an interior room without windows and with the most distance between you and the outside.
Choose a top floor room in an area prone to floods or hurricanes and a basement or cellar in tornado zones
Step 3

Store food and water

Store nonperishable food and water for three days and don't forget a manual can opener.
Step 4

Gather extra clothing and blankets

Collect clothing, blankets, weather gear, and shoes. Since a storm can strike suddenly, don't count on wearing the proper clothing every moment.
Step 5

Stockpile medications and toiletries

Stockpile medications and toiletries, especially antibacterial products.
Remember to store baby food and plenty of diapers in the storm shelter if you have a baby at home.
Step 6

Get a first-aid kit

Get a first-aid kit that includes bandages, gauze, tape, a sterilizing agent, sterile equipment, and latex gloves.
Step 7

Buy flashlights, a radio, and batteries

Buy flashlights, a battery operated radio, and enough batteries to run both in an emergency.
In April 1934, the Mount Washington Observatory in New Hampshire recorded a record-breaking surface wind speed of 231 miles per hour.