Storm Shelter Basics: What Should You Keep in Your Container?

From water to camping gear, use this handy storm shelter checklist to stock your shipping container with essential supplies to help you survive the next storm.

From hurricanes to tornadoes or even a violent thunderstorm, having access to an emergency shelter gives you peace of mind. Have you recently converted a shipping container into a storm shelter but are left wondering how to prepare it for the next emergency? Container Technology also offers shipping container modifications to insure the container meets your needs perfectly.

Read on to learn the top essentials that every storm shelter needs.

Storm Shelter Checklist

Here’s a handy checklist to follow the next time you are packing up your storm shelter. Simply check off each item on the list to make sure you don’t forget anything.

The top storm shelter essentials to keep in your shipping container include:

1. Food

Canned items such as fruits, vegetables, and tuna fish should be a staple part of any emergency food stash. Stock up on high-energy non-perishables like peanut butter, granola bars, nuts, and trail mix. If you have pets, pick up a few cans of dog food or cat food, and don’t forget the can opener!

2. Water

Clean drinking water is probably the number one essential for your container storm shelter. The minimum recommendation for this emergency supply is one gallon per person per day.

3. Towels

Towels are a multi-purpose emergency supply item. Use them to dry off, as a mini-blanket to keep you warm, even folded up for a temporary pillow. Look for large, absorbent, bath size towels and stock up.

4. Hygienic supplies

Hopefully, your storm shelter stay will be very brief. But, what happens when nature calls? A 5-gallon bucket works as an emergency toilet. Just add a few rolls of toilet paper, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and a supply of plastic bags to contain the mess and you’ll be good to go.

5. First aid kit

Emergency medical supplies come in handy to treat any minor injuries. Start with a basic first aid kit that includes assorted sizes of bandages, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, absorbent dressings, and adhesive tape. And don’t forget to bring your prescription medications.

6. Lighting

Pack a flashlight or two, a battery-operated headlamp, and plenty of batteries. Solar-powered lanterns are also popular and will keep their charge for a few hours.

7. Clothing

It’s hard to predict how long you’ll need to stay in your storm shelter. Make sure you have a few extra changes of clothes. You can use large zip-lock bags to keep everything nice and dry.

8. Camping gear

Sleeping bags, a small air mattress, and an emergency thermal blanket are just a few camping items to add to your storm shelter.

9. Radio

A battery-operated radio is important to have to the latest news reports and weather updates. Some emergency radios come with a hand crank and/or solar panel to extend the battery life.

10. Personal documents

Make copies of all important documents and store them in a water-tight container or dry bag. Personal documents include items such as insurance cards, bank information, birth certificate, passport, house deeds, and medical documents.

Stay Prepared for the Next Emergency

Don’t get caught off-guard during storm season. The next time your local news issues a tornado watch or hurricane warning, make sure you are prepared.

Use this handy storm shelter checklist to help you gather your essential emergency supplies. Order a wind and watertight container today to start building your storm shelter.

Container Technology can supply the proper shipping container for your storm shelter. We have various sizes and condition to meet your needs and budget. Contact Us today!