With only a single exit and a door that opens outward, I would add hydraulic jack and enough bracing so that if the door is blocked by a tree, car, or other debris it can be jacked open to escape.
NOT EVEN CLOSE TO BEING ENOUGH WATER! I WOULD STORE ENOUGH WATER FOR 72 HOURS FOR EIGHT PEOPLE. THE BASIC WATER RATION PER PERSON PER DAY IS ONE GALLON, PLUS WATER FOR PETS. THAT’S 24 GALLONS TOTAL FOR THREE DAYS PLUS PETS. POINT TWO….IF YOU PLAN TO USE CANDLES FOR LIGHTING, YOU BETTER HAVE EXCELLENT VENTILATION! FLASHLIGHTS WOULD BE A FAR BETTER CHOICE IMO. AND FINALLY, POINT THREE….A TRAUMA/FIRST AID KIT, WELL STOCKED, WILL BE ESSENTIAL! JUST MY TWO CENTS! GOOD VIDEO. THANKS FOR POSTING.
My husband has several health problems stemming from his diabetes. I make copies if his prescriptions which I keep in a 3 ring binder in the shelter on a permanent basis. It is not always easy to access this kind of thing when there is a widespread disaster. I also keep bank information, mortgage info, car info, and medical insurance…also emergency contact info and doctor phone numbers in the binder.
My mom kept a week supply in her purse. Anytime we had to run to the basement her purse came with us. Even in jammies. ( pantry was downstairs) dogs and cats were always downstairs at night as well.
Every storm shelter should have a whistle (in case you're trapped in there), and something to entertain (distract) little ones, like an iPad that they can watch downloaded cartoons on. It will help keep them from getting scared. Stuffed animals are good too. Whenever we have severe weather here in Alabama, I put together a little grab bag that contains our I.D.s, any meds we take, some cash, and my debit card. I'll set it (and a flashlight) by the door so I can grab them on the way out.
You might want to add some pillows or stuffed animal toys, big or small, for people to hug in the middle of a storm. It helps to have something to put over your ears and/or squeeze tightly in a tense situation. You might store these items in space bags to keep them clean and bug free.
My husband keeps some rope and a small chainsaw. That is just in case we end up with trees down and have problems getting out. He has talked about getting a flare gun to bring attention for help should we need it…in addition to lighting up the area. It gets really dark out here! Don’t forget to bring a bag of dog food and water dish! I am in Oklahoma too.
I used one of those bucket toilets in an extended camping situation. I found that placing a kitchen sized garbage bag in the bucket over the seat keeps the seat and bucket clean. I found that the Glad 2x leak protection bags are the best for that purpose.
Make a deal with your neighbors that after a storm you will check on them and they will check on you to make sure all is well, and no one is trapped in their shelters due to flying debris!
I recommend someone build a sturdy wooden frame around that bucket toilet so it cannot tip over when someone is using it. Also recommend you get a set of sturdy trash bags to line that bucket toilet. Add some kind of air freshener/deodorizer to use in the shelter because that bucket will soon begin to smell in a small confined area like that storm shelter. Might want to have some puppy training pads to put inside an animal crate if you will be sheltering a dog. Another thing I would put in the storm shelter is a pair of adult size bunk beds and extra blankets so people can take turns napping, especially if you have little kids or elderly folks in the shelter. A small folding card table would be handy for eating a meal or playing a board game and then could be stowed away against a wall when not in use. Folding chairs or stacking chairs would also be handy if people need to be in the shelter all night. No one likes sitting on a concrete floor or on a bucket stool for hours at a time. I would also add a portable/rechargeable DVD player so children or teens could watch their favorite movies. I would store a one burner butane stove and some butane cylinders for it under the lower bunk bed. I would not use the stove inside the shelter, but it would be handy to use outside the shelter for making instant coffee or hot chocolate or instant oatmeal or heating canned soup if you discover your home and vehicles have been destroyed and you are stuck near the shelter for a day or two until the road is cleared and help arrives. Do store enough drinking water so each person will have four gallons -- that is enough water for one person for two days for drinking and for washing -- just in case the storm shelter is all that is left after a tornado comes across your property. Might be a good idea to also have some toiletries and some extra changes of underwear stored in the shelter for each person that may take shelter there. I would also practice with my household members, staying inside that shelter for a couple of hours. That is the way to find the hidden flaws in your preparations before you have to use the shelter for real.
Travel neck pillows. Sturdy shoes for each person so they don't have to find them on the way to shelter; good enough to walk over glass and debris. First aid kit. Folding manual fan for each person. Desk top fan to plug into battery. Activity book, crayons for kids. Seat cushions? Breath mints. Anti anxiety meds or thunder shirt for dog. Reciprocal post-event plan to check on neighbors. Plan/drills with kids procedures with and without adults. Post information on how to shut off utilities if damage or risk of shock or explosion. I e., what to do if the propane tank becomes loose or detached. Yoga mat attached to wall with Command Velcro strips might be easier than cutting up pool noodles. Flashlights and umbrellas for everyone. Well done. Will check your channel for updates.
Good, practical ideas as a start. What if your shelter will need to provide longer term shelter. Let's say, your home is damaged by the tornado. I didn't see an Emergency Radio - keeps you connected to e-stations for information. Supplies 3-7 days of water/food for the 8 people; a serious first aid kit, head lamps or flash lights and batteries for extra lights; a cook set; bedrolls w. the blue roll sheets. Each person should put together their "go bag" in their room ... phones, chargers, computers, personal needs (prescriptions, etc.). I understand your shelter is very small for 8. But when you see the aftermath of tornados, it's stark. Use vertical storage to allow your critical supplies to fit. Hope this helps!
A lot of people may say to add something to entertain the kids that is not electronic (using power). Like a deck of cards, board games, pen and paper, etc. That is what we had in our shelter growing up in the 60’s in Oklahoma. But let’s be real, these days I bet the kids will just want to play on their devices until the batteries run down. The weather stations can pinpoint the track of a storm so you won’t have to spend as much time in the shelter as we did growing up. I think what you have is great. You may want to add some bug spray (but you may not want to breathe it) or a fly swatter since you may find some creepy crawlers hanging out with you.
Exactly! I would recommend getting a few battery powered lanterns. You can buy them at Cabela's. I did after I lost power at home during a derecho a few summers ago.
I was in an earthquake once. We lost power and all of us dumb asses started lighting candles. That is a HUGE NO in case of gas line ruptures, etc. I got lucky that time .. 😲 no you should not be using fire after any type of natural disaster until you know for sure what is going on around you ..
Great ideas!! I’m watching this 2 years after you made the video and hope you were safe during the outbreak of deadly tornadoes in Oklahoma a few weeks ago. Love from Texas❤️💙
I have to pass along a cute preparedness story. When my children were younger and at the house I told them they could each choose one item they wanted to bring to the shelter with them. My daughter brought her baby doll, one of my sons brought his acoustic guitar and my oldest son, who was about 14 and very interested in grooming brought a small bag with deodorant, cologne, his toothbrush and toothpaste, comb and breath mints! He said “you never know how long you might need to go without a bath !” lol
I love it, it’s amazing. How many people that live in these high tornado prone areas don’t prepare. I commend you, and your husband for being on point.
How about a "Murphy bench" (like a Murphy bed) lengthwise that could hold all 6 on one wall? Foam pad for a cushion. Wishing you never need to use it, but great planning and execution of your shelter.
Perhaps a small water bowl for the dog. I agree that may not be enough water for 8 people. I do think having more food because if your hime is lost, you will have resources to care for your family until Red Cross can arrive.
I think you need much more water. Get some 5 gallon bottles. I gallon per person per day plus some for Buster. Maybe some treats for buster food, and food and water bowl. Pet stores have those portable one. I assume you hva kids. Make sure you have things for them to do in case you have to stay in the shelter for a long time. Stay safe.
My Papaw always had an oil lamp that hung on the wall next to the steps in his cellar. His cellar was round and he built a round bench inside to sit on. He always grabbed a folder that had all their important papers inside it. There were already blankets/quilts inside as well as water .
Battery operated LED lights will be a good light source . Amazon has some good ones . I bought four LED laterns type lights two years ago and the batteries are still good . The candles could cause a fire too .
Local coverage is far better. You will have someone familiar to the area and you will have the coverage you need. Ryan focuses on whichever storm catches his attention and if that isn't your storm, you're out of luck.
In case the door fails you. I know this sounds silly but I’d recommend bike helmets for head protection. There was an instance where a little boy survived a wall collapsing on him because he had his helmet on during the tornado. I know it might be overkill but a few helmets in there might be worth it if the “big one” were to come knocking.
Generally tornado season runs April-June and again in Oct-Nov. Atmospheric conditions generally do not produce tornados during the exetremely hot months of June-Sept. Tornados do occur at other times of the year (Feb and December) but they are unusual at that time of year, out of season, if you will.
Keep insurance folders and all important documents in pockets near the front door. If the weather is very dangerous, you can bring these folders and documents to the Tornado shelter in advance. For TV weather station tornado warnings near your area, place pets in portable cages. Set ornamental birds in smaller cages and cats in a carrier. By Dogs ley collar and leash on. Clarify in advance with the family who will carry what to the tornado shelter when the storm siren sounds the alarm.
one pack of Butt wipes. It is ok if they dry out. Reconstitute them with water. If anyone is taking meds. Have a 2-day supply in an airtight container. Mark the date you put them in there and cycle them out as needed. a couple of plastic dish pans and liquid soap and wash cloth. When hunting we put a bit of soap in one and rinse water in the other. Takes very little water. Dump used water in buckets when done. If you can store a single solar panel up right, when the coast is clear you can recharge your battery if the power is out after the storm. In your buckets I would store folding saw hatchet folding knife. It seems you should have more water. not sure how many you will have. but you may not have service for many days. I would put in the bucket a filter straw also. I would go with headlamps vs candles. You can have them but use the head lamps for hands free operation. Remove batteries when not in use and have spares. Get a container of waterless cleaner like this CVS Health Foaming Rinse less Shampoo & Body Wash. I used this while hunting. Helps keep hygienic without use of water. I did always dampen a washcloth with water but not required.
I see all these great and logical comments on how and what to prepare but i see none about eliminating the unnecessary risk of living in areas that are prone to disasters year after year. Like Oklahoma Kansas etc prone to Tornadoes consistently year after year and Florida,LA etc prone to hurricanes. While we can't avoid natural disasters by 100% we CAN in fact lower the odds of being in one by NOT living in certain areas no? I live in the mountains of far western MA. and the only natural disaster we may come across every now and then is a nasty blizzard but we are used to it. I love Florida and love to visit but in no way would i live there due to Hurricanes Every single year. If you live in those areas it's only a matter of when bad luck strikes you ask yourself is it worth your families life to live there?
Tornadoes happen in every state. If it's not a tornado, you can have high winds that bring down trees and power lines. I'm in PA and heavy snow knocked out our power for a week. Plus, who has the money to move to MA? How many spare rooms do you have?😂
Mine is a portable electric fan with flashlight and charger just in case if its hot inside i'm a kind of a person that can't sleep without a fan so just in caseif there's a blackout you can use it you can also charge ur cell phones and it has a flashlight too..
Just a curious question what emergency service knows you have this storm cellar? Did you have to register this with the authorities? I pray that you never need this cellar ever.
the car charger will be useless if the tornado picks up your car and hurls it across the earth. I can't imagine living in a place where your whole life could be crushed in an instant. When I was in college, I stopped to visit a friend in Tulsa and he took me through an area that had been decimated by a tornado. It looked like a field of matchsticks with the roofs all blown off and spread out over a vast area. It was really sad to think that all of these people had their lives turned upside down. I have lived in Tennessee for my whole life and numerous tornado warnings and watches and they have all missed us. I guess living in a little valley helps out as most of this air passes above us. We do get wind damage but nothing like what I saw in Tulsa. Good to be prepared. I like your shelter.
YOU'RE MISSING SOME FORM OF ENTERTAINMENT WHILE Y'ALL ARE IN THERE...ALL 8 OF Y'ALL. PERSONAL SUGGESTIONS: UNO, BOGGLE, INFLATABLE BEACH BALL, BATTLESHIP, DOMINOES, JAX, PICK UP STIX, PLAYING CARDS, OPERATION , PERFECTION, MONOPOLY, SORRY AND CONNECT FOUR. PLENTY OF CHOICES FOR YA 😉😁 AND CAN YA TELL I ❤ BOARD GAMES😂. GREAT STORM SHELTER BY THE WAY 👍🤘💪. PS YA DEFINITELY NEED MORE WATER FOR 8 PEOPLE AND A DOG....ANOTHER ROLL OR TWO OF TP WOULDN'T HURT EITHER, NO CANDLES DUE TO SMOKE INHALATION....USE LED LIGHTING INSTEAD OR BATTERY PUSH BUTTON LIGHTS, PLACE A STEEL COVER OVER THE OUTSIDE FAN TO PROTECT FROM FALLING DEBRIS AND GET A BULLHORN OR WHISTLE IN CASE YOUR DOOR GETS BLOCKED BY DEBRIS, SOME PAIN RELIEF MEDS LIKE TYLENOL AND BENADRYL (INSECT BITES) FINALLY DOG FOOD/TREATS/TOYS ❤. GOD BLESS Y'ALL 🙏✨.
I wasn't watching as closely as I could have, did you have something to open those cans with? Also, keep copies of all important documents in ziplock bags in there and a phone number list for afterwards if you don't have your cellphone for some reason.
No need for toilet I’m in Oklahoma as well and we hold our crap 💩 You’re only in shelter for an hour. Ours is in ground cement like in 80’s or before . We put our potatoes and onions etc in it still have too For table that seats 6
Hybridlight solar lantern would be a good option and sunjack lightstick lumin aid nova or max would also be a good option I love the nova and I also love lifegear glowsticks
I'd use battery operated LED lanterns and not candles, lanterns brighter but can be dimmed and candle flames need oxygen, which takes it away from you.
Imagine a luxury tornado shelter the size of a studio, with a bed, tv, sofa (and don't forget toilet!). I'd be like: "tornado warning? Video game time!". Bring the pizza
Actually you left out quite a few things, all that would fit into backpacks, I'm not sure what a power station has to do with a tornado. but ok, there is people who can't afford a shelter, power station they need to be told how to stay safe, people in the comments gave some good advice, only a tornado doesn't last for weeks( hopefully not) Usually a back pack or tote for every person will do, and a back pack for the animals needs, have folding lawn chairs on the walls.
Waterproof backed picnic blanket for the floor and mylar sheets along with personalised buckets for each of the kids to sit on. That way the kids can be encouraged to think what they would want in "their" bucket.
No. We have actually used it twice already since it’s been here. We get lots of warnings and watches where we live. We are always weather aware and prepared when we know there will be iffy weather.
