10 Ways to Make Your Storm Shelter More Comfortable

Texas is no stranger to severe storms. Strong straight-line winds, tornadoes, hurricanes on the coast, tropical storms, and severe thunderstorms are common in the Lone Star State. The importance of having tornado safe shelters in Texas for protection against severe weather cannot be overstated. Learning practical ways to make your storm shelter more comfortable for extended stays reduces stress and makes an emergency situation more manageable. 

1. Add Comfortable Seating

Invest in cushioned, foldable chairs or small sofas in your tornado safe shelters to add soft, comfortable places to rest while you wait out the storm. Space-saving options like storage benches that double as seating are a wise idea, too.

2. Climate Control Solutions

Some practical ways to make your storm shelter more comfortable include making sure it’s not too hot or too cold in there while you wait. Use battery-powered fans or small portable heaters to regulate the shelter’s temperature. You can also keep thermal blankets on hand for warmth during colder months if you live in a part of Texas that gets chilly.

3. Improve Air Quality

Tornado safe shelters don’t always come with a high-quality ventilation system, so if you install your own, that will significantly enhance your comfort! Other options to improve air quality would be to incorporate an air purifier and essential oil diffuser.

4. Lighting Upgrades

Often, in severe storms, the power goes out. This can make an already anxious situation worse. To help keep the lights on, stock your storm shelter with flashlights, but just as importantly,  use battery-powered LED lights or rechargeable lanterns for consistent lighting. You can also add motion-sensor lights for easy navigation so you aren’t fumbling around in the dark.

5. Stock Essential Supplies

Certainly, one of the most important ways to make your storm shelter more comfortable is to keep it stocked with essential supplies. These include non-perishable snacks, bottled water, hand sanitizer, cleansing wipes, tissue paper, and the like.

6. Create an Entertainment Zone

When you envision storm shelters, you might not think of fun, but it’s amazing how just having a few entertainment options can help you feel far more relaxed. One of the most overlooked ways to make your storm shelter more comfortable is to stock it with a few books, board games, or playing cards for distraction during extended stays. A good idea may be to include a portable power bank for charging devices like tablets or phones in case the electricity goes out.

7. Personal Comfort Items

Personal care items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and extra clothing may seem like one of the obvious ways to make your storm shelter more comfortable, but have you considered adding other comfort items like an extra pillow, a sleeping bag, or even a stuffed animal or two? Personal comfort items can go a long way in helping you feel less anxious in a severe storm situation.

8. Communication Tools

Tornado safe shelters should always be stocked with a battery-powered radio or NOAA weather radio for updates on the storm. In addition, having a backup cell phone with a power bank charged for emergency calls will help you feel more at peace in your shelter.

9. Organize and Maximize Space

When setting up a tornado shelter, if possible, keep everything organized. Wall-mounted shelves or stackable bins may be helpful to keep supplies organized. It’s worth it to label everything clearly to make it easy to find essential items quickly.

10. Safety and First Aid

Of course, one of the most vital ways to make your storm shelter more comfortable is to make sure you have a complete first aid kit, including medications and bandages, in case of injury. Also, fire extinguishers, flashlights, and emergency contact information should be easily accessible.

Wait Out the Storm in Comfort in a Forever Safe Shelter

Texans, invest in your safety and comfort in your tornado safe shelters by preparing them today! Checking your shelter regularly and restocking supplies will help you maintain a comfortable environment.  Count on Forever Safe Shelters for the best and safest tornado shelters around when severe weather strikes!