Turn a 5 Gallon Bucket into a Tornado Survival Kit for Under $50

It has been a deadly year for tornadoes across the country. Are you prepared for these awful storms? Getting through the brunt of the tornado is often only the first part of surviving. Sometimes people are injured or trapped under debris and cannot get out. I am fortunate to have a basement for shelter in case of a tornado, but if the wort should happen, I know my family could be trapped beneath a lot of debris. Would anyone be able to hear us, and would we be able to survive until rescuers clear the debris?

To get ready for this year’s storm season, I made my own tornado survival kit using a five gallon bucket with a lid from my local home improvement store. The bucket was purchased for less than $4 and filled with several essentials, all of which can help our family survive until help arrives. The bucket is sturdy, secure from pests, and can be stored in my shelter or transported easily in an emergency. You can make your own tornado survival kit using the list below. Many of the items can be purchased at the same home improvement store where you find your bucket, or you likely have them already in your home. Others can be purchased through Amazon or at a camping supply store, and links are provided.

• Trash bag liners – Toss in at least half a dozen of these. They can be used to turn the bucket into a potty if needed, and would also be handy to wrap around wounds to keep them clean and dry. ($1)
• Toilet paper – Add a roll or two. This can be handy for more than its ordinary use. ($1)
• Flashlight and extra batteries – You don’t have to put your most expensive flashlight in this kit, but a nice, bright LED light or two and extra batteries will come in handy. ($4.50)
• Air Horn – If you are trapped under debris, an air horn can help rescuers to find you. ($5.75)
• Emergency thermal blankets – It can get very chilly after a storm system passes. Thermal blankets can help keep you warm. (4 pack – $5)
• First aid kit – A basic first aid kit will help you treat minor abrasions on the scene. ($8)
• Battle dressing – A deep puncture wound will need more advanced care. A battle dressing is not part of a standard first aid kit, but it can help stop the bleeding if you are cut deeply by debris. ($8.25)
• Rags – A bag of white, cotton knit rags can be used as dressings for wounds. ($2)
• Duct tape – This can be used to help hold large wounds closed and much more. ($3.50)
• Antibacterial wipes – Wipes can help clean up scrapes and scratches and prevent infection. ($2)
• Peanut butter crackers – Packaged peanut butter crackers will help stave off hunger if you are stuck waiting to be rescued. These should be replaced periodically as they expire. ($2)
• Bottled water – Whether for drinking or cleaning up, water can save your life. Add at least two bottles per person if you have room in the bucket. Additional bottles could be stored in your shelter on their own. ($3)