Tornadoes are a reality for just about every Kansan. Though they don’t often happen in every part of the state, we’re still smack dab in the middle of tornado alley. We have tiny rope tornadoes that touch and go during regular storms, or giant, fast moving tornadoes that wipe out entire towns, such as Greensburg. Whatever the size, any tornado has the potential to be dangerous, even if we like to chase them and pretend otherwise. Let’s take a look at all the important and funny things you may need during tornado season in Kansas. We hope you don’t have to use them, but we always want to be prepared. After all, Kansas averages over 40 tornadoes annually, with most of them being category F3 and above.
- Nonperishable food and water.
State Farm/Flickr Make sure it’s ready to go with you or stored in your shelter.
- A thermal blanket and flashlight.
Patrick Emerson/Flickr You never know how dark it might get, or how cold the temperature could drop.
- A battery-powered radio for your car or shelter.
State Farm/Flickr The weather can go from regular stormy skies to tornado dark in only a few minutes.
- A solid shelter location and game plan to get there.
peggydavis66/Flickr
- If no shelter, a central, sturdy room in your home at ground level or basement level.
U.S. Army Corps of EngineersFlickr
- If you drive often, a good pair of binoculars to throw in your storm bag.
Marco Verch/Flickr Not to be used while driving, of course.
- A camera as well! Thank goodness many of our phones come with great cameras.
Lane Pearman/Flickr You wouldn’t want to see a tornado without a photo, especially in Kansas.
- Make sure all of your important documents are locked safe in a weatherproof and sturdy container, to take with you or leave in a safe place.
kaelin/Flickr
- A calm attitude.
David Precious/Flickr You already know what to do, and statistically, you’ll be alright after all of this blows over.
- Finally, If you’re a Kansan similar to my dad, some good tires for driving in the rain or even a folding chair for watching the storm from your front porch are what you need, in addition to a video camera.
Niccolò Ubalducci/Flickr Shout out to all of the photographers and storm chasers in Kansas that have been taking amazing photo and video of just what mother nature can do here.
If you’d like a good laugh, check out this post we put together full of funny things about life in Kansas anyone could enjoy.
State Farm/Flickr
Make sure it’s ready to go with you or stored in your shelter.
Patrick Emerson/Flickr
You never know how dark it might get, or how cold the temperature could drop.
The weather can go from regular stormy skies to tornado dark in only a few minutes.
peggydavis66/Flickr
U.S. Army Corps of EngineersFlickr
Marco Verch/Flickr
Not to be used while driving, of course.
Lane Pearman/Flickr
You wouldn’t want to see a tornado without a photo, especially in Kansas.
kaelin/Flickr
David Precious/Flickr
You already know what to do, and statistically, you’ll be alright after all of this blows over.
Niccolò Ubalducci/Flickr
Shout out to all of the photographers and storm chasers in Kansas that have been taking amazing photo and video of just what mother nature can do here.
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