Tornado Shelter Essentials: The Emergency Gear You Need from UCO Gear
When severe weather hits, preparation can make all the difference. Tornadoes often strike with little warning, so having a well-stocked tornado shelter or designated safe area is critical for your safety and peace of mind.
At UCO Gear, we've built our reputation on gear that’s dependable in the outdoors and trusted during emergencies. This guide walks you through the key items you need in your tornado shelter, including our top-performing matches, candles, and lanterns—products that are already used by storm preppers across the country.
1. Dependable Light Sources for Power Outages
Tornadoes frequently cause blackouts, so having reliable light sources that don’t depend on electricity is essential.
UCO Candle Lanterns
Our Original Candle Lantern is a tried-and-true favorite in emergency kits. It runs on a single candle and produces warm, consistent light for up to 9 hours.
- Glass chimney protects the flame from drafts
- Collapsible for compact storage
- Easy to hang or place on any surface
Pair it with our 15-hour candles for even longer illumination.
2. Long-Burning Emergency Candles
Having multiple backup light sources is smart. Candles are simple, long-lasting, and perfect for confined indoor use during a storm.
Natural Beeswax Candles (3-Pack)
Our 18-Hour Natural Beeswax Candles are clean-burning, dripless, and ideal for long-term use in shelters or off-grid locations.
Why choose beeswax?
- Up to 15 hours of burn time per candle
- Low soot output for better indoor air quality
- Made to fit all UCO Candle Lanterns
You get 45 hours of total light per 3-pack.
3. Stormproof Fire Starting Tools
A fire-starting tool might not be your first thought in tornado prep, but it's essential for lighting candles or lanterns, especially when matches get wet or shelter conditions are humid.
Stormproof Match Kit
The UCO Stormproof Match Kit is designed for extreme weather conditions. These matches stay lit in wind, rain, and even after being submerged in water.
- Windproof and waterproof
- Burn up to 15 seconds each
- Includes waterproof case, striker, and extra matches
Keep a set in your tornado shelter, car, and emergency go-bag.
4. Additional Shelter Essentials to Stock
In addition to your lighting and fire-starting gear, make sure your shelter includes:
- NOAA weather radio (battery-powered or hand crank)
- Flashlights and batteries
- First-aid kit
- Non-perishable food and water (3+ day supply)
- Extra clothes, blankets, and ponchos
- Power banks for phone charging
- Sanitation supplies (trash bags, moist wipes, toilet paper)
- Waterproof container for important documents
Store all UCO candles and matches in a dry, clearly labeled bin so they’re easy to access in the dark.
Why UCO Gear?
For over 50 years, UCO Gear has been trusted by outdoor adventurers, campers, and emergency preppers. We build products designed to function in harsh environments—so you can feel confident no matter what the weather brings.
Whether you're creating a new tornado shelter or updating your emergency kit, our stormproof matches, long-burning candles, and reliable lanterns are must-haves for your home safety plan.
Shop UCO Storm Essentials
Prepare today so you’re protected tomorrow. Build your tornado kit with UCO Gear.
