Emergency preparedness in Midwest
Great Plains and Great Lakes states including Illinois, Ohio, Missouri, and Indiana. Tornado Alley runs through this region, with ice storms, flooding, and extreme temperature swings. The 2011 Joplin tornado killed 158 people — the deadliest US tornado in 60 years (NWS). The 2019 Midwest floods caused $20 billion in damage across multiple states (NOAA). Derecho storms can produce hurricane-force winds across hundreds of miles (SPC).
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Why prepare in Midwest?
Joplin Tornado
EF5 tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri killing 158 people and destroying a third of the city. The deadliest US tornado since 1947.
Midwest Floods
Record flooding across Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and surrounding states from a combination of heavy rain and rapid snowmelt. Over $20 billion in damage to agriculture and infrastructure.
Midwest Derecho
Powerful derecho with winds up to 140 mph swept across Iowa and Illinois, flattening crops, destroying buildings, and leaving hundreds of thousands without power.
These events are real and recent. Preparing ahead of time lets you react calmly and protect your family when it matters most.
Would your family be ready today?
In less than 5 minutes you will know exactly what you need: water, food, gear and communications based on the number of people and the risks in your area.
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Gear checklist for Midwest
Drinking water for 5 days
River flooding and ice storms can disrupt municipal water for days
Storm shelter location identified
Tornadoes can strike with only minutes of warning
NOAA weather radio
Severe weather alerts can mean the difference between life and death
Flashlight and backup batteries
Ice storms bring down power lines and outages can last over a week
Heavy blankets and warm layers
Winter power outages mean no heating; indoor temperatures drop fast
Shelf-stable food and manual can opener
Severe weather can isolate rural communities for several days
The planner adjusts quantities, categories and products based on the number of people, duration and the specific risks of your area.
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Recommended products for Midwest
Selection based on the specific risks of this area.
Products selected by our team · Based on official sources (FEMA, Red Cross)
The product selection below is based on the analysis of the specific risks of Midwest and on the experience of emergency preparedness specialists. Every product was chosen for its reliability in real conditions, not just for the manufacturer specs.
Before you buy, evaluate which categories are priority for your family situation: the number of people, the presence of children or older adults, and whether your plan includes staying home or evacuating completely change the needs. Our free planner calculates the exact quantities for your case in less than five minutes.
communication
Solar Hand Crank Emergency Weather Radio,NOAA/AM/FM Portable Radio with 3 LED Flashlight 2000mAh Power Bank Cellphone Ch
power-lighting
DIBMS 4-Pack Solar Camping Lantern, Collapsible LED Solar USB Rechargeable Lantern Flashlight Emergency Hanging Lights f
shelter-warmth
Ever Ready First Aid Mylar Rescue Blanket, Large Silver Thermal Sheet for Emergency and Survival, 54” x 84” – 20 Count
backpacks-kits
ROARING FIRE Tactical Backpack, Expandable Molle Backpack for The Outdoor, Hiking, 3 Day Pack, Bug Out Bag,
These products are a starting point, not a definitive list. Your family's real needs depend on factors only you know: allergies, chronic medication, pets, reduced mobility or the presence of young children.
Use our planner to get a personalized list that takes all those factors into account and adjusts the quantities to the exact number of people and days you want to cover.
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Frequently asked questions about Midwest
What do I do during a tornado warning?
How many days of supplies for the Midwest?
Do I need a weather radio?
Other risk areas in the US
Northeast
Blizzards and nor'easters, Coastal flooding and storm surge
Southeast
Hurricanes and tropical storms, Extreme heat and humidity
Southwest
Extreme heat and drought, Flash floods
West Coast
Earthquakes, Wildfires
Mountain West
Wildfires, Heavy snowfall and avalanches
Pacific Islands
Hurricanes and tropical storms, Tsunamis
Protect your family in Midwest — in less than 5 minutes
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