Yes, it’s spring time in Oklahoma and that means storm season! Just as a reminder to us all, below are some safety tips from the city of Oklahoma City to help you prepare for tornado season.
If you have a storm shelter, register its location with the City. Registering your shelter's location will let rescue workers know you have a shelter and where to find it if a disaster covers it with debris. Call the Action Center at 405 297-2535 to register your shelter. (If not in OKC, then call your city’s or police office number to see if they have a registry)
- Flashlight and extra batteries (do not use candles or open flame devices!)
- Portable, battery operated radio and extra batteries
- First aid kit and manual
- Emergency food and water
- Essential medicines
- Cash and credit cards
- Sturdy shoes
- A set of spare keys to vehicles
- Personal identification
- Camera with several rolls of film (for documenting your damage)
If you are outdoors: If possible, go inside a building. If shelter is not available or there is no time to go indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
Things to do now
Have regular tornado drills with your family. Designate an area in your home as a shelter, and regularly practice having your family go there as if there were a tornado. Have disaster supplies on hand.
Have a plan for getting back together in case family members are separated from one another during a tornado. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to act as the family contact. After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.
When a tornado is coming, you have a short amount of time to make life or death decisions. Advance planning and quick response are the keys to surviving.
If you are at home: Go to the basement, storm cellar, or the lowest level of the building. If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a small inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet. Get away from windows. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they tend to attract debris. Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table and hold on to it. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
If you are at work or school: Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level. Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways, or shopping malls. Get under a piece of furniture such as a heavy table or desk and hold on to it. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
If you are in a car: Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building. Never try to outdrive a tornado. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift up a car or truck and toss it through the air. If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or low lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not take cover under a bridge!
What should I do if I live in a mobile home? Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable. A mobile home can overturn very easily even if precautions have been taken to tie the unit down. When a tornado warning is issued, take shelter in a building with a strong foundation. If shelter is not available, lie in a ditch or low-lying area a safe distance away from the unit.
Have a plan for getting back together in case family members are separated from one another during a tornado. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to act as the family contact. After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.
When it's on the way
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| Photo of tornado on the ground with lightning in the background and farmhouse in front. |
If you are at work or school: Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level. Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways, or shopping malls. Get under a piece of furniture such as a heavy table or desk and hold on to it. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
If you are in a car: Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building. Never try to outdrive a tornado. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift up a car or truck and toss it through the air. If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or low lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not take cover under a bridge!
What should I do if I live in a mobile home? Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable. A mobile home can overturn very easily even if precautions have been taken to tie the unit down. When a tornado warning is issued, take shelter in a building with a strong foundation. If shelter is not available, lie in a ditch or low-lying area a safe distance away from the unit.
