Planning Ahead for Severe Weather: The Ultimate Oklahoma Guide
Oklahoma is no stranger to the raw power of nature. From high-speed tornadoes to debilitating ice storms, residents face a unique set of weather challenges every year. To protect your family, home, and possessions, advance planning is the only reliable key. A crisis is not the time to decide where to go or what to eat.
At Oklahoma Shelters, we understand that preparedness is a year-round commitment. This comprehensive guide expands on our essential safety protocols to help you navigate severe weather with confidence and security.
1. Stay Connected: The Importance of Real-Time Information
In a state where weather can change in minutes, staying informed is your first line of defense. You must remain alert by listening to weather forecasts on the radio or monitoring local news.
Understanding Watches vs. Warnings
One of the most critical aspects of staying connected is knowing the terminology used by the National Weather Service (NWS):
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Severe Weather Watch: Conditions are favorable for a storm to develop. This is your signal to review your plan and check your supplies.
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Severe Weather Warning: A storm or tornado is occurring or imminent. You must take action immediately.
Essential Communication Tools
Relying on a single source of information is risky. If cell towers go down or the internet fails, you need a backup.
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NOAA Weather Radio: These devices operate on dedicated frequencies and provide alerts even when the power is out.
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Smartphone Apps: Use reputable weather apps with “push” notifications for your specific GPS location.
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Outdoor Sirens: Remember that sirens are designed to warn people who are outdoors. They are not intended to be heard inside a home or building.
2. Take Cover: Choosing the Right Shelter
During a severe storm or tornado, your physical location determines your survival rate. If your home has a basement or a cellar, that is your primary refuge. However, many Oklahoma homes are built on concrete slabs without traditional basements.
Identifying a Safe Space
If you do not have a dedicated storm shelter, you should go to the lowest level of your home. Find an interior room without windows, such as a closet or bathroom. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
The Advantage of Professional Shelters
For the highest level of protection, a purpose-built storm shelter is recommended. These units are engineered to withstand the extreme pressures of an EF5 tornado.
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Underground Concrete Shelters: These offer the “gold standard” of protection by utilizing the earth as a shield.
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Above-Ground Safe Rooms: Ideal for those with mobility issues, these steel-reinforced rooms are anchored to your home’s slab and tested against winds.
3. Power Up: Maintaining Energy During Outages
Severe storms frequently knock out the main power grid. Whether it is a downed line from a tornado or a snapped pole from an ice storm, you could be without electricity for days.
Portable Generators
Consider purchasing a portable generator to power important appliances like refrigerators, medical equipment, and space heaters.
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Safety First: Never run a generator inside your home, garage, or near an open window. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent and deadly threat.
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Fuel Storage: Keep a fresh supply of fuel in a safe, outdoor location. Use a stabilizer if storing fuel for long periods.
Battery Backups
For smaller devices, maintain a stock of high-capacity power banks. These will keep your phones charged so you can continue to receive weather updates and contact emergency services.
4. Keep Comfortable: Seasonal Storm Strategies
Preparation varies depending on the season. Oklahoma experiences both extreme heat and extreme cold.
Winter Storm Preparedness
During ice storms or blizzards, the goal is to retain heat.
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Stock Supplies: Have plenty of heavy blankets, winter gear (coats, hats, gloves), and firewood if you have a wood-burning stove.
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Prevent Frozen Pipes: Keep your faucets dripping and cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.
Summer Storm Preparedness
In the heat of a “Tornado Alley” summer, a power outage can lead to dangerous indoor temperatures.
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Stay Shaded: Keep your home shaded by closing blinds or curtains during the day.
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Ventilation: If it is safe and the storm has passed, use battery-powered fans to maintain airflow.
5. Eat Smart: Emergency Nutrition and Hydration
When the power shuts down, the food in your fridge can become stale or unsafe within hours. You must maintain a supply of shelf-stable food and water.
Building Your Emergency Pantry
Focus on nutrient-dense foods that require little to no preparation:
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Canned Goods: Meats, vegetables, and fruits (don’t forget a manual can opener).
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Dry Goods: Crackers, nuts, granola bars, and peanut butter.
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Specialty Items: If you have infants or pets, ensure you have a two-week supply of formula or pet food.
Water Requirements
Hydration is non-negotiable. Store at least one gallon of water per person per day. For a family of four, a three-day supply is 12 gallons. Remember that you may also need extra water for basic hygiene and sanitation.
6. Professional Assistance: Deciding on the Right Shelter
Every home and business has unique needs. The layout of your property, the size of your family, and your budget all play a role in choosing a shelter.
Consultation with Experts
Our professionals can help you evaluate your property. We look at soil types, drainage, and accessibility to recommend the best fit. Whether you need a compact unit for a small backyard or a large-capacity shelter for a small business, we have the expertise to guide you.
Why Choose Oklahoma Shelters?
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Local Experience: We know Oklahoma’s geology and weather patterns.
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FEMA Compliant: Our shelters meet or exceed national safety standards.
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Professional Installation: We ensure your shelter is installed correctly to provide maximum life-saving potential.
Final Steps: Take Action Today
Severe weather is a part of life in Oklahoma, but it doesn’t have to be a source of constant fear. By staying connected, having a dedicated place to take cover, and keeping your supplies stocked, you are taking control of your family’s safety.
Advance planning for the storm is the key. Don’t wait for the sirens to sound to start your preparedness journey.
Contact Oklahoma Shelters today to protect your tomorrow.
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Phone: 405-367-7901
Oklahoma Shelters: Your Safety is Our Mission.
