In the state of Oklahoma, the end of a tornado warning does not always mean the danger has passed. The aftermath of a severe storm can be just as hazardous as the storm itself. You can easily get hurt by a tornado if you’re not careful, but you can also be injured after the storm when walking over debris or inside damaged buildings.
While people are well-advised about what to do during a tornado, understanding the critical steps to take after the tornado fades is vital for your long-term safety. This guide covers essential protocols for medical checks, property inspection, and utility safety.
1. Immediate Medical Assessment: Check Yourself for Injuries
Your first priority once the winds die down is the physical safety of yourself and those in your shelter. The adrenaline of a storm can often mask pain or shock, making it difficult to realize if you have sustained an injury.
Perform a Self-Check
If the tornado impacts you, draw attention towards yourself after it passes to get medical assistance. Check your extremities for cuts from flying glass or bruising from impact. If you are trapped, try to stay calm. Use a whistle or your phone to signal for help. Avoid shouting for long periods to conserve energy and oxygen.
Assist Others Safely
If someone besides you is injured, immediately call an ambulance and medical services to help them. Do not move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger from a collapsing structure or fire. Provide basic first aid—such as applying pressure to bleeding wounds—until professionals arrive.
2. Check On Your Loved Ones and Community
Communication is a lifeline following a natural disaster. Once you have confirmed your immediate safety, your next step is to reach out to your support network.
Establish Contact
Contact your friends and family and check if they’re alright. If cell service is spotty, try sending text messages or using social media marked with “I’m Safe” status updates. These methods often work better than voice calls when networks are congested.
Use Caution with Utilities
When moving about, be extremely careful. Stay away from power lines, as they may still be energized even if they are on the ground. If the power is out, use flashlights instead of candles. Candles pose a significant fire risk, especially if there are undetected gas leaks in the area.
3. Navigating Post-Storm Hazards Outdoors
The landscape after a tornado can be unrecognizable. Familiar landmarks may be gone, and the ground is often littered with “invisible” dangers.
Watch for Sharp Debris
Walking over debris is a leading cause of post-storm injuries. Tornadoes scatter nails, broken glass, and jagged metal fragments across yards and roads. Never walk through a debris field in flip-flops or bare feet. You must wear sturdy, thick-soled boots to prevent puncture wounds.
Beware of Standing Water
Stay out of flooded areas and puddles. These may be hiding sharp objects or, more dangerously, downed power lines. Electrocution is a common hazard in wet environments following a major storm.
4. Check If Your Belongings and Property Are Safe
Once it is safe to move around your property, you must perform a systematic inspection. This helps you identify if your home is structurally sound or if you need to seek temporary housing.
Inspect Your Storm Shelter and Saferoom
Check if your storm shelter, saferoom, and house are affected by the storm. Even if your shelter saved your life, you must inspect it for structural cracks or damage to the door’s locking mechanism. If you use an underground unit, check for water intrusion or shifting soil that could affect its future stability.
Exterior Home Assessment
Walk carefully around the perimeter of your home. Look for:
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Roof Damage: Missing shingles or structural sagging.
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Foundation Cracks: New gaps that suggest the house has shifted.
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Tree Hazards: Broken branches that may fall or lean against power lines.
5. Indoor Utility Safety and Fire Prevention
Before you settle back into your home, you must ensure the internal systems are functional and safe.
Detecting Gas Leaks
If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave the building immediately. Turn off the main gas valve from the outside if it is safe to do so. Do not flip any light switches or use matches, as a single spark can ignite leaking gas.
Electrical Checks
Check your electrical system for sparks or frayed wires. If you notice a burning smell, shut off the power at the main breaker. Never use electrical appliances that have been exposed to water until they have been inspected by a professional.
6. Safe Cleanup and Debris Removal
Cleaning up after a tornado is a marathon, not a sprint. It is a physically demanding process that requires the right equipment to avoid overexertion or injury.
Wear Protective Gear
When handling debris, always wear:
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Heavy-Duty Work Gloves: To protect against cuts and splinters.
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Long Sleeves and Pants: To shield your skin from insulation (fiberglass) and dust.
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Safety Glasses: To prevent eye injuries from sawdust or flying particles while using tools.
Know When to Call Professionals
If your home has significant structural damage, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Unstable walls or roofs can collapse without warning. Contact licensed contractors and your insurance agent to begin the professional recovery process.
Why a Quality Shelter Makes the Difference
The recovery process is much easier when you know your primary safety system held up. Oklahoma Shelters offers top-quality storm shelters of different types in Oklahoma, designed to withstand the harshest post-storm environments.
Our shelters are engineered not just for the wind, but for the debris that follows. When you invest in a professionally installed saferoom or underground bunker, you are investing in a structure that remains accessible and secure long after the tornado has passed.
Choosing Your Protection
Whether you need an above-ground safe room for easy accessibility or an underground garage shelter that stays out of the way, we provide the ultimate security for Oklahoma families. Don’t wait until the next storm to realize the value of a high-quality shelter.
