Living in Oklahoma means respecting the power of the weather. Residents of Tulsa County understand that tornado season is not a matter of “if,” but “when.” Installing a high-quality storm shelter is the first step in protecting your family. However, many homeowners forget a critical second step: registration.
Registering your storm shelter ensures that emergency responders know where you are after a disaster. If a tornado causes structural damage to your home, debris might block your shelter exit. A registered shelter allows rescue teams to locate you quickly.
Oklahoma Shelters provides professional installation services across the entire state, including Oklahoma City and Tulsa. This guide explains how to register your shelter in Tulsa County and why it is vital for your safety.
Why Storm Shelter Registration Matters
A storm shelter is a life-saving investment. It provides a secure place during EF5 tornadoes. But the protection should not end when the winds stop.
In some cases, the entrance to an underground or garage shelter can become covered by heavy debris. This includes fallen trees, vehicles, or parts of the home’s structure. Without registration, emergency crews may not know a shelter exists on your property.
Registration puts your address and the exact location of your shelter into a database. This database is used by the Tulsa Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and local fire departments. After a major storm, they use this data to perform wellness checks.
Identifying Your Shelter Type
Before you begin the registration process, you need to know what kind of shelter you have. Oklahoma Shelters offers several varieties designed to meet different needs.
Underground Garage Shelters
These are installed into the floor of your garage. They save space and allow you to enter the shelter without leaving your home. You can see more about these at Oklahoma Shelters – Types of Storm Shelters.
Above-Ground Safe Rooms
Safe rooms are ideal for people with mobility issues. They are made of heavy-duty steel and bolted to a concrete slab. These are often located in garages or inside the home.
Outdoor Concrete Shelters
These are the traditional “storm cellars.” They are buried in the yard and provide a massive amount of space for larger families.
Knowing your shelter type is necessary because the registration form often asks for a description of the unit.
Step-by-Step Registration in Tulsa County
The process for registering a shelter in Tulsa County is straightforward. It is a free service provided to the public.
Step 1: Gather Your Information
You will need specific details before you start the online form. Make sure you have the following ready:
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The primary account holder’s name.
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The exact physical address of the shelter.
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Your primary and secondary phone numbers.
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The number of people the shelter can hold.
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The specific location of the shelter on your property (e.g., “Backyard northeast corner” or “Front garage floor”).
Step 2: Visit the Official Tulsa County Registration Portal
Tulsa County residents should use the official Tulsa Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) website. This portal is the central hub for safety data.
Step 3: Complete the Online Form
Navigate to the storm shelter registration section. Enter your contact information clearly. Accuracy is vital. If your phone number changes in the future, remember to update your registration.
Step 4: Specify the Shelter Location
Be as descriptive as possible. Instead of just saying “in the garage,” say “in the garage, third bay, rear left corner.” This helps rescuers narrow down their search if the garage is covered in debris.
Step 5: Submit and Confirm
After submitting the form, you may receive a confirmation email. Keep a copy of this for your records. It serves as proof that you have taken the necessary steps to assist emergency responders.
What if You Live Outside Tulsa City Limits?
Tulsa County includes several municipalities like Broken Arrow, Jenks, Owasso, and Sand Springs. Most of these cities participate in the TEMA database. However, it is always a good idea to check with your specific city hall.
Some smaller towns may maintain their own local registry through the local fire department. If you are unsure, call your local non-emergency dispatch number. They can tell you exactly where your data should go.
The Role of Oklahoma Shelters in Your Safety
Oklahoma Shelters is headquartered in Oklahoma City but services the entire state. They understand the specific geological needs of Tulsa County. Whether you are dealing with rocky soil or high water tables, they help you choose the right product.
Their shelters meet or exceed FEMA standards. This means they are tested to withstand the extreme forces of an EF5 tornado. When you hire Oklahoma Shelters, you are getting a product that has been rigorously engineered for Oklahoma’s unique climate.
You can learn more about their company history and commitment to safety on their About Page.
Professional Installation vs. DIY
Some homeowners consider installing their own shelters. In Tulsa County, this is rarely a good idea. Professional installation ensures the shelter is properly anchored.
If an above-ground safe room is not anchored correctly, a tornado can lift it. If an underground shelter is not sealed properly, it can leak or even float out of the ground during heavy rain.
Oklahoma Shelters handles the heavy lifting. They ensure your shelter is level, secure, and compliant with local building codes. This professional touch makes the registration process easier because you will have all the technical specs ready.
Maintaining Your Storm Shelter
Registration is a “set it and forget it” task, but shelter maintenance is not. To ensure your family is safe, follow these tips:
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Keep it Clean: Avoid using your shelter as a general storage unit. You need to be able to enter it quickly in the dark.
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Check the Door: Periodically grease the hinges and locks. Ensure the door opens and closes smoothly.
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Update Your Emergency Kit: Keep fresh water, a first aid kit, and a battery-powered radio inside.
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Pest Control: Spiders and insects love dark shelters. Sweep it out regularly and use safe pest deterrents.
Preparing Your Family for Tornado Season
Having a registered shelter is only half the battle. Your family needs a plan.
Practice Drills
Run a “tornado drill” at least twice a year. See how fast everyone can get from their beds or the living room into the shelter.
Communication
Ensure everyone knows where the shelter keys are kept. If you have an underground garage shelter, make sure vehicles are parked in a way that allows the door to open fully.
Notification
During a storm, tell a relative who lives out of state that you are going into your shelter. This creates an extra layer of safety. If they don’t hear from you after the storm passes, they can call for help.
Common Myths About Storm Shelters
There is a lot of misinformation regarding storm safety. Let’s clear up a few common myths.
Myth: You should open your windows to equalize pressure. Fact: This is dangerous and false. Opening windows allows wind to enter the home and increase the chance of the roof lifting off. Keep windows closed and get to your Oklahoma Shelters unit immediately.
Myth: Overpasses are safe places to park during a tornado. Fact: Overpasses act as wind tunnels. They increase the speed of the wind and offer no protection from debris. Your storm shelter is the only safe place.
Myth: Tornadoes never hit big cities. Fact: Tornadoes have hit downtown areas of major cities many times. Tulsa and Oklahoma City are both at risk.
Weather Monitoring in Tulsa
Stay informed by following the National Weather Service (NWS). They provide real-time updates and “Watch” or “Warning” notifications.
A “Watch” means conditions are favorable for a tornado. A “Warning” means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. When a Warning is issued for Tulsa County, go to your registered shelter immediately.
Why Oklahoma Shelters is the Top Choice
With years of experience, Oklahoma Shelters has built a reputation for reliability. They offer:
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High-Strength Steel: Their safe rooms use 1/4″ steel for maximum protection.
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Expert Anchoring: Using industrial-grade bolts to ensure the unit stays put.
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Custom Sizes: From small family units to large commercial shelters.
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Statewide Service: They bring their expertise to every corner of Oklahoma.
Their team understands the stress of tornado season. They work quickly and efficiently to get your shelter installed before the next round of storms arrives.
The Financial Benefits of a Storm Shelter
Beyond safety, a storm shelter adds value to your property. Many homebuyers in Oklahoma specifically look for homes with pre-installed shelters.
In some cases, you may be eligible for rebates or insurance discounts. Check with your insurance provider in Tulsa to see if they offer a premium reduction for having a FEMA-approved shelter. The cost of the shelter often pays for itself through increased home equity and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts on Registration
Do not wait for a storm to realize you forgot to register. It takes five minutes and costs nothing. It is the final piece of your emergency preparedness puzzle.
By choosing Oklahoma Shelters, you are getting the best physical protection available. By registering that shelter with Tulsa County, you are ensuring that help is on the way even if the worst happens.
Article Recap
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Safety First: Registration helps rescuers find you if debris traps you inside your shelter.
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TEMA Portal: Tulsa County residents should use the Tulsa Emergency Management Agency website for registration.
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Information Needed: You need your address, phone number, shelter type, and exact location on the property.
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Statewide Service: Oklahoma Shelters installs high-quality, FEMA-compliant units throughout Oklahoma.
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Maintenance: Regularly check your shelter’s door and keep your emergency kit updated.
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Value: A storm shelter increases home value and may lower insurance premiums.
Don’t leave your family’s safety to chance. Contact Oklahoma Shelters today to schedule your installation. Call us at 405-367-7901 to get a free quote. Secure your peace of mind before the next storm hits! Email sales@oklahomashelters.net us today
