The Noise Has Stopped. Now What?
The roar is gone. The pressure in your ears has popped. The terrifying train-like sound has been replaced by an eerie silence or the sound of heavy rain. You have survived another Oklahoma Tornado in your storm shelter from Oklahoma Shelters.
You are safe inside your Oklahoma Shelters unit. The shelter did its job. You and your family are alive.
But the danger isn’t over yet.
What you do in the first 10 minutes, the first hour, and the first day after a tornado strikes is critical. The aftermath of a storm presents a new set of hazards—gas leaks, live wires, and unstable debris.
Many injuries happen after the tornado, during the cleanup and assessment phase.
At Oklahoma Shelters, we don’t just want you to survive the wind; we want you to survive the aftermath. Based in Oklahoma City, we have seen the destruction these storms leave behind. We know the drill.
Here is your step-by-step guide on what to do immediately after the storm passes.
Step 1: Inside the Shelter – Wait and Listen
Do not rush to open the door the second the wind dies down.
Wait for the “All Clear.” Tornadoes often come in families. Just because one vortex has passed doesn’t mean the threat is over.
- Check your Weather Radio: Ensure the warning has expired for your specific location.
- Check your Phone: If you have a signal, look at radar apps or local news streams.
The Smell Test Before you even touch the latch, sniff the air.
- Gas Leaks: If a tornado ripped up your house, it likely ruptured the gas lines. Propane and natural gas can seep into underground spaces.
- If you smell rotten eggs: Do not strike a match. Do not turn on a flashlight (if it’s not explosion-proof). Put on masks if you have them in your emergency kit.
Listen for Hazards Press your ear against the door.
- Do you hear hissing? (Gas)
- Do you hear crackling or buzzing? (Downed power lines)
- Do you hear running water? (Broken pipes)
If you hear these sounds, proceed with extreme caution.
Step 2: Opening the Door
This is the moment of truth.
If debris has fallen on top of your shelter, the door might feel heavy.
- Test the Weight: Unlatch the door and push gently.
- Use the Hydraulics: If your shelter is equipped with a hydraulic jack (a common feature we recommend), use it to lift the weight of the debris.
- Don’t Force It: If the door is jammed shut by a massive object (like a car or a large tree), do not exhaust yourself trying to bench-press it.
What if I am Trapped? This is a common fear, but actual entrapment is rare with modern shelter designs. However, if you cannot open the door:
- Stay Calm: You have air vents. You are safe.
- Make Noise: Use the whistle or air horn from your emergency kit. Bang on the door with a metal object. Sound travels well through the steel and vents.
- Contact Emergency Services: If you have cell service, text 911 or call local dispatch. Give them your exact coordinates.
- Wait for Help: In Oklahoma, emergency responders and neighbors prioritize checking storm shelters immediately after a storm. They know where to look.
Step 3: The First Exit
When the door opens, the world will look different. It can be disorienting. Landmarks you know—trees, fences, sheds—might be gone.
Watch Your Step
- Nails and Glass: The ground will be covered in “confetti”—shards of glass, nails from the roof, and splintered wood.
- Wear Boots: Do not exit the shelter in flip-flops or bare feet if you can avoid it. Put on the sturdy shoes you stored in the shelter.
Look Up and Down
- Up: Look for hanging tree limbs (“widow makers”) or dangling power lines that could fall on you.
- Down: Look for snakes or displaced animals that may be hiding under debris near the shelter entrance.
Step 4: Shut Off Utilities
If your home has sustained damage, your priority is preventing a fire or explosion.
1. Natural Gas / Propane If you smell gas or hear hissing, turn off the main valve immediately.
- Location: The meter is usually on the side of the house.
- How: Use a wrench to turn the valve a quarter turn. The tab should be perpendicular (crosswise) to the pipe.
- Note: Once you turn off the gas, do not turn it back on yourself. A professional needs to inspect the lines first.
2. Electricity If you see sparks or frayed wires, cut the power.
- Location: The breaker box.
- How: Flip the main breaker to the “OFF” position.
- Caution: Do not touch the breaker box if you are standing in water or if the box itself is wet.
3. Water If pipes are broken inside the house, shut off the main water valve to prevent flooding the foundation or basement.
For detailed diagrams on how to shut off utilities safely, Ready.gov offers excellent resources for homeowners.
Step 5: Check for Injuries
Adrenaline masks pain. You or a family member might be injured and not realize it.
- Do a Head-to-Toe Check: Look for cuts, scrapes, or puncture wounds.
- Treat Immediately: In a post-storm environment, infection is a major risk. Clean cuts with the first aid kit stored in your shelter.
- Tetanus: If anyone stepped on a nail, they will need a tetanus shot if they haven’t had one in the last 10 years.
Step 6: Communication Strategy
Everyone will be trying to call you. The cell towers will be overloaded.
Text, Don’t Talk Phone calls take up a lot of bandwidth and often fail during disasters. Text messages (SMS) use much less data and will often go through when a call won’t.
Social Media Check-In If you have data, use the “Safety Check” feature on Facebook or post a single status update: “We are safe. Shelter held up. House damaged, but we are okay.” This stops hundreds of people from trying to call you simultaneously.
Step 7: Structural Assessment
Do not enter your home unless you are certain it is stable.
Signs of Danger:
- Sagging Roof: If the ridge line is dipped, stay out.
- Leaning Walls: If the walls aren’t vertical, the house could collapse at any moment.
- Separated Foundation: Look at where the house meets the concrete. If it has shifted, the structure is compromised.
If the house looks unstable, stay in the yard or remain near the shelter. Your possessions are not worth your life.
Step 8: Document Everything
Once the immediate safety checks are done, and the utilities are secured, you need to think about insurance.
- Take Photos: Photograph everything before you move any debris.
- Take Video: Walk around the property (safely) and narrate what you see.
- Don’t Throw Things Away: Keep damaged items until the adjuster sees them, unless they pose a health hazard.
Why Having the Right Shelter Matters
The ease of this “post-storm” process depends heavily on the quality of the shelter you bought.
At Oklahoma Shelters, our units are designed for the aftermath, not just the event.
- Debris Impact: Our doors are tested to withstand massive impacts, meaning they are less likely to crumple and jam.
- Emergency Latching: Our locks are designed to be easy to open from the inside, even under pressure.
- GPS Registration: We encourage all our customers to register their shelter location with their local fire department or county emergency management. This ensures that if you are trapped, help knows exactly where to dig.
You can view our various shelter types, including those with hydraulic lift options, on our Types of Storm Shelters page.
Mental Health: The Invisible Injury
Finally, be gentle with yourself.
Surviving a direct hit is traumatic. Children may be terrified. You may feel overwhelmed.
- Stick Together: Keep the family close.
- Empower Children: Give kids small, safe tasks (like holding the flashlight) to help them feel in control.
- Seek Help: If the anxiety persists, reach out to professionals. The American Red Cross often sets up shelters and counseling services immediately after major tornadoes in Oklahoma.
Preparation is Survival
A storm shelter is your lifeboat. But you have to know what to do when the boat reaches shore.
Knowing how to shut off your gas, having a pair of boots in the shelter, and knowing how to communicate can save your life after the tornado is gone.
If you don’t have a shelter yet, or if you are relying on a neighbor’s kindness, it is time to take control of your safety.
Don’t wait for the next siren.
Call Oklahoma Shelters today at (405) 367-7901.
We will inspect your property, recommend the best shelter for your needs, and ensure you are ready for whatever the Oklahoma sky throws at you.
People Also Ask (PAA) for Oklahoma Shelters
1. What is the first thing I should do after a tornado passes my storm shelter? Wait for the “all clear” from a reliable source like a NOAA weather radio or a verified weather app on your phone. Do not rely on silence alone, as multiple storms can occur in succession. Before opening the door, check for the smell of gas (rotten eggs) and listen for the sound of hissing pipes or crackling power lines, which indicate immediate hazards outside.
2. How do I use the hydraulic jack in my storm shelter if the door is stuck? If debris is blocking your door, locate the hydraulic jack stored inside your shelter. Place the jack under the designated lift point on the door or hatch. Insert the handle, ensure the release valve is closed (usually by turning it clockwise), and pump the handle slowly to lift the door and push the debris aside. Warning: Do not try to hold the door open with just your body while exiting; prop it if possible.
3. Does Oklahoma City have a storm shelter registry for first responders? Yes, Oklahoma City and many surrounding municipalities (like Moore, Norman, and Tulsa) maintain a storm shelter registry. You can register your shelter’s location online through the OKC.gov Action Center or by calling your local fire department. This allows first responders to know exactly where to dig if your home is leveled and you are trapped inside.
4. Will tornado sirens sound an “all clear” in Oklahoma? No, tornado sirens in Oklahoma generally do not sound an “all clear” signal. Sirens are designed only to warn you of a threat. You must rely on a battery-powered weather radio, local news, or a weather app to determine when the severe weather threat has completely passed your location.
5. What tools should I keep in my storm shelter to help me escape? You should keep a “break-out kit” in your shelter that includes a heavy-duty whistle or air horn (to signal rescuers), a hydraulic jack (to lift debris), a crescent wrench (to turn off gas lines if needed), and a pair of sturdy work boots and gloves to protect your feet and hands from glass and nails when you exit.
6. How do I check my storm shelter for damage after a tornado? After the storm, inspect your shelter for structural integrity. Look for any new cracks in concrete walls or floors, check that the door hinges and latches are not warped, and ensure the weather stripping seals are still intact. If you have an underground unit, check for any water intrusion or shifting that might have occurred due to ground pressure.
7. Can I smell a gas leak from inside my storm shelter? Yes, it is possible for natural gas or propane to seep into underground shelters if lines rupture nearby. If you smell a strong “rotten egg” odor while in your shelter, do not use a lighter, match, or anything that creates a spark (including standard flashlights). Put on a protective mask if available and wait for emergency assistance if you cannot safely exit.
8. What should I do if I am trapped in my storm shelter? If you cannot open the door, stay calm to conserve oxygen. Use your whistle or bang on the door/pipes with a metal object in intervals of three (the universal distress signal). If you have cell service, text 911 (texting often works when calls fail) with your address and shelter location. Do not shout continuously, as this wastes energy and air.
9. How do I turn off my gas after a tornado hits my home? Locate your gas meter, which is usually on the side of the house. Use a crescent wrench or a specialized gas shut-off tool to turn the valve one-quarter turn. The valve is closed when the tab is perpendicular (crosswise) to the pipe. Note: Once you turn the gas off, do not turn it back on yourself; a professional must inspect the system first.
10. How often should I test my storm shelter door and latch? You should inspect and test your storm shelter door, latches, and hydraulic lifts at least twice a year—once before the spring storm season (March) and once before the fall season (October). Lubricate the hinges and latch pins with a silicone-based lubricant (like WD-40 Specialist) to ensure they don’t seize up when you need them most.
