When tornado season hits Oklahoma, seconds can mean the difference between safety and danger. Having a safe room or an underground cement shelter is the first step in protecting your family. The next step is practicing tornado drills so everyone knows exactly what to do when a real storm strikes. Let’s look at the importance of drills and how you can plan them.
Why Tornado Drills Matter
Tornadoes can form quickly and move unpredictably. Even if you have a storm shelter, panic can make it difficult to get everyone to safety. By running regular drills, your family becomes familiar with the shelter’s location, how to enter it quickly, and what to do once inside. The more often you practice, the faster and more calmly everyone can respond during an actual tornado.
How to Plan Your Drill?
Start by setting a consistent routine. Pick a time each month for a brief drill that simulates real conditions. Make sure all family members, including children, know the signal to head to the storm shelter. Practice using the quickest route from different areas of your home, whether it’s an in ground storm shelter in the yard or a concrete tornado shelter inside the garage.
Include communication in your plan. Assign one person to check that everyone is accounted for, and establish a method for sending updates if family members are in separate parts of the house. Even if your safe rooms are just a few steps away, knowing who will do what can save precious seconds.
What to Keep Inside Your Safe Room?
A well-stocked shelter makes tornado drills more realistic and prepares your family for longer storms. Essentials include water, non-perishable snacks, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and important documents. Also consider adding pillows or blankets to make the space more comfortable during a drill or actual emergency. Practicing with these items in place helps everyone get accustomed to moving quickly while carrying supplies.
Making Drills Realistic but Safe
It’s important to simulate the urgency of a tornado without creating fear. Use a loud alarm or siren to signal the start of the drill, and time how long it takes for everyone to reach the shelter. Discuss afterward what went well and what could improve. Regularly updating your drill based on real experiences ensures that everyone knows their role when it matters most.
Building Confidence Through Preparation
Tornado drills help transform a potentially chaotic situation into a calm, organized response. Whichever type of shelter you have, practicing emergency procedures ensures that your family can use the safe room effectively.
By taking the time to plan, stock, and practice, you maximize the protective benefits of your safe room. When the sirens sound, you’ll know that every family member is ready to move quickly and safely, giving you peace of mind throughout tornado season.
At Oklahoma Shelters, we want every family to feel confident and prepared when a tornado strikes. Schedule your free consultation today and let us help you choose the safe room or storm shelter that’s right for your home.