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Tornado Safety Tips for Oklahoma

By February 11, 2014June 9th, 2020No Comments

In truth, all year is pretty much tornado season in Oklahoma. But the prime conditions begin around late March and go through August in a typical year. Oklahoma City, in fact, has more tornado strikes than any other city in the United States.

Here are some tips to help prepare you for the tornado season, some of which could possibly save your life.

  1. Prepare Your Tornado Plan – Just as schools and offices have specific plans in the case of a tornado, so should you for your home. The first thing you need to do is designate your “shelter room.”

    If your house doesn’t have an underground storm shelter, you should choose the area that is the lowest, smallest and most central. Often this is a cellar or basement, or it could be a central hallway or bathroom. Make sure you are as far as possible from outside walls and windows.

  2. Know the Dangers of Mobile Homes – For those living in mobile homes, your tornado plan should take you to a preselected, permanent structure. If the warning time is not sufficient, you should never attempt to drive when a tornado is near. You are safer lying in a ditch or depression than driving or remaining in a mobile home.
  3. Prepare Your Tornado Kit – Every household should have an emergency kit that is easily accessible when tornado conditions arrive. A tornado kit should include:
    • Battery-powered radio or television
    • Flashlight
    • Extra batteries for both of the above
    • First aid kit
    • Sturdy shoes for every member of the family
    • Identification and cash
    • Spare set of keys to vehicles
  4. Always Stay Weather-Informed – With today’s technology, media outlets often know a couple of days in advance when conditions are right for tornadoes. Keep informed on the forecast, and always watch for signs of possible tornadoes such as:
    • Dark, greenish sky
    • Wall cloud
    • Cloud rotation or strong, swirling winds
    • Loud roar, often described as sounding like a freight train
  5. Act Quickly – If your area is in a tornado warning, don’t waste time. Grab your tornado kit, pillows and blankets and get immediately to your shelter room. Make sure everyone is wearing their sturdy shoes. Use the radio to listen to weather broadcasts, and don’t leave your shelter room until the tornado danger has passed. If a tornado strikes, use pillows and blankets, arms and hands to cover your neck and head.
  6. Know Your Aftermath Plan – Your entire family should have a designated area to meet just in case you are separated during a tornado. Treat anyone who may be injured, but don’t move anyone who is seriously injured unless preventing them from further injury.

    Help any neighbors who may require assistance, but stay out of damaged buildings if at all possible. Leave immediately if you smell gas or chemical fumes.

  7. Stay Calm – Both before and after a tornado, it is easy and quite understandable to experience panic. However, being prepared and staying calm will increase your response time, ensure you make the right decisions and often save lives.

Safety Tips:

  1. Never stay in a car or mobile home during a tornado. You are safer outside in the lowest area. 
  2. Never try to outrun a tornado. They can change direction at any moment.
  3. Never take cover beneath a bridge or overpass.
  4. Never go outside to watch a tornado. Take cover immediately.
  5. Always know the tornado plans of any schools or office buildings in which you spend time.

Source: About.com.

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Contact us for a Oklahoma homeowners insurance quote, before tornado season starts, to ensure you are fully covered in case a disaster. Call us at 405-530-4019.