05/06/2024
We have predictions of strong, long track tornadoes and giant (softball sized) hail in some parts of the state. Be prepared, not scared, stay weather aware.
Some advice:
Kids: Make sure your kids are involved in the plan. If you have a child with a special stuffed animal, blanket, or toy, be sure they have it ready (a backpack is perfect). Prepare baby food, milk, diapers and wipes if your children need it. Children should be strapped into a car seat in a tornado, so be prepared for that. If you get in a bathtub with your child(ren), use a belt to secure them and/or the car seat to you and something thick to cover everyone (mattress, sofa cushions, coats, blankets). Have a rehearsal with your kids if you think they will need it. If your child's school has a shelter and you don't, find out if it will be available to you.
Elderly: Be sure that elderly people are in their safe space early so they don't have to rush at the last minute. Most elderly people move slowly and need to plan a little before doing something. Be sure they have all medicine with them. Give them time to get comfortable. If you are caring for an elderly person who is bed bound, pull all curtains / shades in the windows and cover the elderly person with blankets and pillows. Consider a life jacket or heavy coat and a helmet if you have them and the elderly person can tolerate them.
Pets: Make sure your pets are included in your plan. Put their collars on and have leashes ready. Even if you have a shelter, animals sometimes escape at the last moment. Don't risk your pets getting lost. If your animals have never been in your shelter, do a dress rehearsal, so it's not foreign to them.
Keep with you: Keep your wallet/purse with you. Make sure you have your insurance information/phone, a medication list and all of your medicine with you. If you occasionally need a rescue inhaler, insulin, or an epi pen, keep those with you. If you have a medical alert bracelet, be sure you are wearing it.
Shelter: If you don't have a shelter, ask your neighbors and friends if they would be willing to let you in their shelter. Most people are willing to fill their shelters to capacity if the weather is serious, so don't be afraid to ask (early, so everyone can plan).
If you have extra space in your shelter, reach out to someone around you to see if they have a plan, or if they would like to join you if needed. Don't risk having to regret that you didn't ask.
Check with schools, churches, your workplace, and other public buildings in your area. Do not go to a hospital (they can not handle a flood of extra people especially as they prepare for emergency admissions). Check in with your city to see if there are any shelters open. GO EARLY. Do not get caught out in a car in a tornado.
Do not stay in a mobile home. Make a plan early to be somewhere safe and go there early.
If you do not have a basement or shelter, go to the center of the structure on the lowest level without windows or skylights. A small bathroom (like a powder bath) is a good choice, since the plumbing will hold things together a bit better. Otherwise, consider a bathtub with a mattress on top of you. A small closet is also a good option (the smaller the better) walls close together means more support. If you are in an apartment on an upper floor, ask your neighbors if you can seek shelter with them. Never underestimate the kindness of Oklahomans.
In your backpack (or shelter), You may want to have some water, a charger, your phone, battery powered flashlight(s) or charged lights and batteries, a hand held battery powered or crank radio, a loud whistle, important phone numbers, work gloves, extra shoes and clothes, basic first aide supplies, ice packs. Keep your important documents with you.
Communication: Let someone else know where you are. It's best to check in with your neighbors, family, and someone outside of the storm area who won't be impacted. Check your phone to see if it works inside your shelter so you will know.
After the storm passes, check in with those around you and with family and friends. They will be happy to hear from you.
Your safety: To protect yourself, consider the following: You should have shoes on and long pants in case you need to dig out. Consider a helmet, life vest, mattresses or sofa cushions, a heavy coat. Protect your "core" by keeping your chest and abdomen to the floor. As many walls or layers between you and the storm as possible is best.
Watch the weather. Pick your favorite app or TV station, or livestream and pay attention.
Remember, Oklahomans have been doing this stuff forever! Yes, it's normal to understand the seriousness of the weather, but you don't need to panic. "Calm in a storm" is the best way to get through tornado season. Once you're prepared, you've got this!
