Time is Now to Review Weather Safety Plans

Many Oklahomans are so used to tornadic activity that they have become apathetic about safety and preparedness.

Even those who remain watchful may not have kept up with changes in equipment and recommendations to remain safe during storm season.

Ready.gov makes many suggestions, including knowing the area risk, the signs of a tornado, identifying a safe zone and planning for yourself, your family and your pets.

In our area, residents can sign up for emergency alerts from the city of Watonga and receive text messages on approaching bad weather and when the storm shelter opens. The town is also equipped with sirens. They are tested each Monday at noon, if there is no bad weather in the area. Make it a point to listen for the siren.

If you don’t get texts and cannot hear the sirens from your home, consider a NOAA approved weather radio that will make emergency alerts.

Once there is a reliable way to identify severe weather, the next step is to plan to shelter from the weather. Again, in Watonga, the First Baptist Church on Noble Avenue is opened as a shelter in the event of a weather emergency.

Be aware most public storm shelters do not allow pets but may accept service animals.

Other safe places include a small, interior room with no windows in the interior of your home, a basement, storm shelter or safe room built to withstand tornados.

If you plan to shelter in your home, stock the location with emergency supplies, cleaning goods, non-perishable food and an ample supply of water. Keep in mind while stocking it could be several days or more before supplies are available in an area that has been devastated by a storm.

There also needs to be a supply of prescription medicines easily available, whether some is maintained in the shelter and rotated regularly or if it is moved to that location during the warning period of an approaching storm.

Stout shoes or boots and gloves as well as headlamps or flashlights are also advised.

In the event that you are caught traveling when a storm approaches, there are measures that make the situation less dangerous. If the storm is far enough away, try to move away from it at right angles. If there is no chance to outrun the storm, park the car out of the roadway and fasten all seat belts. Try to get below the window level and if possible cover up with blankets, coats or even a cushion. Don’t try to shelter under a bridge as they offer little protection.

If there is an area nearby well below the road level, leave your car and lie in the low area, covering head with hands or other covering, if available.

Once the immediate danger has passed, watch out for downed power lines or broken utility lines and pipes. Stay alert for boil orders from utility suppliers for drinking water.

In the event of severe, widespread damage, check with local emergency management or service organizations such as the Red Cross for long term housing and financial assistance sign up.

When working on home repair, stay in close contact with insurance agents and companies and remain vigilant against repair fraud and scams.

For more information go to Ready.gov