Severe Weather Ain’t No Joke in OK
It's severe weather season again in Texoma. Many of us who have lived here all our lives can take it for granted or dismiss it as 'normal.' It only takes one 'abnormal' day to change your life and, whether you're new to the area or have lived here forever, you need to make sure you are prepared for severe weather.
It's not all about tornadoes. High wind and hail do a lot of damage and are much more common in our area but we believe if you prepare for the worst, you'll be prepared for everything.
First -- Make a Plan with your family about where to go, what to do, how to get in touch and where to meet if you are not all together. Click the image from Ready.gov for a one-sheet information form that can help your family know where to go and how to stay connected during an emergency.
Second -- Keep Listening to us. Have fresh batteries in that portable radio and change them every year. Radio stations go off the air -- but we usually have backup transmitters and emergency power that will keep us on the air for as long as possible. TV is usually out of reach as soon as your power goes out so radio is your best emergency bet.
Third -- Build Your Kit and keep it in the place you go when the alarms sound. If you want to know what should be in your kit: Click Here
If you've never been around a tornado, you might want to brush up on the signs of severe weather. Of course, if you hear the sirens, that means take cover IMMEDIATELY.
If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately! Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head.
If you are in: | Then: |
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A structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building) |
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A manufactured home or office |
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The outside with no shelter | If you are not in a sturdy building, there is no single research-based recommendation for what last-resort action to take because many factors can affect your decision. Possible actions include:
In all situations:
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