How To Prepare For Tornado Season In Oklahoma

Tornado season in Oklahoma kicks off on March 1, so now is the time to get prepared for when disaster strikes. There are five practices Oklahoma residents should do before tornado season.

From finding shelter to packing a tornado go-bag, all Oklahoma residents should prepare themselves as best they can for tornado season. Even though Oklahoma can see tornadoes throughout the year, spring time is when the state sees the most and strongest tornadoes.

Severe weather uptick expected in early March for Oklahoma.

Meteorological spring begins on March 1, and meteorologists are already tracking an uptick in severe weather the first weekend in March. Extreme Meteorologist Reed Timmer expects a majority of Oklahoma to see multiple chances of severe weather March 7-8.

Five Ways To Prepare For Tornado Season

So with tornado season beginning on March 1, and chances for severe weather possible that following weekend, it's important Oklahoma residents prepare themselves and their families now for tornadoes.

The American Red Cross has guidelines for people when it comes to tornadoes, and there a five actions people are encouraged to take before severe weather.

1. Identify Shelter

Whether you're at home or at work, you should know where to seek shelter during a tornado or severe weather event. It's important to identify shelter wherever you are, especially in places you most frequent. Oklahoma residents should also register their home shelter with municipal and county officials so first responders know where people are sheltering if their structure is struck by a tornado.

2. Practice Safety Drills

With your family, especially with young children, it's important to practice going to the shelter before a tornado strikes. This ensures everyone in the home knows exactly what to do when heading to the shelter before a tornado.

3. Have Multiple Ways To Get Alerts

A severe weather day can be hectic, so it's important Oklahoma residents have multiple ways to receive alerts, especially if the power goes out. Residents should sign up for different alerts sent to the cellphones from local news stations and local emergency management organizations. People should also have weather radios available with batteries.

4. Learn Emergency Skills

If your home or place of business is struck by a tornado, it may be beneficial to know a few life-saving skills, like first aid and CPR. It's also important to be ready to survive without power and water for several days.

5. Gather Emergency Supplies

Oklahoma residents should prep a go-bag before tornado season. This bag should have multiple items, ranging from food and water to medications. A full breakdown of what should be in your tornado go-bag is available in the gallery below.

Things You'll Need in Your Oklahoma Tornado Prep Kit

Even though the odds of your life being affected by a tornado are extremely thin, there's no harm in being prepared with basic necessities. Even if the storm misses your home you could still find yourself without power or water for days to weeks. Here's a quick rundown on the basics every home should have for tornado season in Oklahoma.

Gallery Credit: Kelso