How To Locate Public Tornado Shelters In Oklahoma

Spring brings severe storms to Oklahoma, and it's important that Oklahomans take the time to put together their severe weather plan. Not all Oklahomans have a cellar or proper shelter areas in their homes, so they often rely on neighbors or public shelters for protection from severe storms.

Before severe weather season starts, Oklahomans are encouraged to review their severe weather plan and prepare a go-bag. When severe weather starts, Oklahomans will need to get to their safe shelter area as quickly as possible. Some areas of shelter include a storm cellar, basement or an enclosed room with no windows.

But Oklahomans know that severe weather can develop and change quickly, so sometimes they may be away from home or work and in a place where they don't have a severe weather plan set. That's why it's important that Oklahomans know where their local public shelters are located. Some of these public shelters could be local schools or building basements owned by local municipalities.

Here's how to locate public shelters in Oklahoma.

Not all communities in Oklahoma offer public shelters, but many do. Below are various ways Oklahomans can locate public shelters in their area.

• Information on public shelters is available at findyourtornadoshelter.com.
• Text SHELTER and your zip code to 43362 for FEMA information on local shelters and disaster recovery centers.

Oklahomans can also contact the local county emergency management` for information on local public storm shelters.