The Most Overlooked Piece Of Oklahoma Tornado Season Safety Gear

Oddly enough, as we move into the prime severe weather season, you and I are about to be inundated with information and little "feel good" features and news blurbs about tornado preparedness. Not to say it isn't good information, but the media outlets just bust these out of their vaults each year and they haven't changed in years.

At some point, the 20th-century news media in Oklahoma has to realize we now live in the 21st century... At least, more than just saying "Download our app for details on this life-threatening storm..." That seems like a disservice to the community.

Within the next week or so, you're going to either read or watch something about severe weather that talks about the importance of Oklahoma tornado basics...

Have a plan... Make sure the family knows the plan... Do a drill to double-check that everyone knows the plan... It's all standard stuff until they get to the aging "stock up on (these items)" list.

Keep extra blankets in your safe space. Stock it with plenty of water and a little non-perishable food, just the basics--but every single one of these lists forget about the human element and the fact we're so technologically connected.

What am I going on about? The most important item you can stash away in your tornado shelter safe space is a battery backup power source for your smart devices. A way to plug in and charge your phone in the event the power goes out and you need access to the most timely information possible.

It doesn't need to be name-brand or expensive, it only needs to hold a charge to provide power. Luckily, the lithium-ion batteries all of these power-bank products use keep very well in storage. If you left one charged up from last year in your kit, odds are it's probably close to being 100% charged still this year, depending on the features. Still, check and double-check it so you won't be left in the dark when you need information the most.

Also, don't forget about things for the kids. While it may be tempting to hand over your phone or a tablet, those are going to eat away at your power... Instead, store a few fun games in your safe space. Skip-Bo, Uno, dominoes, Cards Against Humanity, Candyland, etc... Things that your kids will enjoy playing. It'll make the time go by and keep their minds off the dangers of severe weather.