Storm Tips

SEVERE STORM SEASON PREPAREDNESS

The beginning of March is also the beginning of Severe Storm Season in Oklahoma.  As we all know, weather conditions change rapidly in Oklahoma and in order to be prepared for hazardous weather we all should do the following:

IDENTIFY SEVERE WEATHER WARNING SYSTEMS:

Rely on a NOAA Weather Radio for weather news, watches, and warnings.  Pay attention to weather broadcasts on local radio / television stations.

NEW: Red Cross Tornado App

The Red Cross has developed a Tornado App that will alert the user in the event of severe storms and tornados. The alerts are received from NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Tornado warnings sound an audible alert. The app also has useful information regarding storm preparedness, the location of emergency Red Cross shelters, and a way for the user to alert others that they are safe. Included is a toolkit to help let others know where you are with the installed stobe light, flashlight and audible alert functions.The app is now available in the iTunes App Store and at Google Play. Click the icon above for more information, or call **REDCROSS (**73327677) from your cell phone to receive a link.

KNOW WHERE YOUR SHELTER IS BEFORE YOU NEED IT:

AT HOME:

• Seek shelter underground if possible when a tornado warning is issued.
• If you have no underground shelter, go to an inside room on the lowest floor like a closet, hallway, or bathroom with no windows.
• Get added protection by covering yourself with blankets or sleeping bags.
• Safe Rooms or Storm Shelters offer optimum protection from severe weather.
• Do not stay inside a mobile home when a tornado warning has been issued for your area.

ON THE ROAD:

• Do not stay in a motor vehicle and don’t try to outrun a tornado in your car.
• If you have no option for sheltering underground or in a suitable above ground structure, stop and seek shelter in a nearby ditch or ravine.
• Do not seek shelter under bridges or overpasses.

SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, AND OFFICE BUILDINGS:

• Preparedness plans are especially important at these locations due to the large number of people on hand and the large amount of glass at many sites.
• Know the safest place for you to “shelter in place” and make others know their assigned location as well.

SHOPPING MALLS, INDOOR POOLS, AND GYMNASIUMS:

• Long span buildings like those found at these locations are dangerous because the entire roof can be supported by the outside walls.
• If caught in such an open building, take shelter in the restroom.

READY YOUR DISASTER SUPPLY KIT AND PLACE IN AN EASILY ACCESSED LOCATION:

Make sure your kit includes the following items:

• Battery powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
• Three-day supply of bottled water.
• Three-day supply of canned or otherwise non-perishable food and a manual can opener.
• Blankets.
• First Aid kit and personal prescriptions.

ONCE SEVERE WEATHER HAS PASSED, STAY SAFE:

• Be prepared for possible flooding to occur.
• Never drive into water.

Owasso Emergency Management has numerous pamphlets available from FEMA and the American Red Cross on a variety of preparedness topics including severe weather, disaster supply kits, and family disaster planning.  Our citizens are encouraged to stop by the City of Owasso Emergency Operations Center at 207 South Cedar and pick up these materials.

We also maintain the Storm Shelter/Safe Room Registration Program where Owasso citizens can register their shelters or safe rooms. 

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