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 identify severe weather warning systems. Citizens should rely on a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio for weather news, watches, and warnings as well as pay attention to weather broadcasts on local radio/television stations.

Know Your Shelter

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, & Office Buildings

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

Shopping Malls, Indoor Pools & 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.

Disaster Supply Kit

Place kit 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.

Passed Severe Weather:

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

Owasso Emergency Management has numerous pamphlets available from Federal Emergency Management Agency (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 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.