How we prepare for tornado season

Many years ago, our future-daughter-in-law and her parents lost their home to a massive F5 tornado. They made a last-minute decision to leave the bedroom closet where they'd always sheltered and go to their neighbors' underground shelter instead.

All that was left of their home after the storm passed was that bedroom closet. Their city looked like a war zone.

Tornadoes occur on every continent; in North America they are most prevalent across a swath of the central United States. Oklahoma seems to be where many of those storms are spawned: Oklahoma City has more tornado strikes than any other city in the United States.

Back in 2009 we had a storm shelter installed here at Oak Hill. We've never had to use it, although I did once stand at the back door, wavering over whether or not I should run for it. Still, the peace of mind has been worth the cost of having it put in.

Since we never know what the future will hold, it was a good investment. Like our daughter-in-law's family, we might be really thankful for it some day.


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Tornadoes can happen at any time of the year, but are most likely to occur between late March and August, with what Oklahomans call "the other tornado season" in late October and November.

Assess your risk - are tornadoes possible in your area? What kind of home do you live in? Do your neighbors have a storm shelter, or perhaps there's a public shelter near you. At one of the churches we served years ago, members and neighbors took refuge in the church basement.

Is there a tornado siren within hearing distance? Download your local news app on your phone so you'll be warned of coming storms. Pay attention to the weather outside and to the weather forecasts.

Then make a plan, what will you do if a tornado is rushing towards your home?

If you don't have a storm shelter

It's even more important to make an action plan if you don't have a storm shelter.

Take shelter in a basement if you have one. If not, identify a "safe spot" in the middle of your home, away from windows and the outside walls of your house, such as a closet or in the bathtub.

Cover yourself with heavy blankets or comforters to help protect you from debris.

Helmets are an excellent precaution, especially if you have children in your home. Bike helmets, football helmets, and riding helmets are relatively inexpensive to buy, or look for them in thrift shops and yard sales.

If possible, store these items in your safe spot so you won't forget them or have to hunt for them at the last minute.

Perhaps you, like our daughter-in-law's family, have neighbors or friends who will squeeze you in in an emergency.

Do not ride out a tornadic storm in a mobile home.

Gather Supplies

You and your family will be more comfortable in the shelter or in your "safe spot" if you plan ahead. Storing a bin of supplies in the storm shelter is an excellent plan.

Think through the entire process of running out to the shelter during a storm and make a list of what you might need when you get there. Gather these items and store them in a plastic bin to keep them clean and safe from bugs and mice.

You might include the following:

• several bath towels so you can dry off after running through heavy rain
• flashlight and new batteries (or a camping lantern like this one)
• weather radio
• a small first aid kit
• blankets
• folding chairs

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Keep The Shelter Neat and Clean

We have a rule: keep junk out of the tornado shelter. If we need to use it in an emergency, we want the space to be open and well-organized. I don't want to run through heavy rain to a dark place with stuff jumbled on the floor, plus I hate creepy-crawlie bugs, spiders and icky surprises.

I do store the insulated coolers and picnic basket under the shelter's steps but that's dead space so it's acceptable (according to my rules, anyway).

When storms are in the forecast

Start preparing before the rain begins. Put on sturdy shoes. Put your grab-and-go emergency binder in your shelter. Charge up your cell phones and other electronics.

Put collars and leashes on your dogs if they will accompany you to the shelter. Put pet cats in a carrier and move them to the shelter before the storm begins. If you give your pets anti-anxiety medications, administer them prior to the bad weather.

Locate coats, flashlights, purse and other items you plan to carry with you near the door where they will be easy to grab on your way out.

It's possible that a tree or large debris could land on top of the shelter door, trapping you inside. Test your cell phones from inside your shelter to be sure you can call for assistance and to let family members know you are safe.

Many homes in Oklahoma and other states in "Tornado Alley" have a storm shelter installed. Some, like ours, are in the ground outside. 

Others are located in the garage floor; a car can be parked on top of the flat top during off-storm seasons. 

Our daughter-in-law's parents now have a safe room installed inside their home, a metal structure that is designed to withstand tornadoes even though it is above-ground.

How a storm shelter is installed

The company brought our new storm shelter to our property in two pieces and dug a hole with the backhoe they'd brought on another truck.




Then they lowered the two pieces into place. They were bolted together and the earth was back-filled around the concrete shelter. That dirt has settled over the years and we should probably bring in another load.




Every March I clean out the shelter, sweep the floor, wash the towels and blankets, and replace the bottled water and batteries.


Do you have a plan for tornado season, winter storms, hurricanes or whatever natural disaster is likely in your region? No matter where you live, be weather-aware and stay safe!


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