Surviving an Oklahoma Tornado: Tips, Shelter Locations, and Safety Advice

Table of Contents

Tornadoes are a serious threat in Oklahoma, with the peak season typically running from April to June. However, tornadoes have been recorded every month of the year, making year-round preparedness crucial. In 2024, the Sooner State saw a record-breaking 152 tornadoes, stressing the need for solid emergency plans. This guide covers everything you need to know, from finding shelters to creating an emergency kit so you and your family can stay safe during severe weather.

When Is Tornado Season in Oklahoma?

Tornado season in Oklahoma typically lasts from April to June, peaking in May. However, tornadoes have been reported every month, so being prepared all year is essential. You may have heard that Tornado Alley has been shifting further east in the past 30 years as our climate changes, now centered over Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama. Still, this does not mean OK is safe from these severe weather events. In fact, according to the National Weather Service, 2024 produced 152 tornadoes in Oklahoma, more than any other year in historical records.

Is Oklahoma the Worst State for Tornadoes?

Oklahoma is one of the worst states for tornadoes. It is tied to Alabama for the most severe F5 tornadoes in our historical records since 1950. In terms of overall tornado numbers, only Texas and Kansas see more tornadoes each year than OK.

How To Stay Updated on Oklahoma Tornado Warnings

Follow local radio and TV newscasts for the latest weather alerts.
Register for your community’s emergency notification system, if available.
Learn to recognize the sound of your community’s tornado sirens.
Set up a weather app on your phone to receive real-time notifications.
Stay aware of alerts from the Emergency Alert System (EAS).
Tune in to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio for updates.

Does Oklahoma Have Public Tornado Shelters?

Some communities, like Pauls Valley and the University of Oklahoma, have public tornado shelters. However, OKC officials discourage public shelters because of the risk of driving during storms and potential traffic jams as everyone tries to reach the nearest shelter. Since warnings typically only give you 10-15 minutes, residents are advised to shelter in place on the lowest level of a building, seeking the innermost room and putting as many interior walls between you and the outside walls as possible.

How To Prepare for a Tornado in Oklahoma

These critical steps will help you prepare for emergencies.

Identify Storm Shelters or Safe Rooms

Determine the safest rooms in your home; the ones that meet FEMA standards for storm protection are best. Also, identify the nearest safe refuge to key locations where you spend most of your time outside your home, like work or school. Also, locate shelters at shopping centers and places you frequently visit; consult building managers to confirm the safest shelter options if unsure. This ensures you can reach safety quickly if a tornado warning is issued or you observe severe weather conditions developing.

Create an Emergency Plan

Assemble an emergency kit and create a comprehensive emergency plan for your household. Ensure that each household member knows who to contact, how to reach them, where to seek shelter at home, work, or school, and the location of the emergency kit. It should also cover what to do if family members are away and include a secondary meeting spot in case your home becomes unsafe. Practice your emergency plan with your family at least once yearly to ensure everyone is prepared.

Store your emergency kit in a durable, dry container inside your tornado shelter or the most secure room in your home. If no designated safe space is available, place it near an exit for quick access in case you need to evacuate to a nearby shelter.

Essential emergency kit items include:

A complete first aid kit stocked with necessary supplies
3 days of non-perishable food and water for every household member, including pets
Extra clothing, warm blankets, and weather-appropriate outerwear
Prescription and over-the-counter medications for all family members
A NOAA weather radio or other emergency broadcast system
LED flashlights with rechargeable batteries
Basic hygiene, including toilet paper and hand sanitizer
Dust masks for protection against airborne debris
Whistle to signal rescuers
Cash for essential purchases in case of power outages
A dependable household emergency power supply to keep vital devices running

When considering the best generators for hurricanes or tornados, keep in mind that you want one that is safe to use indoors. This means a portable power station is always preferred to traditional gas generators since gas-powered models can never be used indoors due to lethal carbon monoxide poisoning, which kills 400 people yearly in the US alone. The EcoFlow Portable Power Stations use no fossil fuels, produce no toxic fumes, and are perfectly safe indoors.

When choosing an emergency power supply, ensure it’s powerful enough to run your essential appliances. This might include a refrigerator or freezer to avoid food spoilage. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus, with a starting capacity of 1024Wh, will keep devices charged and run a refrigerator or other appliance.

If you need to power medical equipment or multiple essential appliances, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 offers 4000W and supports 120V and 240V appliances. If required, both models can be expanded with extra batteries and recharged using solar panels during a prolonged power outage. If you have fixed rooftop panels, inspect them now to ensure they’re secure and storm-ready to help prevent damage. If you use portable solar panels, wait until the storm has passed to set them up safely.

For a compact backup option, the EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank is ideal for keeping your phone charged. It’s lightweight and roughly the size of a phone, making it easy to slip into your pocket if you need to evacuate quickly.

Sign Up For a Warning System

Enrolling in your community’s warning system ensures you receive timely updates on storms, power outages, damage reports, safe zones, and hazardous areas to avoid after severe weather. If no local alert system is available, tune into the Emergency Alert System (EAS) or the NOAA Weather Radio for critical emergency updates. If tornado sirens are used in your community, make sure you and your family know the sound and learn to take immediate action if you hear them.

Be Alert

Be aware of sudden weather changes and learn to recognize the warning signs of a developing tornado:

An unusually dark sky, sometimes with a greenish tint
Large hailstones falling
Large, dark clouds hanging low, especially if they appear to be rotating
A funnel-shaped cloud extending from the storm clouds
A deep, rumbling roar similar to a passing freight train

If you observe any of these signs, don’t rely on sirens or emergency alerts; take immediate action and seek shelter.

What To Do When a Tornado Hits Oklahoma

The moment a tornado warning is issued, grab your emergency kit and get to the nearest safe shelter immediately. You’ll likely have only 10-15 minutes to act, so don’t delay. Most tornado-related injuries result from flying debris, so protect your head as you move.
For those in a school, hospital, nursing home, shopping center, or high-rise building, go to the designated storm shelter, basement, or lowest level of the building. If a basement isn’t available, find a small interior room like a hallway or closet. Keep away from windows, doors, outside walls, and corners. If possible, crawl under a sturdy desk or table.
Use your arms to shield your head and neck.
Do not open doors or windows.
Stay informed by listening to NOAA Weather Radio or checking commercial radio and TV emergency broadcasts. Always follow any instructions issued by local emergency officials.
Tornadoes usually last only a few minutes. Once the storm has passed, check for injuries among those around you. If you are trapped, signal for help by tapping on pipes or using a whistle rather than yelling. Cover your nose and mouth with a dust mask to reduce exposure to airborne debris.
If the power is out, use your EcoFlow DELTA Series Solar Generator to keep your essential devices and appliances running.
Avoid unnecessary travel unless urgent medical attention is required. Downed power lines and road debris can pose serious dangers, and emergency responders need clear access to assist those in need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Rare Are Tornadoes in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma is located in the heart of the historical Tornado Alley, making it one of the most tornado-prone areas in the world. While Tornado Alley has shifted eastwards, Oklahoma still experiences an average of 58 tornadoes annually, and in 2024, 152 tornadoes were recorded.

Where Is Tornado Alley Located in Oklahoma?

Historically, Tornado Alley was located more in Oklahoma’s central and western parts. However, as our climate has changed, the entire alley has been shifting eastwards over Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Alabama, so the eastern part of OK has been seeing more in recent years.

Do All Homes in Oklahoma Have Storm Shelters?

No, not all homes in Oklahoma have storm shelters. Local and state governments strongly encourage residents to build them due to the high tornado risk, but they are not mandated to build them.

Final Thoughts

Oklahoma’s tornado season demands serious preparation. Knowing where to find shelter, staying informed with local alerts, and having a solid emergency plan are essential steps for staying safe. A reliable backup power source, like the EcoFlow DELTA Series Solar Generator, ensures you can keep vital appliances and medical equipment running during power outages. Making preparations now can make all the difference when a tornado strikes. Stay prepared and stay safe, everyone.