How To Stay Safe During Tornado Season in Oklahoma
Unlike viewers from the coast, it didn’t take the release of the hit 1996 film “Twisters” (or its 2024 sequel) for Oklahomans to learn about the danger of tornadoes. Every spring, residents across the state face one of nature’s most intense and unpredictable weather threats that can creep up at a moment’s notice. It’s critical that you know how to stay aware and safe, but if you’re new to the area, you may feel a bit of trepidation.
Tornado season in Oklahoma is no time to take chances, but by educating yourself and taking the time to prepare, you can make sure it’s not a time of fear. From recognizing early warning signs to building an emergency kit, these safety measures from the local experts at KO Storage will help ensure you are ready whenever storm clouds form.
When Is Tornado Season in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma’s location in Tornado Alley—where dry air from the West meets moist Gulf air and cold northern air—makes it particularly prone to severe thunderstorms that can rapidly evolve into tornadoes. Typically, the Oklahoma tornado season begins in late March and peaks in May, continuing through early June. However, tornadoes can strike outside of these months as well, especially with Oklahoma’s ever-changing weather patterns.
Warning Signs Before a Tornado
The sound of sirens blaring or loud warnings from the National Weather Service cutting into your television feed aren’t the only signs of a tornado you can watch out for. Many times, there are natural warning signs that can tip you off that a storm is on the horizon, though it’s no guarantee that your exact neighborhood will be hit.
A dark and greenish sky, an eerie stillness in the air, or a sound similar to a freight train can all signal that a tornado is forming or approaching. Low-hanging, rotating clouds or visible funnel cloud formations are also important signs that can give you critical time to act. Staying aware of your surroundings and monitoring local weather broadcasts are essential habits during tornado season for Oklahomans.
How Long Does It Take for a Tornado To Form?
Under the right atmospheric conditions, a supercell thunderstorm can spawn a tornado without much warning in a matter of minutes. Tornadoes are most dangerous in their first few moments when they catch people off guard, so it’s important not to wait until you see a funnel cloud to act. During Oklahoma tornado season, any thunderstorm has the potential to escalate quickly, so always err on the side of caution. Immediate action saves lives.
Taking Shelter During a Tornado Warning
When a tornado warning is issued, every second counts. The safest place is an underground storm shelter or basement. If those aren’t available, go to a small, interior room on the lowest floor of your home, such as a bathroom, closet, or hallway. Try to find a room with no windows if possible, as flying debris can cause serious injury. Cover yourself with a mattress or heavy blankets to protect against falling objects.
If you’re driving, do not try to outrun a tornado under any circumstances. Instead, find a sturdy building such as a church, a bank, or a library. Large stores, gymnasiums, and auditoriums are not safe choices due to their structural weakness. As a last resort, you can find a ditch, abandon your vehicle, and lie down flat while shielding your head and body from any flying debris.
Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning
One important distinction to understand is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. A tornado watch simply means the conditions are right for a tornado, while a tornado warning means there has been a tornado sighted nearby on the ground. A common analogy used by meteorologists and preppers alike is that a tornado watch is like assembling all the ingredients for a recipe, while a tornado warning is combining those ingredients into an actual dish.
What To Do After a Tornado Ends
Once the tornado passes, remain in your shelter until you’re certain it’s safe to come out. Tune into local news or emergency broadcasts for updates. Watch out for hazards like fallen power lines and broken glass, and avoid using candles as open flames could ignite gas leaks. If you or someone in your household is injured or trapped, call 911 and avoid moving too much. Reaching out to neighbors, checking in with loved ones, and assisting where you can is part of the recovery process. After a tornado, community support becomes one of your most valuable resources.
Educating Yourself About Tornado Safety
There is more to preparing for tornadoes than simply gathering supplies. First, take the time to educate yourself and your family on tornado safety. Figure out the safest places in your home or building, and carry out a tornado drill to practice. Familiarity breeds confidence, and confident responses can reduce panic during high-stress situations.
Tornado Safety for Kids
Proper tornado safety for kids is about care and calmness. It’s important to get them prepared without scaring them. Start by teaching them the basic signs of a tornado and where to go in the home during a storm. Creating a safety plan together and running regular practice drills can make the process feel routine rather than frightening. After all, kids feel more secure when they know the adults in the room feel secure.
Emergency Plan for Oklahoma Tornado Season
Having a clear emergency plan is a key part of planning for tornado season in Oklahoma. Assign roles to everyone you live with to determine who is responsible for gathering children, pets, and supplies. Decide on two meeting spots—one near your home and one farther away—in case your neighborhood becomes inaccessible. At the beginning of every tornado season, go over your plan to make sure everyone is ready.
Making a Tornado Safety Kit
A tornado safety kit can be a lifesaver in the event of a storm. Your kit should be stored in your shelter space in an easily accessible spot, not buried under a pile of boxes or shoved in the bottom of a hallway closet. Here are a few items to make sure your tornado preparedness kit includes:
- A battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
- Extra batteries
- Flashlights
- First aid supplies
- Three days’ worth of water and non-perishable food
- Essential medications and medical items
- Sturdy shoes and warm clothing
- Personal hygiene items
- Copies of ID, insurance, and other documents
- Contact list for family and friends
- A whistle to signal for help
- Blankets or sleeping bags
If you have children or pets, include additional items like diapers and formula, leashes, or favorite toys. Review your kit regularly and rotate out expired items to keep it good to go. During tornado season in Oklahoma, your emergency kit may be one of the most important tools you have.
Prepare Your Home for Tornadoes With KO Storage
Part of preparing for tornadoes means assessing your surroundings. If your basement or cellar is full of boxes or piles of clutter, you may have trouble safely sheltering during the event of an emergency. To open up some room, rent one of KO Storage’s self storage units in Oklahoma. We offer personal storage spaces in a secure environment that come in a variety of convenient sizes.
Put yourself on the path to complete preparedness today. Find a KO Storage facility near you and get started! You can also explore our list of frequently asked questions for more information!