Staying safe this storm season

Information from the American Red Cross and Center for Disease Control

With Tornado season approaching for Oklahoma, being prepared is the first step to keeping you and your family safe. These tips, provided by the Center for Disease Control and Red Cross, are a good start in preparing your emergency plan for the upcoming storm season.

Be prepared

• Have an emergency kit that includes water, non-perishable food, medications and anything else deemed as a necessity.
• Fresh batteries and a battery-operated TV, radio or internet-enabled device to listen to the latest emergency weather information.
• A list of important information, including telephone numbers.

   

   Stay aware of weather conditions

• A dark, green colored sky
• A large, dark, low-lying cloud
• Large hail or
• A loud roar that sounds like a freight train

   

   Know where to shelter

• Go to the basement, lowest floor or inside room without windows, such as a bathroom, closet or center hallway.
• For added protection get under something sturdy (a heavy table or workbench). Cover your body with a blanket, sleeping bag or mattress.
• Protect your head.
• Do not stay in a mobile home.

   

  If you’re outdoors

•  If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine, or culvert and shield your head with your hands.
• Stay away from bridges/highway overpasses
• If strong winds and flying debris occur while driving, pull over and park, keeping your seatbelt on and engine running. Put your head down below the windows, covering your head with your hands and a blanket.
• Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car

   

  Know the difference

  A tornado watch means weather conditions make a tornado possible and you should be ready to take shelter if conditions worsen.

  A tornado warning means a tornado is occurring or will soon occur, and you should take shelter immediately.