Born and raised here, best bet is hallways or bathrooms with blankets and soft things above you. Want the most centralized location of your home as possible. Welcome to the jungle :)
This is solid advice. When I lived in AR and storms got bad, we'd have bags with essentials by the door, if not already in the storm cellar in the backyard. The cellar stayed open if there was a tornado watch, and as soon as the sirens went off, we grabbed our crated pets and ran. That bag made everything easier.
If you don't have a storm cellar or basement, I'd keep it close to an interior bathroom. Covered up in a tub was my go-to when we didn't have a cellar. My cats hated that part.
We make sure ours has her harness, collar and leash on. We have a house but no cellar so our master bath/closet is our spot. Itās not even in a central location but on our far east side (house faces north/south) and most of the bad stuff comes in from the west so itās our best option.
Same here my friend. I worked for moore schools at the time and was at plaza towers elementary moments after. I think that's the part that keeps me up at night. Stay safe
Iād knock on first floor doors (later today when more people are off of work) until I found a nice person to shelter with. Situations like this can bring out the best in people. Good luck :)
Best to worst:
1. Underground shelter
2. Ground floor, interior room, no windows
3. Ground floor, furthest from incoming storm
4. Interior room furthest from windows possible.
Basically get as low as you can, as many walls between you and the storm as you can, and avoid windows if at all possible. If you suspect you are in the direct path of a tornado consider piling on a mattress, blankets, and even put on helmets if you have them available.
First off, don't worry. You can't control the path of a storm. You can only control preparedness. The most likely problem you will face tonight is the lack of electricity. Even if a tornado goes the other way, sections of town usually will lose power. Charge everything up beforehand and seek a spot away from windows.
Be aware this is only a WATCH. No storms have been spotted or predicted. Alerts and warning are a higher level of awareness. Many of us almost ignore watches. Youāll be fine.
To add on: Iāve lived in OK for decades. The statistics are on your side. Prepare your safe place (google can help you discover the safest place in your home), make sure you have some water and snacks there. When you hear the words āTornado Warningā on the news, go to that spot.
Something that made me feel better about storms when I was a kid: 90% of the time, when a bad storm comes through thereās going to be a good 20-30 minutes where the worst part is near me, but after that itās usually smooth sailing.
Also be sure to wear long sleeves and long pants. If you have a bike helmet that too. I wear my hiking boots when we have to take shelter, but if you don't have them closed toed shoes. I also pack a backpack with my wallet, phone, pet food, and I usually grab something sentimental, like a book, stuffed animal, picture. I know that last one sounds silly, and if I didn't have room I wouldn't pack it, but I do.
Definitely recommend talking to downstairs neighbors and finding an interior closet or bathroom.
Alternatively, Iād recommend going to a pet friend store and sheltering in their bathrooms if you have enough time (you probably wonāt though).
This is also a good time to make sure your puppy has a collar with your info on it. And make sure heās in a crate for the future. Ruffland and Gunnar kennels are very strong and crash tested, so I recommend those during tornadoes. First responders have frequently found and saved countless pets because they were crated, whereas loose pets got killed or lost in the damage/chaos.
People > animals. Secure your dog in a crate and have him tagged/crate tagged as well, and put him in the most interior place in your condo. Piercing debris is the main concern with many tornadoes, thatās why they say put as many walls between you and the outside as possible. The current recommendation isnāt to drive away from weather unless youāre well in advance, like seeking a place now to hang out all the way overnight. Too many killed on the road when tornadoes turned or people were stuck in traffic and couldnāt get away. People bringing pets to unofficial shelters like basements of hospitals and churches, the underground tunnels downtown, schools etc are a big reason fewer places like this are opening up for public shelters.
I've lived in Warr Acres for pushing 9 years, and though I've sheltered in an interior closet, I've never had any damage or anything come through my neighborhood whatsoever. Not that this means you shouldn't have a plan, I'm just hoping to calm your nerves a tad. Many times when these things start heading our way, they hit the cooler water of Lake Overholser and kinda lose their power. If I had a shelter, I'd invite ya over, but I just have the one tiny closet šš
whew, that detail about the lake helped A LOT. I figured out that the closet in my kitchen is the safest place I guess. I just imagine a horrible thing like the roof coming off this shanty.
šš that is actually where my tiny closet is also - it's the pantry. I failed to mention I'm also in a condo, so hopefully that alleviates the nerves a little bit also.
Basically, have a plan, download the app for whichever channel's meteorologist you can stomach (I favor KOCO 5 because he's not quite as panicky as KWTV 9) and put you an "oh shit" kit together. My kit is...advanced only because of my degree path lol it's definitely not necessary for the average "oh shit" moment. You'll want water (bottled or fill up whatever you got, just make sure you have enough for yourself and the pup), some snacks - think carbs and protein, so pretzels, crackers, peanut butter, protein bars or cereal bars...nothing that has to stay cold, food for the pup, extra chargers for whatever electronics you take (phones, smart watches, earbuds - whatever), medications that you *need* but also those that you may want, like Tylenol or Advil, allergy meds etc... flashlight(s) - you don't want to waste your phone battery using it as a flashlight. random things that may be helpful: pocket knife and/or scissors, change of clothes, bandaids, baby wipes or similar. Put your kit wherever your shelter is so you don't have to grab it, it'll already be there. Put some blankets and/or pillows in there too. I cannot express enough or to enough people that helmets are a fantastic addition to their tornado plan. DO wear boots or sneakers, have them on before the storm gets here. Jeans are best, but whatever you wear make it pants. If you can shove an extra pair of socks in your kit, do so. Wet feet is probably the best way to absolutely derail any future plans of being healthy (blister from wet rubbing socks + trudging through dirty water = infection).
Lastly, and this likely isn't something you can put together right now, you should put together a binder (or similar) of important information - insurance information - dental, medical and property (or rental), photos of things you'd claim on property or rental insurance, IDs (or copies of them), passports/military IDs, a typed sheet of information that has your blood type, allergies and other pertinent medical information. This is something that you'd keep with your kit. I've heard of people scanning all these items in and saving the information sheet as a document on a thumb drive but ...for me, I'm thinking if there's no electricity then I'm certainly not using my laptop battery to call State Farm lol, but to each their own.
I'm sure I'm forgetting something just doing this off the top of my head. I know this is pretty long, but for me information helps my anxiety. I truly hope I haven't made you more nervous, it's just what I learned getting my degree. Please feel free to DM me if you have any questions, I'll do my best to help.
whew. i'm not sure i can even stay focused long enough for some of those details but for sure I would not have thought of food and water for me and the puppy. so that is a good thing to keep in mind! And the socks. I don't have a helmet. I'll be in the pantry. Maybe I'll put the pasta pot on my head.
Hope you made it through okay!
It was definitely a lot of information lol don't sweat it too much. If it wasn't part of my degree plan, I wouldn't have known the majority of it even growing up here.
Ha! I never thought about using pots in place of helmets, but hey, better than nothing between your head and a golf ball sized hail stone š¤£š¤£š¤£š¤
actually there wasn't even a big rain and the winds were not significantly higher than I have seen here before. I am not mad though bc I don't feel manipulated like I ALWAYS do during hurricane watches bc the weather people own the waves for literally DAYS when those are going on. This at least felt legitimate
thank you for your help and suggetions. i really appreciated every single one who offered info or encouragement. even though I am just fine I was still scared.
You'll probably be fine. Tornadoes tend to hit certain areas more than others. If anything, you'll experience heavy rain or hail. I've been in Oklahoma my entire life and I've only seen two tornadoes. Both were on the outskirts of Edmond/Deer Creek.
Yeah, but then you get places like Sulphur that hasn't been hit, or at least not for a long time, and they get absolutely wrecked. You can't rely on not having been hit to mean won't be hit.
Go to the Waterford buildings on Penn and 63rd. They have underground parking garage that are free. Only about 10 minutes from your location. This is where we go.
Former Warr Acres resident (multiple times in my life in fact) and Iāve only experienced 1 tornado go through Warr Acres when I was around 20. Slept through that one actually because it happened on a day that didnāt even have a watch. Statistically, as long as youāre prepared and have a safe spot thatās not outside or on the road youāll be fine!
You shouldnāt be. Bathroom against western wall in a tub would be fine. Iāve lived with Tornados most of my adult life and I can tell you this, fear of it is more of the experience than actually experiencing it. Precaution is wise, but where you are is on the low side of getting hit
Just as as a heads up: it is possible they get turned away at the hospital. OKC.gov legitimately says on their website that hospitals are NOT public shelters. Especially post COVIDā I have seen people be advised not to make that their plan.
OP, I was in your shoes when I first moved to OKC in 2004. I was single living in an upstair apartmentā¦. So anytime the weather looked like today looks, I got in my truck and drove South and Eastā¦.. most tornados in Oklahoma either moves East or Northeastā¦.
Never was ;) I was just being overly cautious when I saw the storm was moving my direction. I just turn on the radio and drove the direction it wasnātā¦.
Lowest level. Inner most room with no windows. Protect your head - bike helmet, motorcycle helmet if possible, couch cushions etc.
WEAR BOOTS if you have them. If you are in a hit zone, you will need sturdy foot wear in the aftermath. I have doc martens I keep in my tornado kit.
I put my phone and id's, papers etc in a durable tactical backpack along with a few bottles of water, battery radio, flashlight etc (basic bug out bag) and strap it to my front. Not back.
I activate the GPS apps we have set up in a family/friend circle so everyone will have a decent idea where everyone in the group is after the front passes.
The dog goes in a crate that is lined with foam and we hunker down over the crate, hold on and wait the fates put when the time is right.
when I use to live downtown we would go to st Anthony hospital..the have a huge underground tunnel and it was a good vibe.. everyone was cool and it wasn't to crowded
You can give a puppy Benadryl and it will make them sleepy and calmer. Google the recommended dosage for the pup based on weight. Keep in mind dogs process stuff very fast though. Lots of pads, if you crate keep the pup crated in the bathroom.
Oh be careful with Benadryl!
Tried it on our mini Fox Terrier, she went crazy(er) with anxiety, barking, whining, jumping on & off stuffā¦.it was horrible. We gave her the Vet recommended dose, I think she just had a bad reaction to it.
So not all dogs do well with it. Maybe start with 1/4 dose if you have no other choice.
This. If memory serves, please double check me though, it's one Benadryl per 25 lbs of living thing. Benadryl was definitely my go to assistant when trying to drag a redbone coonhound (110+ lbs of dog š¤£š¤£) and a chow/lab/beagle mix (40+ lbs) into a tiny closet.
he's only 8 weeks old. like three pounds i doubt i could figure that out but I appreciate that info for when he gets older. the good news is that he is no trouble to manhandle at this size and I have a good crate and plenty of puppy pads
Everything they said and digit images of all your important paper work and your physical passport.
I mean car registration, health insurance, doggie rabies vaccine records, bank account info, etc..
Born and raised here, best bet is hallways or bathrooms with blankets and soft things above you. Want the most centralized location of your home as possible. Welcome to the jungle :)
One thing to add is to put on your shoes during a storm. If the worst happens, you do not want to be trying to walk through rubble barefoot.
Teeth in, bra on! š
Now hold on, don't take all the fun out of it for first responders....
Have on a good pair of shoes, and I'd recommend a rain jacket and a portable charger as well. Maybe a few other essentials in a small backpack
This is solid advice. When I lived in AR and storms got bad, we'd have bags with essentials by the door, if not already in the storm cellar in the backyard. The cellar stayed open if there was a tornado watch, and as soon as the sirens went off, we grabbed our crated pets and ran. That bag made everything easier. If you don't have a storm cellar or basement, I'd keep it close to an interior bathroom. Covered up in a tub was my go-to when we didn't have a cellar. My cats hated that part.
Yes! Be prepared to be outside and in the elements, even if you're never planning to step outside. The outside may come in to greet you, lol.
ty. that lets me know i have to put the puppy in the carrier. i wouldn't have thought of that so TY
We make sure ours has her harness, collar and leash on. We have a house but no cellar so our master bath/closet is our spot. Itās not even in a central location but on our far east side (house faces north/south) and most of the bad stuff comes in from the west so itās our best option.
This one is right. Speaking from experience (moore resident)
2013 Moore tornado survivor. The house I was living in at the time couldn't say the same.
Same here my friend. I worked for moore schools at the time and was at plaza towers elementary moments after. I think that's the part that keeps me up at night. Stay safe
'99 El Reno survivor. I joke that after the F-5 dropped a house on me and I walked it off, tornadoes turn when they see me.
Ayy I got to see that one. It was on my brothers birthday
If you know any of the downstairs neighbors see if you could bring your dog down there if it gets bad.
Iāve done this before - people are really cool about this in this kind of weather.
Iād knock on first floor doors (later today when more people are off of work) until I found a nice person to shelter with. Situations like this can bring out the best in people. Good luck :)
Best to worst: 1. Underground shelter 2. Ground floor, interior room, no windows 3. Ground floor, furthest from incoming storm 4. Interior room furthest from windows possible. Basically get as low as you can, as many walls between you and the storm as you can, and avoid windows if at all possible. If you suspect you are in the direct path of a tornado consider piling on a mattress, blankets, and even put on helmets if you have them available.
First off, don't worry. You can't control the path of a storm. You can only control preparedness. The most likely problem you will face tonight is the lack of electricity. Even if a tornado goes the other way, sections of town usually will lose power. Charge everything up beforehand and seek a spot away from windows.
ty. that is good advice i wouldn't have thought of that
Be aware this is only a WATCH. No storms have been spotted or predicted. Alerts and warning are a higher level of awareness. Many of us almost ignore watches. Youāll be fine.
ok . good info from a seasoned tornado person. i needed that
To add on: Iāve lived in OK for decades. The statistics are on your side. Prepare your safe place (google can help you discover the safest place in your home), make sure you have some water and snacks there. When you hear the words āTornado Warningā on the news, go to that spot. Something that made me feel better about storms when I was a kid: 90% of the time, when a bad storm comes through thereās going to be a good 20-30 minutes where the worst part is near me, but after that itās usually smooth sailing.
Also be sure to wear long sleeves and long pants. If you have a bike helmet that too. I wear my hiking boots when we have to take shelter, but if you don't have them closed toed shoes. I also pack a backpack with my wallet, phone, pet food, and I usually grab something sentimental, like a book, stuffed animal, picture. I know that last one sounds silly, and if I didn't have room I wouldn't pack it, but I do.
Definitely recommend talking to downstairs neighbors and finding an interior closet or bathroom. Alternatively, Iād recommend going to a pet friend store and sheltering in their bathrooms if you have enough time (you probably wonāt though). This is also a good time to make sure your puppy has a collar with your info on it. And make sure heās in a crate for the future. Ruffland and Gunnar kennels are very strong and crash tested, so I recommend those during tornadoes. First responders have frequently found and saved countless pets because they were crated, whereas loose pets got killed or lost in the damage/chaos.
People > animals. Secure your dog in a crate and have him tagged/crate tagged as well, and put him in the most interior place in your condo. Piercing debris is the main concern with many tornadoes, thatās why they say put as many walls between you and the outside as possible. The current recommendation isnāt to drive away from weather unless youāre well in advance, like seeking a place now to hang out all the way overnight. Too many killed on the road when tornadoes turned or people were stuck in traffic and couldnāt get away. People bringing pets to unofficial shelters like basements of hospitals and churches, the underground tunnels downtown, schools etc are a big reason fewer places like this are opening up for public shelters.
Lawn Chair and sixer of your favorite Beer should get you thru.
Do you have a bathtub? They say bathtub with mattress over you can help keep you safe. Closet also
Smallest center most area of your house. Pillow, cushions, blankets etc. any helmets put them on if a tornado comes your way.
I've lived in Warr Acres for pushing 9 years, and though I've sheltered in an interior closet, I've never had any damage or anything come through my neighborhood whatsoever. Not that this means you shouldn't have a plan, I'm just hoping to calm your nerves a tad. Many times when these things start heading our way, they hit the cooler water of Lake Overholser and kinda lose their power. If I had a shelter, I'd invite ya over, but I just have the one tiny closet šš
whew, that detail about the lake helped A LOT. I figured out that the closet in my kitchen is the safest place I guess. I just imagine a horrible thing like the roof coming off this shanty.
šš that is actually where my tiny closet is also - it's the pantry. I failed to mention I'm also in a condo, so hopefully that alleviates the nerves a little bit also. Basically, have a plan, download the app for whichever channel's meteorologist you can stomach (I favor KOCO 5 because he's not quite as panicky as KWTV 9) and put you an "oh shit" kit together. My kit is...advanced only because of my degree path lol it's definitely not necessary for the average "oh shit" moment. You'll want water (bottled or fill up whatever you got, just make sure you have enough for yourself and the pup), some snacks - think carbs and protein, so pretzels, crackers, peanut butter, protein bars or cereal bars...nothing that has to stay cold, food for the pup, extra chargers for whatever electronics you take (phones, smart watches, earbuds - whatever), medications that you *need* but also those that you may want, like Tylenol or Advil, allergy meds etc... flashlight(s) - you don't want to waste your phone battery using it as a flashlight. random things that may be helpful: pocket knife and/or scissors, change of clothes, bandaids, baby wipes or similar. Put your kit wherever your shelter is so you don't have to grab it, it'll already be there. Put some blankets and/or pillows in there too. I cannot express enough or to enough people that helmets are a fantastic addition to their tornado plan. DO wear boots or sneakers, have them on before the storm gets here. Jeans are best, but whatever you wear make it pants. If you can shove an extra pair of socks in your kit, do so. Wet feet is probably the best way to absolutely derail any future plans of being healthy (blister from wet rubbing socks + trudging through dirty water = infection). Lastly, and this likely isn't something you can put together right now, you should put together a binder (or similar) of important information - insurance information - dental, medical and property (or rental), photos of things you'd claim on property or rental insurance, IDs (or copies of them), passports/military IDs, a typed sheet of information that has your blood type, allergies and other pertinent medical information. This is something that you'd keep with your kit. I've heard of people scanning all these items in and saving the information sheet as a document on a thumb drive but ...for me, I'm thinking if there's no electricity then I'm certainly not using my laptop battery to call State Farm lol, but to each their own. I'm sure I'm forgetting something just doing this off the top of my head. I know this is pretty long, but for me information helps my anxiety. I truly hope I haven't made you more nervous, it's just what I learned getting my degree. Please feel free to DM me if you have any questions, I'll do my best to help.
whew. i'm not sure i can even stay focused long enough for some of those details but for sure I would not have thought of food and water for me and the puppy. so that is a good thing to keep in mind! And the socks. I don't have a helmet. I'll be in the pantry. Maybe I'll put the pasta pot on my head.
Hope you made it through okay! It was definitely a lot of information lol don't sweat it too much. If it wasn't part of my degree plan, I wouldn't have known the majority of it even growing up here. Ha! I never thought about using pots in place of helmets, but hey, better than nothing between your head and a golf ball sized hail stone š¤£š¤£š¤£š¤
actually there wasn't even a big rain and the winds were not significantly higher than I have seen here before. I am not mad though bc I don't feel manipulated like I ALWAYS do during hurricane watches bc the weather people own the waves for literally DAYS when those are going on. This at least felt legitimate thank you for your help and suggetions. i really appreciated every single one who offered info or encouragement. even though I am just fine I was still scared.
You'll probably be fine. Tornadoes tend to hit certain areas more than others. If anything, you'll experience heavy rain or hail. I've been in Oklahoma my entire life and I've only seen two tornadoes. Both were on the outskirts of Edmond/Deer Creek.
Yeah, but then you get places like Sulphur that hasn't been hit, or at least not for a long time, and they get absolutely wrecked. You can't rely on not having been hit to mean won't be hit.
Cough* cough*Moore*cough*
Go to the Waterford buildings on Penn and 63rd. They have underground parking garage that are free. Only about 10 minutes from your location. This is where we go.
Former Warr Acres resident (multiple times in my life in fact) and Iāve only experienced 1 tornado go through Warr Acres when I was around 20. Slept through that one actually because it happened on a day that didnāt even have a watch. Statistically, as long as youāre prepared and have a safe spot thatās not outside or on the road youāll be fine!
You shouldnāt be. Bathroom against western wall in a tub would be fine. Iāve lived with Tornados most of my adult life and I can tell you this, fear of it is more of the experience than actually experiencing it. Precaution is wise, but where you are is on the low side of getting hit
Go to the underground halls at Baptist. People bring their dogs there
I'm not sure what this is. What is Baptist? I will call to confirm and then go.
Sorry, its the giant hospital on expressway between Portland and May
Just as as a heads up: it is possible they get turned away at the hospital. OKC.gov legitimately says on their website that hospitals are NOT public shelters. Especially post COVIDā I have seen people be advised not to make that their plan.
Damn. I remember when those halls would be PACKED
Sameā when I was in college, I went to mercy once with my cat in a blanket!
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
I agree with you on public shelters, but ngl, I draw the line and pubic hurricane shelters
lol.that's what i get for not proofreading ... and also....ewww
Isn't it Integris now?
INTEGRIS Baptist.
OP, I was in your shoes when I first moved to OKC in 2004. I was single living in an upstair apartmentā¦. So anytime the weather looked like today looks, I got in my truck and drove South and Eastā¦.. most tornados in Oklahoma either moves East or Northeastā¦.
How badly was your apartment damaged?!?
Never was ;) I was just being overly cautious when I saw the storm was moving my direction. I just turn on the radio and drove the direction it wasnātā¦.
Lowest level. Inner most room with no windows. Protect your head - bike helmet, motorcycle helmet if possible, couch cushions etc. WEAR BOOTS if you have them. If you are in a hit zone, you will need sturdy foot wear in the aftermath. I have doc martens I keep in my tornado kit. I put my phone and id's, papers etc in a durable tactical backpack along with a few bottles of water, battery radio, flashlight etc (basic bug out bag) and strap it to my front. Not back. I activate the GPS apps we have set up in a family/friend circle so everyone will have a decent idea where everyone in the group is after the front passes. The dog goes in a crate that is lined with foam and we hunker down over the crate, hold on and wait the fates put when the time is right.
Did Bartlesville get hit?
Bicycle helmet is a plus.
when I use to live downtown we would go to st Anthony hospital..the have a huge underground tunnel and it was a good vibe.. everyone was cool and it wasn't to crowded
probably same thing at integris hosp
You can give a puppy Benadryl and it will make them sleepy and calmer. Google the recommended dosage for the pup based on weight. Keep in mind dogs process stuff very fast though. Lots of pads, if you crate keep the pup crated in the bathroom.
Oh be careful with Benadryl! Tried it on our mini Fox Terrier, she went crazy(er) with anxiety, barking, whining, jumping on & off stuffā¦.it was horrible. We gave her the Vet recommended dose, I think she just had a bad reaction to it. So not all dogs do well with it. Maybe start with 1/4 dose if you have no other choice.
This. If memory serves, please double check me though, it's one Benadryl per 25 lbs of living thing. Benadryl was definitely my go to assistant when trying to drag a redbone coonhound (110+ lbs of dog š¤£š¤£) and a chow/lab/beagle mix (40+ lbs) into a tiny closet.
he's only 8 weeks old. like three pounds i doubt i could figure that out but I appreciate that info for when he gets older. the good news is that he is no trouble to manhandle at this size and I have a good crate and plenty of puppy pads
No tornado tonight
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
The news will blow it out of proportion most times. Itās not always as bad as they say but always be on the lookout.
Everything they said and digit images of all your important paper work and your physical passport. I mean car registration, health insurance, doggie rabies vaccine records, bank account info, etc..