How to Prepare Your Oklahoma City Home for a Tornado

Tornado season in Oklahoma City is a turbulent time for local homeowners. As a city located in the heart of Tornado Alley, the greater Oklahoma City area experiences frequent severe weather every spring and early summer. Tornadoes are extremely unpredictable, and they can cause extensive damage that makes your home unlivable or destroyed.

Tornado damage can be a lot to handle, but there are steps you can take to prepare your home for a disaster. Neighborhoods such as Edmond, Moore, Norman, and Midwest City all face tornado risks, but taking actionable steps can brace your residence for the worst and potentially save it from complete destruction.

Know Your Tornado Risk in Oklahoma City

Peak tornado season lasts from April through June, but storms can happen at any time. Tropical storms, flash floods, and other extreme weather conditions can lead to structural weakness and long-term damage that affects a home for years to come. Mobile homes, older houses, and homes without basements are particularly vulnerable during tornado season.

Many neighborhoods like Moore have a history of devastating tornado damage. Anyone located in the heart of Tornado Alley should be aware of how to keep track of local weather updates. Local alerts and warnings, such as the NOAA Weather Radio and OKC emergency apps, are vital tools for staying informed. Pay close attention to weather updates and know when it is time to evacuate.

Create a Family Tornado Safety Plan

Identify a safe room or storm shelter in your home that is preferably underground. If you do not have a basement, an interior room without windows may suffice. Make sure your family understands the safety plan and knows where to go during a tornado warning. Practice tornado drills regularly and have a plan in place for pets to ensure their safety during a tornado. Keep a well-stocked emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and first aid supplies, and protect important documents and medications.

Strengthen Your Home Against Tornado Damage

To brace your home for residential weather damage, install impact-resistant windows and doors to reduce the chance of breakage. Reinforce your garage door and secure heavy furniture and appliances to the walls to prevent injury during a storm. If possible, anchor your roof with hurricane clips or straps to prevent uplift. Consider installing a FEMA-approved safe room, and regularly inspect and maintain your roof, siding, and gutters to withstand severe weather.

Prepare Your Yard and Exterior Before Tornado Season

Landscaping and yardwork can help reduce the amount of debris that remains after a tornado. Trim trees and remove dead branches that could become dangerous projectiles. All outdoor furniture, grills, and other loose items should be secured, removed, or taken indoors when storms are forecasted. Keep bicycles, trash cans, and yard tools in a garage or shed, and make sure fencing is sturdy and well-anchored to prevent collapse.

Evaluate sheds and outbuildings to ensure they are properly secured and anchored. Keep gutters and drains clear to avoid water backup and flooding during heavy rains. Floods and plumbing malfunctions can occur if gutters and downspouts are clogged. If your plumbing system is overwhelmed during a natural disaster, the amount of residential water damage you experience could exponentially increase.

Protect Your Valuables and Important Documents

To prepare for a tornado, prioritize your valuables and important documents. If you have important insurance policies, property deeds, legal documents, and receipts you would like to keep, store them in a fireproof and waterproof safe. Digitally back up photos and important files to a cloud or external drive, and keep hard drives and electronics in a safe place unlikely to be affected by water intrusion.

Irreplaceable keepsakes should be secured and placed away from trouble areas or interior spots that may experience water damage. Consider using a bank safe deposit box for especially valuable items, and create a home inventory with photos and itemized lists for insurance claims. Label boxes and storage bins to make emergency packing faster, more organized, and simpler for other members in your household.

When Damage Happens, Local Help Is Here

Tornado damage, despite preparation, can still affect Oklahoma City homes. The most devastating tornadoes cause unavoidable damage that must be dealt with in a timely manner, but this is where hiring an expert restoration service can help you recover quickly and rebuild your home stronger than ever. ServiceMaster Restoration by RSI – Oklahoma City understands the unique challenges that OKC residents face. Whether you need structural repairs, debris cleanup, water damage mitigation after storms, or more information on how to prepare your home for a tornado, we’re here to help.

Stay Safe, Stay Ready, and Rebuild with Confidence

Taking time to protect your home before storm season can go a long way. By following a few simple steps and investing in storm preparation efforts, you may be able to lessen the amount of damage your home endures during a tornado. Prepare today to prevent stress, money, and heartache later. If you need help recovering after a tornado, our local experts are just a phone call away. Call us at 405-267-7172 to learn more about our services and schedule a consultation.

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