The importance of weather awareness in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s location east of the Rocky Mountains and north of the Gulf of Mexico mean that we are sometimes a hot spot for some interesting weather.

It’s important to know how to keep you and your family safe from the predictable and not-so-predictable weather happenings in our state. 

One of the best ways to establish a safety-net for the unexpected stress of a severe weather situation is to develop a family plan-of-action. Discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm, flood, or tornado watch or warning is issued. Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are not together when a storm hits. We've got a great rundown on our website.

If possible, you should stay at home during these events, but if you are out on the road, you’ll want to make sure you take every precaution to get yourself and others to safety. Check local media or okroads.org for road closings and weather-related road conditions. You’ll want to make sure you have plenty of fuel and ensure all passengers are wearing their seat belt. In the event of a tornado, do not try to outrun it. As soon as you can, you should pull over, duck down below the windows in the vehicle, keep your seatbelts fastened and cover your head with your hands or a blanket or cushion. After the tornado passes, use extreme caution and avoid dangerous debris such as broken glass, nails and other sharp objects.

Several great resources for learning more about severe weather in Oklahoma are listed on the guides and resources page on the City of Oklahoma City’s website.