Springtime in Oklahoma is the peak of tornado season. In 2018, The National Weather Service reported that Oklahoma experienced 43 tornados throughout the year, and nearly double that the year before. The months of April and May are the busiest of the season nearly every year. While preparation is paramount, it’s also important to know where to start in the recovery process after the storm passes. (We do cover preparation towards the bottom of this article.)
Restore and Recover After the Storm
The most important thing after the storm is taking care of those injured and making sure your loved ones are accounted for. In some cases, high percentages of storm-related injuries are during rescue attempts and the cleanup process. Some common injuries during this time are stepping on a nail or heavy objects falling. Other hazards are damaged power lines or gas lines that can cause electrocution or an explosion.
A restoration professional like Trilink Restoration can help you begin the recovery process if your home or office experienced structural damage during the storm. From demolition and debris removal, all the way to the rebuilding of your home, Trilink specializes in restoring your structure damage, as well as taking care of your personal contents inside the home.
Contacting your insurance provider should be near the top of your list of things to do. Talk to them about your coverage and what they can do immediately and longterm in working on your claim. Sometimes the storms contribute to the tornado can cause hail damage to your home, roof, or vehicle. Your insurance provider can update you on your coverage of these items and begin the recovering and repairing, and in some cases…rebuilding.
The Safety Motto: Be Prepared
Being prepared for severe weather and knowing how to react and take shelter are of the utmost importance as a tornado is approaching. Having a supply kit prepared for severe weather events is highly recommended. Keep it in a easily accessible location and make sure batteries, food, or other sensitive items are current each year.
When seeking shelter make sure to avoid windows and move to the lowest and most central point of the structure you are sheltering in. Cover yourself and others with mattress or blankets for added protection. Some even have in-ground storm shelters installed at their home. NEVER seek shelter in a mobile home!
Consult local radio and TV for the latest tornado watches and warnings, as they will likely be predicting what time the weather in your area could be most severe. Have a battery powered radio in your tornado preparedness kit in case you lose power or cellular signal. Another option is having an NOAA radio for weather information.
Storm Preparedness Kit
Disaster Preparedness Kits can be vital for different types of disasters, including tornados. This list will help cover some of the basics, but always be aware of other items that may serve you well in a survival situation. It is suggested to have enough of the following to last at least 3 days, per person.
-1 gallon per person, per day for at least
-Food (non-perishable)
-Battery powered or hand cranked radio
-Flashlight
-First aid kit
-Whistle
-Cell phone with charger
-Manual can opener
-Essential prescription medications
And any other essentials
-Food for pets
-sleeping bag or blanket for each person
-cash or travelers checks
-fire extinguisher
