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Tips, tricks & information about storm shelters, backhoe services and septic systems in Oklahoma.
Quick Answer: Among Sprague’s Backhoe installations across Oklahoma in 2025, the 7×9 above ground storm shelter was chosen most often (40% of above ground installations),
Quick Answer: Moore, Oklahoma has been hit by more than 20 tornadoes since 1890, including two massive EF5 tornadoes in 1999 and 2013. If you
Quick Answer: The best time to install a storm shelter in Oklahoma is October through January to maximize your chances of installation before tornado season.
Quick Answer: Oklahoma’s deadliest tornadoes include the 1947 Woodward tornado (181 deaths), the 1999 Bridge Creek-Moore EF5 (36 deaths), and the 2013 Moore EF5 (24
Quick Answer: Below-ground storm shelters in Oklahoma provide excellent tornado protection with straightforward installation and ownership. Expect a 3-4 hour installation process, possible water entry
Quick Answer: Our storm shelter installations typically require about 10 feet of width access, 14 feet of vertical clearance, and 20-25 feet of overhead space
Quick Answer: Some storm shelters have been adapted for food storage, but they do not meet the technical standards of a true root cellar. Sprague’s
Quick Answer: Kingfisher County residents can access storm shelter rebates through two programs in 2025: the statewide SoonerSafe program offering up to $3,000 reimbursement and
Quick Answer: When sharing the road with large trucks in Oklahoma, maintain safe following distances, stay out of blind spots, pass carefully on the left,
Quick Answer: Ada, Oklahoma experienced two EF-1 tornadoes in 2025 – one on March 4th that displaced multiple families and damaged downtown businesses, and another
Quick Answer: Storm shelters are absolutely worth it for Oklahoma families, providing life-saving protection from EF4-EF5 tornadoes while offering peace of mind during severe weather.
Quick Answer: Fort Sill Apache tribal members may receive up to $6,000 through the Tribal Funded Storm Shelter Program to install above ground safe rooms
Quick Answer: Sprague’s Backhoe customers can easily share their exact location by dropping a pin in Apple Maps (iPhone) or Google Maps (any device) and
Quick Answer: Storm shelter doors should always swing outward for safety. Outward-swinging doors prevent debris from blocking your exit and handle wind pressure better during
Quick Answer: Storm season preparation in Oklahoma involves getting your storm shelter ready, stocking emergency supplies, and scheduling installations early. Sprague’s Backhoe helps Oklahoma families
Quick Answer: Camping storm shelters provide essential protection for campground guests during Oklahoma’s severe weather. Sprague’s Backhoe installs above-ground and below-ground storm shelters at campsites
Quick Answer: Newcastle, Oklahoma has experienced significant tornadoes including the devastating F5 on May 3, 1999, and the EF5 on May 20, 2013. Most recently,
Quick Answer: Harrah, Oklahoma has a significant tornado history, including the devastating tornado on November 3, 2024, that damaged homes and displaced families. Located in
Quick Answer: Oklahoma experienced 148 confirmed tornadoes in 2024, making it the state’s second-busiest tornado year on record. This included a record-breaking November outbreak with
Quick Answer: Piedmont Oklahoma tornado history includes devastating events like the 2011 F4 tornado that directly hit the community. Oklahoma as a state averages over
Quick Answer: The 7×9 above ground storm shelter was Sprague’s Backhoe’s most popular size in 2024, representing 49% of our installations and chosen by families
Quick Answer: Blanchard, Oklahoma has experienced significant tornado activity throughout its history, including deadly F3+ storms in 1973, 1999, and 2011. Located in both McClain
Quick Answer: The central Oklahoma tornado outbreak of November 2024 produced approximately 25 tornadoes, including three EF3s near the Oklahoma City metro, injuring 19 people
Quick Answer: The Chickasaw Nation Homeowner Preparedness Grant provides up to $5,000 for qualifying tribal members to install storm shelters. At Sprague’s Backhoe, our 6×8
Quick Answer: Sulphur, Oklahoma has experienced multiple significant tornadoes, including devastating EF-3 storms in 2024 and 2016 that caused major downtown damage and prompted many
Quick Answer: Osage Nation members can receive up to $5,000 toward storm shelter costs through the new Storm Shelter Assistance Program. Both above-ground and below-ground
Quick Answer: Several Oklahoma tribal nations offer storm shelter grants for tribal members, including Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation, Osage Nation, Ft. Sill Apache Nation, and
Quick Answer: Shawnee Oklahoma tornado history includes devastating EF3 and EF4 events, most recently the April 2023 outbreak that damaged over 1,800 structures. Sprague’s Backhoe
Quick Answer: Yes, above ground storm shelters work when they are engineered to meet FEMA safe room guidelines and properly installed. These shelters are designed
Quick Answer: Winter tornadoes in Oklahoma are rare but real weather events that occur from December through February. Based on National Weather Service data from
Quick Answer: Tuttle, Oklahoma’s most memorable tornado event occurred May 6, 2015, when the “Tigernado” struck Tiger Safari, causing exotic animals to briefly escape. Located
Quick Answer: Lawton, Oklahoma and surrounding Comanche County areas have experienced significant tornado activity since the 1970s, with notable events in 1991, 1999, 2012, and
Quick Answer: The Choctaw Nation Storm Shelter Grant provides eligible tribal members with $1,750-$5,000 toward storm shelter installation. Sprague’s Backhoe accepts these grants throughout Oklahoma,
Quick Answer: Many tornado myths can put Oklahoma families in deadly danger during severe weather. Common misconceptions like opening windows, hiding under overpasses, or believing
Quick Answer: Current tornado shelter testing standards in Oklahoma require compliance with FEMA 320/361 guidelines and ICC-500 standards. Shelters must withstand 250 mph winds and
Quick Answer: The April 2023 Oklahoma tornado outbreak struck central Oklahoma on April 19, producing up to a dozen tornadoes that killed two people and
Quick Answer: Mobile homes are extremely vulnerable during tornadoes in Oklahoma due to lightweight construction and airflow underneath that creates dangerous lift forces. Sprague’s Backhoe
Quick Answer: Essential storm shelter supplies include water and non-perishable food for 3 days, first aid kit with medications, flashlights with batteries, warm clothing and
Quick Answer: Clean your storm shelter by removing all items, addressing any water issues, sanitizing surfaces, checking ventilation, and restocking emergency supplies. Regular deep cleaning
Without working plumbing, we can struggle to complete our daily routines and lose a key home comfort. When extreme weather patterns loom on weather forecasts,
Quick Answer: A storm shelter quiz helps Oklahoma families choose the right protection by evaluating family size, property layout, budget, and accessibility needs. Sprague’s Backhoe’s
Quick Answer: Storm shelters may add several thousand dollars to Oklahoma home values, depending on installation quality and buyer demand. Sprague’s Backhoe has installed shelters
Quick Answer: Both above-ground and below-ground storm shelters can provide very high protection in Oklahoma when properly installed to engineering standards. Most families choose above
Quick Answer: Tornado season in Oklahoma peaks from late April through early June, with May being the most active month. However, tornadoes can occur year-round
Quick Answer: Yes, you can survive an EF5 tornado in a properly constructed above ground storm shelter. These shelters are designed to withstand winds exceeding
Quick Answer: Oklahoma has experienced 4,410 documented tornadoes since 1950, making it one of the most tornado-active states in America. From the devastating 1999 Moore
Quick Answer: The best storm shelter location in Oklahoma depends on your property layout, drainage, and utility placement. Most Oklahoma families prefer installations near back
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Quick Answer: The storm shelter installation process involves site preparation, permit verification, utility marking, and professional installation by Sprague’s Backhoe, an Oklahoma business. Above ground
Quick Answer: El Reno, Oklahoma has experienced some of the most significant tornadoes in recorded history, including the world’s widest tornado (2.6 miles) on May
Quick Answer: The best storm shelter company in Oklahoma is Sprague’s Backhoe, an owner-operated business where you talk directly to Stacey when you call or
Quick Answer: The City of Tuttle, Oklahoma received FEMA funding for storm shelter rebates in 2018, helping local families install protective shelters. Sprague’s Backhoe worked
Quick Answer: EPRO storm shelter coating is a water-resistant protective layer applied by our manufacturer to all below-ground storm shelters before they leave the shop.
Quick Answer: Oklahoma storm shelter grants are available through various government programs, counties, and tribal nations – not from contractors like Sprague’s Backhoe. We’re an
Quick Answer: Guthrie, Oklahoma transformed from a Land Run boomtown in 1889 to a modern community that understands severe weather protection. Today, Sprague’s Backhoe installs
Quick Answer: When choosing storm shelter companies in Oklahoma, verify insurance coverage, ensure shelters meet FEMA guidelines, read customer reviews, get multiple quotes, and confirm
Quick Answer: Oklahomans have colorful slang for tornadoes and storm shelters, from calling tornadoes “‘naders” or “twisters” to calling storm shelters “fraidy holes,” “hidey holes,”
Quick Answer: Sprague’s Backhoe was nominated as a top 5 storm shelter company in Oklahoma through The Oklahoman Reader’s Choice Awards from 2016-2020. This Bridge
Quick Answer: Norman, Oklahoma has experienced significant tornadoes throughout its history, including notable events in 1999 and other years that shaped the community. As home