Win Big with TFCU’s Storm Shelter Loan Payoff Sweepstakes!

Spring storm season in Oklahoma is right around the corner, and if you’ve been thinking about adding a storm shelter to your home, now is the perfect time! Not only can a storm shelter provide safety and peace of mind for your family, but thanks to Tinker Federal Credit Union (TFCU), you could also have […]
November 2024 Tornado Outbreak: Central Oklahoma Hit by Severe Storms

November 2024 Tornado Outbreak in Central Oklahoma In early November 2024, central Oklahoma got hit hard by a tornado outbreak that left a big mark on the area. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed multiple tornadoes, including some powerful EF3s. These storms caused serious damage, especially in places like eastern Oklahoma City and the towns […]
Chickasaw Nation Homeowner Preparedness Grant

At Sprague’s Backhoe, we have helped hundreds of Chickasaw Nation members take advantage of the Homeowner Preparedness Grant to install storm shelters and protect their families. This incredible program provides up to $5,000 toward natural disaster preparedness, including storm shelter installations. Whether you reside within the Chickasaw Nation or are a Chickasaw citizen at large, […]
A Fun Evening with Tinker Federal Credit Union at Floating Films

Over the weekend, Jack and I had the chance to be part of something really fun, all thanks to our partnership with Tinker Federal Credit Union. We were invited to have a booth at the Floating Films event at Riversport OKC, and we had an absolute blast! The movie screening was Twister, which felt like […]
Do Above Ground Storm Shelters Really Work?

Above Ground Storm Shelters As a family-owned business deeply rooted in Oklahoma, we understand the importance of safety and preparedness in the face of severe weather, especially tornadoes. In regions prone to severe weather like tornadoes, having a reliable storm shelter is essential for safeguarding lives and property. Among the options available, above ground storm […]
Understanding Winter Tornadoes: How, When, and Why They Form

Winter Tornadoes Winter tornadoes are a rare but potentially dangerous weather phenomenon that occurs in Oklahoma and other parts of the country during the winter months. While they are less common than summer tornadoes, they can be just as destructive and cause significant damage to homes and businesses. In this blog post, we will discuss […]
Oklahoma Tornado Myths Exposed

Tornado myths Tornadoes are a natural disaster that can strike suddenly and devastate everything in their path. Oklahoma is one of the states that is most prone to these severe weather events, and residents must be prepared to face them at any time of the year. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about tornadoes […]
The Science Behind Tornado Shelter Testing

As Oklahoma residents, we are all too familiar with the threat of tornadoes. These destructive storms can cause significant damage and loss of life, making it essential for residents to have access to safe shelter during a tornado. One crucial aspect of ensuring safety is tornado shelter testing. In this blog post, we will discuss […]
Why Are Mobile Homes Dangerous in a Tornado?

Mobile homes are a popular and affordable housing option, but when it comes to tornadoes, they are not built to withstand the strong winds and debris that these storms can produce. In Oklahoma, where tornadoes are a common occurrence, understanding the risks associated with mobile homes is crucial for keeping you and your family safe. […]
6 Essential Items to Keep in Your Storm Shelter

Storms can be unpredictable and dangerous, which is why it’s important to have a storm shelter in place to keep you and your loved ones safe. Storm shelters are a critical aspect of staying safe during a storm, so if you live in an area where tornadoes are common, you should have a plan for […]
Oklahoma Tornado Outbreak February 2023

Oklahoma residents faced severe weather conditions on Sunday night as a weather system produced brief tornadoes and high-speed winds, causing damage to homes and property in several areas of the state. The tornado outbreak was particularly severe, with winds reaching 70-80 mph and the possibility of speeds beyond 100 mph. At around 7:45 p.m., a […]
How to Clean a Storm Shelter

A storm shelter is a critical investment for keeping your family safe during severe weather. However, like any other structure, it requires regular maintenance to keep it in good condition. This includes cleaning it on a regular basis to ensure that it is free from dust, debris, and other contaminants. With peak storm season in […]
Can Heavy Rain Affect My Septic System?

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, many homeowners ask, “Can heavy rain affect my septic system?” The short answer is yes. However, understanding how heavy rainfall can impact your septic tank can help you to avoid […]
Choose the Right Storm Shelter for Your Home or Business – Take Our Quiz Today!

With severe weather events becoming increasingly common in Oklahoma, it’s important to ensure that you and your loved ones have a safe place to take refuge during a storm. Living in Oklahoma, a storm shelter can provide peace of mind and keep you and your family safe. To help you determine what type of shelter […]
Do Storm Shelters Increase Home Value?

Oklahoma is the center of “tornado alley” for a good reason. In the spring, cold fronts from Canada mix with warm air from the Gulf of Mexico to make Oklahoma the tornado capital of the world. With extreme weather like tornadoes threatening families and homes, many homeowners wonder, “Do storm shelters increase home value?” While […]
Above Ground vs Below Ground Storm Shelters

When it comes to protecting your family and property from severe weather, having a storm shelter is a must in Oklahoma. With its location in the heart of Tornado Alley, the state is prone to severe weather conditions such as tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. In this post, we will compare above ground and below ground […]
10 Essential Things to Know About Tornadoes in Oklahoma

Tornadoes are a force of nature that can strike without warning, leaving destruction in their path. For residents of Oklahoma, this is a harsh reality as the state sees an average of 50 tornadoes per year. Here are 10 essential things to know about tornadoes in Oklahoma, so you can be better prepared and stay […]
Protecting Your Family: A Guide to Above Ground Storm Shelters

When it comes to protecting your family from the unpredictable and often devastating storms that frequent Oklahoma, there’s no room for compromise. The safety of your loved ones is paramount, and making the right choice for storm shelter installation can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the numerous benefits of […]
5 Benefits of Having a Tornado Shelter in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is known for its unpredictable weather, with tornadoes being a major threat to the safety of its residents. Every year, the state experiences an average of 56 tornadoes, with some of them being devastating and causing significant damage to property and loss of life. To protect yourself and your loved ones, it’s essential to […]
Can Above Ground Storm Shelters Survive F5 Tornadoes?

In the face of severe weather threats, the safety of your loved ones and property is paramount. Understanding the capabilities of above ground storm shelters is key to making informed decisions for your safety measures. Here’s what you need to know: Meeting and Exceeding FEMA guidelines: Our above ground storm shelters are meticulously designed to […]
The Importance of Storm Shelters in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is known for its severe weather, and with good reason. From tornadoes to thunderstorms, the state sees its fair share of dangerous weather conditions. And while residents may be used to the occasional storm, it’s important to remember that these events can be incredibly dangerous and even deadly. In this post, we will discuss […]
Oklahoma Tornado History and the Growing Need for Storm Shelters

Oklahoma is known for its severe weather, particularly tornadoes. The state has a long history of dealing with these powerful storms, dating back to the late 1800s. One of the most notable tornado outbreaks in Oklahoma occurred in May of 1899. This outbreak, known as the “Great Cyclone,” produced multiple tornadoes across the state, causing […]
Preparing for Severe Weather in Oklahoma

The Importance of a Storm Shelter When it comes to preparing for severe weather in Oklahoma, having a reliable storm shelter is a must. Severe weather can strike at any time and it’s important to be prepared. Storm shelters installed by Sprague’s Backhoe are engineered and built to withstand F5 tornadoes and the flying debris […]
How To: Choose the Right Size and Best Location For a Storm Shelter in Oklahoma

Choosing the best place in your yard to install a storm shelter is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. As a top-rated storm shelter and safe room installer in Oklahoma, we understand the importance of this decision and want to help you make the best choice for you and your family’s safety. […]
Navigating the Storm Shelter Installation Process

In Oklahoma, where tornadoes and severe storms are a common occurrence, having a storm shelter can give you peace of mind and protect you and your family during a natural disaster. This guide will walk you through the steps involved in the storm shelter installation process, including research, permits, installation, and registration. Storm Shelter Options […]
What Is The Best Above Ground Tornado Shelter?

When ominous clouds swirl and sirens wail, there’s nothing more comforting than knowing your family is safe and sound in a sturdy tornado shelter. But with countless options flooding the market, how do you determine which is the best above ground tornado shelter? Amidst a sea of options, one choice stands tall: concrete above ground […]
Oklahoma Slang Words

One of the most commonly used phrases in Oklahoma is “fixin’ to.” This phrase is used to indicate that someone is about to do something, similar to saying “I’m going to” or “I’m about to.” For example, “I’m fixin’ to go to the store” means “I’m about to go to the store.” “What in tarnation?” […]