Spring in Oklahoma means one thing—storm season is right around the corner! If you’re like us, you’re already thinking about tornado preparedness, storm shelter readiness, and how to keep your family safe when severe weather strikes. I think everybody is especially on edge about it after the last couple of years of wild weather we’ve had.
At Sprague’s Backhoe, storm season is our busiest time of the year. Every year, as soon as the first big storm rolls through, our phones start ringing off the hook with homeowners looking to install a storm shelter. This year, we’re better prepared than ever to handle the rush. We’ve brought on an office assistant to help with OKIE 811 locates, contracts, and phone calls, which means shorter wait times when you reach out—especially after a storm.
If you’ve been thinking about getting a storm shelter, now is the time to start planning. If you already have a storm shelter, this post is for you too. Here’s everything you need to know to get ready for storm season!
Finding the Right Storm Shelter for Your Home
Choosing the right storm shelter can feel overwhelming, but we’ve made it easy. Our storm shelter quiz helps you determine which shelter is the best fit for your home, family, and budget.
We offer both above-ground and below-ground storm shelters, each with their own benefits. In 2024, our most popular option, by a landslide, was the 7×9 above-ground storm shelter, offering plenty of space for families and easy access for those with mobility concerns.
Still unsure which one is right for you? Check out our poll results to see which type of shelter is preferred by visitors to our website!
Financing & Grant Programs
A storm shelter is an investment in your family’s safety, and we know cost can be a concern. That’s why we offer storm shelter financing to help make the process more affordable.
Additionally, several Native American tribes offer grant programs to help cover the cost of a storm shelter. If you’re a member of a federally recognized tribe, you may qualify for assistance. Learn more about these grant programs here.
Preparing Your Shelter
Already have a storm shelter? Now’s the time to get it ready for use.
- Clean it out – If it’s been a while since you’ve checked inside, follow our guide on how to clean a storm shelter.
- Stock it up – Make sure you have the right supplies on hand! Our essential items list covers everything you’ll want to keep inside.
- Register your shelter – This is an important step many homeowners forget. Learn how to register your storm shelter so first responders can locate you in an emergency.
Weather Delays & Scheduling Your Installation
This year has been unusually wet, which means our installation schedule is heavily dependent on the weather. Rain delays are common, and when the ground is too saturated, we have to wait for it to dry before we can safely install your storm shelter.
If you’re considering getting a shelter before peak storm season, we highly recommend booking your installation sooner rather than later. Once tornado season kicks into high gear, wait times can stretch to several months.
Serving Homeowners Across Oklahoma
We install storm shelters all over the state! If you don’t see your city listed on our areas served page, don’t worry—chances are, we can still help you. Just reach out, and we’ll let you know if we can install in your area.
Storm season is coming fast—don’t wait until it’s too late to start preparing. Whether you’re installing a new shelter or getting your existing one storm-ready, we’re here to help.
Have questions? Ready to schedule your installation? Contact us today and let’s get started!
