Oklahoma Tornado Outbreak
April 2023: Devastating Damage & Importance of Storm Shelters
A powerful tornado outbreak hit Oklahoma last night, causing extensive damage and claiming two lives. Learn how one family survived thanks to their above-ground storm shelter, and the importance of having one in severe weather.
Oklahoma Tornado outbreak April 2023
Last night, a severe weather system pushed across Oklahoma, producing up to a dozen tornadoes, some of them strong. Two people lost their lives in the storms, and many others were injured. The tornadoes caused extensive damage across central Oklahoma, including the town of Cole, Oklahoma Baptist University and near Shawnee High School.
One of the towns hit by the tornadoes was Cole, where the Bridwell family’s farm took a direct hit. The family rode out the storm in their 7×9 above-ground storm shelter. The storm was so strong that it ripped the wind turbine off the top of the shelter, but the family inside was unharmed.
Larry and Robbie Bridwell and their daughter and grandmother emerged from the shelter to find that two homes, a barn, and decades of family memories had been destroyed. They lost a horse in the storm, but their other livestock remained safe.
Despite the devastation, the Bridwells were grateful to be alive, and they praised their community for rallying around them in the aftermath of the storm. They also credited their storm shelter with saving their lives.
Their story highlights the importance of having a storm shelter in severe weather. When tornadoes strike, there is often little time to seek shelter, and the wind speeds can be so high that even well-built homes can be destroyed. Storm shelters provide a safe haven from the storm and can mean the difference between life and death.
If you live in Oklahoma, it’s essential to have a storm shelter or safe room in your home. The cost of installing a storm shelter is a small price to pay for the peace of mind it provides. In addition to protecting you and your family, a storm shelter can also increase the value of your home and may lower your insurance premiums.
In conclusion, the tornado outbreak in Oklahoma last night was a stark reminder of the power of severe weather and the importance of being prepared. The Bridwell family’s survival story serves as a testament to the power of storm shelters and the difference they can make in a life-or-death situation. If you don’t have a storm shelter or safe room in your home, now is the time to consider installing one. It could be the decision that saves your life.
The damage from the tornadoes that hit Shawnee, Oklahoma was so severe that schools have been forced to close. Take a look at the destruction and hear from local officials as they work to assess the damage.
Install a Storm Shelter with Sprague’s Backhoe
Storm shelters can provide your family with peace of mind during an emergency or unpredictable weather. To learn more about our storm shelters, call us or visit our storm shelter page to get started.
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