Living in Oklahoma means learning to expect the unexpected—especially when it comes to the weather. Tornadoes, high winds, and severe thunderstorms can strike with little warning, which makes preparedness essential for protecting your family.
At Sprague’s Backhoe, we help Oklahomans prepare for storm season by offering high-quality precast concrete storm shelters—but having a shelter is just the beginning. Here’s how to make sure your shelter is ready when you need it most.
🌪️ The Importance of a Storm Shelter
If you live in Oklahoma, a storm shelter isn’t just a precaution—it’s a necessity. Severe weather can happen at any time, and having a safe, accessible place to take shelter saves precious seconds in an emergency.
Our storm shelters are designed to withstand F5 tornadoes and flying debris, offering peace of mind when storms hit. But even the strongest shelter needs to be stocked, maintained, and ready to use.
🧃 What to Keep Inside: Storm Shelter Essentials
Once your shelter is installed, take the time to stock it with supplies that will help you weather the storm comfortably and safely:
-
✅ Bottled water
-
✅ Non-perishable snacks or food bars
-
✅ Flashlights and extra batteries
-
✅ First aid kit
-
✅ Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
-
✅ Cell phone charger or power bank
-
✅ Extra shoes, gloves, and blankets
-
✅ Important documents in a waterproof bag
-
✅ Personal medications
-
✅ Small toys, books, or comfort items for children
🔁 Check your supplies every few months to replace expired food, dead batteries, or outdated medications.
🛠️ Storm Shelter Maintenance Matters
To ensure your shelter works when you need it, keep it in good shape with these regular maintenance tasks:
-
Inspect for cracks or visible damage
-
Ensure the door opens and closes easily
-
Test ventilation if applicable
-
Clean out dirt, cobwebs, or leaves
-
Restock any missing or expired items
-
Check for signs of water infiltration or pests
🧹 Check out our post on how to clean a storm shelter for step-by-step tips.
🚨 Safety Tips for Using Your Storm Shelter
Make sure every member of your household knows how to access the shelter quickly. We recommend:
-
Practicing shelter drills with your family
-
Keeping the entrance path clear at all times
-
Assigning roles (who grabs pets, supplies, etc.)
-
Labeling the shelter door with reflective tape or lights if it’s hard to spot at night
Time is critical during a warning, so familiarity and easy access make a big difference.
📲 Stay Weather Aware
Severe weather can develop fast in Oklahoma, especially during spring and early summer. Get familiar with local forecast tools and set up alerts:
-
Use weather apps like News 9 or the NOAA app
-
Purchase a battery-powered or crank-operated NOAA weather radio
-
Know the difference between a Tornado Watch (be alert) and a Tornado Warning (take shelter)
🧡 Conclusion: Preparation Brings Peace of Mind
Preparing for severe weather in Oklahoma doesn’t stop at installing a storm shelter. When your shelter is well-stocked, maintained, and ready to use, you’ll feel more confident knowing your family has a safe place to go when it matters most.
At Sprague’s Backhoe, we’re proud to serve families across Oklahoma with storm shelters that are built to last. Whether you’re just getting started or need help prepping an existing shelter, we’re here to help.
✅ Need Help Getting Prepared?
-
📞 Contact Us to talk through your options
Stay safe, Oklahoma. Let us help you prepare before the next storm rolls in. 🌪️
