- Safe Rooms vs. Storm Shelters: Choosing the Best Option for Your Home
- Community Shelters: Finding Refuge During a Storm
When severe weather threatens, knowing where to seek shelter saves lives. The safest place depends on the type of storm. For thunderstorms, staying inside your home is usually best. Avoid activities like showering or using wired electronics, as lightning and flash flooding pose risks.
Tornadoes, however, demand the most secure shelter possible. In Oklahoma City, basements provide the best protection due to being underground. If you don’t have a basement, seek the lowest interior room– closets, bathrooms, or central hallways are good options.
Put as many walls as you can between yourself and the outside. Get low to the ground and cover yourself with sturdy furniture, blankets, or even a helmet.
Hurricanes bring different challenges. Depending on the storm’s strength and your location, evacuation may be necessary. Residents of Galveston, Texas, and other coastal areas should follow local evacuation orders. If staying, designated public hurricane shelters are vital. Check your city’s website or emergency resources for locations and bring essential supplies like a first-aid kit, food, water, a weather radio, and comfort items such as a teddy bear.
No matter where you live, preparation is key. Know your shelter plan in advance. If you live in a tornado-prone area, consider a safe room designed to withstand extreme winds. For those in hurricane zones, have a designated evacuation route.