ID your safe place before severe weather hits

Monday, June 9, 2014

When an ugly storm is bearing down and tornado sirens are wailing, it is the wrong time to begin wondering where you could or should take cover.

Identifying a safe place ahead of time will help cut the risk of harm to you and your family in case of dangerous weather, said Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension housing and consumer specialist.

“It sounds like a mundane detail that hardly registers on the priority list. But, having a clear plan for exactly where to go and what to do in case of severe weather can save your life,” she said. “Sometimes there isn’t a lot of warning and you don’t want to waste time trying to come up with a plan.”

One option is to go to an underground area such as a basement or cellar. If you have a storm shelter in your home, register it with the county or city and tell out-of-town friends and family its location so authorities will know where to look in the event of a disaster.

An alternative to an underground area is the lowest level of your home.

“You want to put as many walls as possible between you and the outdoors. So, an interior room such as a closet or an interior hallway will work, but, avoid spaces near doors, windows and outside walls,” Peek said.

Make sure the area you have identified as your safe place is kept clean and is always accessible at a moment’s notice.

Underground areas and storm shelters should be stocked with appropriate supplies such as food, water, a weather radio and a first aid kit. It also is a good idea to keep pairs of sturdy, lace up shoes in the safe space in case you have to climb or dig out of debris.

Also, consider putting any special equipment such as walkers or wheelchairs in your safe place. However, be sure the items fit while still allowing family members to quickly and easily take cover.

Finally, Peek stressed the importance of using your safe place for its intended purpose.

“Avoid using your shelter as storage space or an extra closet,” she said. “If all your family members can’t fit or if the items could harm you during a storm, you’re defeating the purpose of having that extra protection.”