Quick Answer:
Preparing for Oklahoma storm season means checking your storm shelter, refreshing emergency supplies, reviewing your family’s severe weather plan, and installing a shelter before demand increases. Sprague’s Backhoe installs above-ground storm shelters statewide in Oklahoma and below-ground shelters within about 60 miles of Blanchard.
Severe weather can happen any time of year in Oklahoma, but spring is when tornado preparedness gets a lot more attention. Before storms start showing up in the forecast, it’s a good time to make sure your shelter, emergency supplies, and family plan are ready.
If you don’t have a storm shelter yet, preparing early also gives you more flexibility with installation scheduling. Sprague’s Backhoe has been installing storm shelters for Oklahoma families since 2013, and demand can increase quickly once severe weather starts making headlines.
When Is Oklahoma Tornado Season?
Oklahoma can experience tornadoes throughout the year, but spring is historically the most active season. May has traditionally been the peak month for tornadoes statewide, with April and June also active months.
That doesn’t mean you should wait until spring to prepare. Severe weather doesn’t follow a schedule, and storm shelter installation can also be affected by customer demand, rain, and ground conditions.
If you’re planning to install a shelter, scheduling before the spring rush can give you more flexibility than waiting until tornado warnings are already showing up in the forecast.
Get Your Existing Storm Shelter Ready
If you already have a storm shelter, take a few minutes to check it before severe weather season picks up.
- Clean the shelter. Remove dirt, leaves, insects, and anything else that has accumulated since you last used it.
- Check the door. Make sure it opens, closes, and latches properly.
- Check ventilation openings. Make sure vents haven’t become blocked.
- Refresh emergency supplies. Check expiration dates, batteries, medications, and anything your family may need while sheltering.
- Make room for everyone. Don’t let seasonal storage take over the space you’ll need for people and pets.
If you have a below-ground shelter, check for dirt, leaves, insects, or moisture that may have accumulated inside. Door hinges should also be greased every six months using the grease zerks provided by the manufacturer.
What Should You Keep in Your Storm Shelter?
You don’t need to turn your shelter into a bunker, but keeping a few basics inside means you won’t be scrambling when a warning is issued.
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable snacks
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Weather radio
- First aid supplies
- Phone chargers or portable power banks
- Closed-toe shoes
- Necessary medications
- Pet supplies, if needed
- Comfort items for children
Keep your phone with you when you enter the shelter. It’s one of the easiest ways to continue receiving weather information and contact someone if you need help after the storm.
Review Your Family’s Severe Weather Plan
Having a shelter is only useful if everyone knows when and how to use it. Make sure each person in your household knows where to go when a tornado warning is issued and how to open and secure the shelter door.
It’s also a good idea to decide ahead of time who is responsible for pets, medications, young children, or family members who may need extra help getting to the shelter.
If your community offers a storm shelter registration program, consider registering your shelter with the appropriate local agency. Availability and procedures vary by location, so check with your city, county, or local emergency management office.
Choosing Your First Storm Shelter
If installing a storm shelter is part of this year’s severe weather preparation, start by deciding whether an above-ground or below-ground shelter works better for your household and property.
Above-Ground Storm Shelters
Sprague’s Backhoe installs 5×7, 6×8, and 7×9 concrete above-ground storm shelters throughout Oklahoma. They have level entry with no interior stairs, and the full interior floor space is usable.
Above-ground shelters are often a good choice for households concerned about stairs or easier entry, but the installation location must have adequate access for the delivery and installation equipment.
Below-Ground Storm Shelters
Below-ground installation is generally available within about 60 miles of Blanchard, including areas such as Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore, Mustang, Newcastle, Tuttle, Chickasha, Purcell, Lindsay, and El Reno.
Sprague’s Backhoe installs the 6×8 Slope Front, 6×8 Easy Access, and 7×10 Slope Front models. Because below-ground shelters require excavation, installation depends more heavily on soil, drainage, property access, and ground conditions.
Not sure which option fits your household? Take our storm shelter quiz to compare your options.
How Sprague’s Backhoe Prepares for Storm Season
Storm season means preparing for an increase in calls and installations while keeping a close eye on Oklahoma weather and ground conditions. Sprague’s Backhoe has more than 20 years of storm shelter industry experience and has served Oklahoma homeowners since 2013.
Every installation is handled by Sprague’s Backhoe, with no subcontractors or rotating crews. The shelters Sprague’s Backhoe installs are designed to meet or exceed FEMA safe room guidelines.
Customers who want to install before spring can also review available storm shelter financing options. Some Oklahoma tribal nations offer storm shelter assistance programs for eligible members as well.
Rain and Ground Conditions Can Affect Installation
Oklahoma weather affects more than tornado forecasts. Heavy rain and saturated ground can also delay storm shelter installation.
The trucks and equipment used for installation are heavy. If the ground is too wet to safely access a property without getting stuck or causing unnecessary damage, installation may need to be rescheduled.
This is another reason not to wait until the last minute. Scheduling earlier gives you more flexibility if Oklahoma weather doesn’t cooperate with the original installation date.
Sprague’s Backhoe installs above-ground storm shelters statewide in Oklahoma. Below-ground installation is generally available within about 60 miles of Blanchard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I prepare for Oklahoma storm season?
You can check supplies and review your severe weather plan at any time. If you’re planning to purchase a storm shelter, fall and winter can be good times to get the process started before spring demand increases.
Are Sprague’s Backhoe storm shelters FEMA certified?
No storm shelter should be described as “FEMA certified.” FEMA does not certify or approve individual storm shelter products. The shelters Sprague’s Backhoe installs are designed to meet or exceed FEMA safe room guidelines.
What happens if it rains before my scheduled installation?
Rain doesn’t automatically mean an installation will be canceled. Sprague’s Backhoe evaluates weather, ground conditions, and safe equipment access. If conditions aren’t suitable, the installation may need to be rescheduled.
Do you offer storm shelter financing?
Yes. Financing options are available for qualifying customers. Some tribal nations also offer storm shelter grants or assistance programs for eligible members.
Is the SoonerSafe rebate currently available?
Oklahoma’s SoonerSafe Safe Room Rebate Program opens based on available funding and program cycles. Check the current SoonerSafe program status before making plans around a rebate.
How long does storm shelter installation take?
Above-ground installation typically takes about two hours. Below-ground installation generally takes 3–4 hours. Property access, weather, soil, and ground conditions can affect installation time.
Key Takeaways
- Severe weather can happen throughout the year in Oklahoma, although spring is historically the most active tornado season.
- Check your existing storm shelter before severe weather season and refresh emergency supplies at least once a year.
- Make sure everyone in your household knows when to shelter and what their responsibilities are.
- If you’re installing a new shelter, scheduling before the spring rush can provide more flexibility.
- Rain and saturated ground can affect installation dates, especially for below-ground shelters.
- Sprague’s Backhoe installs above-ground storm shelters statewide and below-ground shelters within about 60 miles of Blanchard.
Want your storm shelter in place before severe weather season? Contact Sprague’s Backhoe at (405) 600-4905 to compare shelter options and schedule your installation.
