In Spring and early Fall, when tornados are most likely to occur in Oklahoma, be
aware of your surroundings and the current environment and the different possibilities
that may occur. Then make appropriate decisions based on what is happening or has
the potential to happen. Here is a likely scenario:
- I checked the forecast this morning before I left my apartment to drive to class.
The possibility of severe thunderstorms was mentioned.
- It is a warm and very humid day.
- There is a strong southerly wind blowing.
- There is static from time to time on my radio.
- There is a big, dark cloud in the southwest sky.
Based on your assessment of the environment and the possibility of severe weather,
here are actions you can take:
- I should take a portable radio with me today.
- Between classes, I should use my radio to check what is going on with the weather.
- As I go to my classes, I keep in mind whether the building I am in has a basement or not.
- When it begins to storm, I must be aware of my shelter options.
- When the storm sirens begin to sound (or I hear a warning announcement on my radio) I
must seek shelter immediately.
Everyone must assess for themselves what their risk is. In this age of
increasingly instant communication, it is possible to have enough information to be aware
of the presence of severe weather.