Tornado season is here – prepare for it

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Justin Nichols
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  It's that time of year again -- tornado season.

While March through August is when most tornados occur in Oklahoma, one can hit any time of year. Here are some steps you can take to prepare.

First and foremost, keep a tornado preparedness kit. Include items that are necessary for survival if the worst happens. A flashlight, radio, batteries, one gallon of water per person per day and non-perishable food items for people and pets are great choices for the kit.

"If in a home during a tornado and there is no in-ground shelter, get to the most inner and lowest part of the house away from windows," said Airman 1st Class Steven Moxley, an emergency management journeyman with the 71st Logistics Readiness Squadron.

You can also shelter in a bathtub with a mattress over your head to protect against falling hazards, he said.

"Register any home-owned tornado shelters so emergency responders will know where the shelters are located to aid in a speedy rescue," said Moxley.

If outside during a tornado, get in a low-lying ditch and stay as low as possible. Do not seek shelter under an overpass. It will become a wind tunnel and increase your exposure to debris.

The following are tornado shelter locations in the more frequented buildings on base.
  • Building 500 -- (71st Flying Training Wing headquarters) -- Basement hallway
  • Building 672 - (71st Operations Group) -- The two north and south square hallways on the bottom floor -- designated on the building map
  • Building 200 - (Consolidated Logistics Complex) -- Conference Room 114
  • Building 810 - (71st Medical Group/Clinic) Rooms 51 and 162
  • Building 814 - Room 114
  • Building 816 - (Mental Health Clinic) -- Room 107
  • Hanger 199 - Room 109
  • Hanger 195 - Classroom A and the west break room
  • Hanger 141 - Hydraulic shop
  • Hanger 128 - Room 25 (Welding room)
Moxley recommends getting a Family Preparedness Guide, available in the Office of Emergency Management in Room 101, Building 288. These guides have more information on preparing for tornados and other emergencies.

"Tornado season is dangerous. Failing to plan is like planning to fail," said Moxley.

For more information on tornado preparedness at Vance AFB, contact Emergency Management at 580-213-7579.

National Severe Weather Preparedness Week is March 2-8. For more information, visit the following websites: