Severe Weather Preparedness

Contact the Office of Emergency Management

address
Emergency Operations Center at the Central Fire Station:
2800 Epperly Dr., Del City, Oklahoma 73115
general phone

(405) 671-2890

About Severe Weather Preparedness

Del City Fire Department building.
Springtime in Oklahoma brings the threat of severe weather including thunderstorms, hail, winds and occasionally tornadoes. The City of Del City Office of Emergency Management, under the responsibility of the Del City Fire Department, wants all citizens to have a severe weather plan for their home, school, work and at events.

Prepare a Safety/Survival Kit

Have a "go bag" with essentials in case of an evacuation or power outage.

Recommended Supplies to Include in a Basic Kit:

  • One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
  • At at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and can opener if needed.
  • Battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, and extra batteries for both.
  • Flashlight and extra batteries.
  • First Aid kit.
  • Whistle to signal for help.
  • Infant formula and diapers if needed.
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
  • Dust mask or cotton t-shirt to help filter the air.
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place.
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.

Have a Plan

Identify a safe location in your home, work or school in case of a tornado warning.

Before the Storm:

  • Have frequent drills.
  • Know the county in which you live and keep a highway map nearby to follow storm movement from weather bulletins.
  • Have a NOAA Weather Radio with a warning alarm tone and battery back-up to receive warnings.

Be Informed

Have several methods to receive weather information and warnings.

Stay informed about the Storm:

  • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio and television for the latest tornado Watches and Warnings.
  • Know the storm terms:
    • TORNADO WATCH: Tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms.
    • TORNADO WARNING: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. If a tornado warning is issued for your area and the sky becomes threatening, move to your pre-designated place of safety.
    • SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH: Severe thunderstorms are possible in your area.
    • SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING: Severe thunderstorms are occurring.
  • Have multiple ways to receive warnings; don’t rely on the outdoor warning sirens as your only means of receiving warnings. They are designed to warn those people who are outside and away from radio and TV.
  • If a warning is issued:
    • In a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement.
    • If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture.
    • Stay away from windows.
    • If you are caught outdoors, seek shelter in a basement, shelter or sturdy building.

Register Your Storm Shelter

Register your storm shelter to ensure that rescue teams can efficiently find and provide aid to those who may be trapped or in need of assistance.