Tornado season is here again, and as much as we love the thrill of the storm, it’s important to remember that tornadoes are no joke! For seniors, who are often more vulnerable to injury and reliant on their living situations, it’s crucial to be prepared for anything nature throws their way.

Now, nobody wants to be Chicken Little running around screaming, “The sky is falling!” but a little preparedness goes a long way. Preparing for tornadoes starts with educating ourselves on these weather phenomena and how they can affect us.

Tornadoes, in a nutshell, are storms that occur when hot and cold air masses collide, creating a spinning column of air that touches the ground. While tornadoes can happen anywhere, certain areas, such as the central and southern plains, are more common. As Oklahomans, we know this all too well.

So, what can seniors do to protect themselves during tornado season? Here are some tips:

1. Stay informed. Keep an eye on weather alerts and forecasts, especially during periods of severe weather. Take steps to ensure you and your loved ones receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).

• The Wireless Emergency Alert System participates with wireless carriers nationwide by allowing local and state governments and the national government to send public alerts.
• Smartphones today are almost always set up to receive WEA alerts automatically. Check with your carrier to ensure your cell phone service provider has opted to use this voluntary service, as only some phone carriers do so automatically.
• In addition to the WEA, many other severe weather warning systems exist in and around Oklahoma. These systems may include radio alerts on local and NOAA weather radio, television updates, smartphone apps, and outdoor warning sirens.

2. Know the difference between a tornado watch and a warning. If you’ve lived in Oklahoma for any length of time, you already know there is a difference between a watch and a warning.

• A tornado watch means there is a high probability that a tornado will touch down nearby. These watches typically include multiple counties and can last for several hours.
• A tornado warning, however, is a much more serious notification that there is already severe weather in your area. You need to seek shelter immediately to protect yourself from injury or worse.

3. Know the signs of an impending tornado. Whether you’re the primary caretaker for a loved one or a senior living alone, ensure you know the signs of bad weather that are likely to include a tornado.

• The sky may turn dark and slightly green when tornadic activity is present. Often, low-hanging cloud formations rotate while the winds begin to roar, almost like the sound of a train.
• Be aware that large hail often accompanies a tornado.

5. Have a plan. Know what you will do in the event of a tornado, including where you will go for safety and how you will communicate with loved ones.

6. Have a kit. Have a go-kit ready with essentials such as medications, water, non-perishable food, and a flashlight. Be sure to include things like extra batteries and a first aid kit.

7. Know your building. If you live in an apartment building, familiarize yourself with the emergency exits and know the safest places to take cover. Know where your nearest shelter is in your community.

• The Red Cross offers a free shelter program that includes an interactive map of places you can go if evacuation is necessary.
• You may even consider a medical alert device set up to contact emergency services in a disaster.

8. Stay put. If you are caught in a tornado, the best thing you can do is stay put and wait for the storm to pass. Shelter in place if it is safe to do so.

While tornadoes may be scary, it’s important to remember that they are a natural phenomenon and that we can take steps to protect ourselves. By staying informed, having a plan, having a kit, knowing your building, and staying put during severe weather, seniors can weather any storm that comes their way. Stay safe, and happy tornado-watching!