How to Prepare for Nighttime Tornadoes in Oklahoma

Tornadoes are scarry when you see them during the day in Oklahoma, but at night, they're frightening because you can't see them at all. And often times these nighttime tornadoes can strike well after you've gone to sleep.

So you want to make sure you're well prepared for a tornado at any time, even after you've gone to bed.

Prep Before Bedtime

If your area is under a severe weather threat and storms are expected through the night, it's best to prep before severe storms develop and especially before bedtime. You'll want to get your shelter or safe space ready with all of your severe weather preparations.

If you have a storm cellar, you'll want to make sure its clear for people to occupy it. Make sure you clean up any debris, standing water and insects. Also, remove or shift any items that are being stored in the storm cellar. And be sure to put in chairs and blankets for comfort. You never know how long you'll be in a storm cellar.

Charge Your Phone and Have Alerts On

Before you go to bed, you will want to make sure your phone is on the charger, especially if it's your primary source to receive weather alerts. You'll also want to make sure your alerts are on and will sound off while you're sleeping. No "do not disturb" while severe weather is imminent!

Have Necessary Items At the Ready

Before you go to bed, you'll want to have a few items by your bed ready to go if you have to get up and go to your storm shelter in the middle of the night.

• Clothes - Depending on how you sleep, you'll want to make sure you have a t-shirt or pants, or both, by the bed, ready to go.
• Shoes - Make sure you have a pair of durable shoes you can slip on.
• Flashlight - If a storm hits, it's possible the lights will be out when you have to wake up and go to your storm shelter.

Have Multiple Ways to Get Weather Alerts

If the power goes out, it may be difficult to get weather alerts on your cellphone. Especially if cell service gets knocked out during the storm. It's important to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, especially after you've gone to bed.

If your area is prone to severe weather, it's worth investing in an NOAA Weather Radio. If you already have a weather radio, make sure you test it before severe weather and have it tuned in to your local station.