Although Oklahoma experiences more than 50 tornadoes annually, 2024 tipped the destructive scales by unleashing 152 recorded touchdowns. Oklahoma is in the heart of Tornado Alley. Stronger storms from worsening climate change effects will become the norm. An Oklahoma tornado shelter prevents storm-weary Sooners from packing up and looking for calmer fields like their ancestors. Our formidable storm shelters meet FEMA storm shelter specifications for maximum protection.
Why Does Oklahoma Experience So Many Tornadoes?
Oklahoma is ground zero for destructive twisters. Although Texas leads the nation in tornadoes, Oklahoma keeps pace with this disturbing trend despite its relatively more petite size. Oklahoma is Mother Nature’s warzone. Colliding warmer and cooler air masses from the Gulf of Mexico and the Rockies provide conducive tornadic activity conditions. While Kansas surpasses Oklahoma for annual tornadoes, Oklahoma is disadvantaged in storm protection. Oklahoma is more densely populated than surrounding states, including North Texas. Some of the nation’s most deadly touchdowns occurred in Oklahoma City.
Do State Governments Require Oklahoma Tornado Shelters?
Although federal and state lawmakers don’t require Oklahoma tornado shelters, state governments encourage storm protection investment. While state laws prohibit spitting on sidewalks or leaning on buildings in certain towns, legislators have no issue with not protecting residents when twisters deface longstanding landmarks. Oklahoma doesn’t have an extensive public community storm shelter system. Most residents resort to bathtubs and closets during tornado warnings. Community storm shelters allow large population protection for sporadic tornadoes. FEMA offers community safe room reimbursement for qualifying applicants. Neighborhoods could oblige their civic duties by pooling money, offsetting or negating large individual contributions.
Affordable Community Shelter Protection
Community safe rooms protect significant populations from 250-mile-per-hour wind speeds and flying debris. Furthermore, installers can strategically locate shelters near schools, shopping centers, and industrial manufacturer exit doors, allowing a safe refuge retreat. Oil drilling operation workers can work peacefully, knowing steel-rated protection is within walking distance. Project managers should never sacrifice budget lines for steel storm protection. While there are few guarantees, steel protection is a phone call or click away.
U.S. Safe Room Continues Oklahoma Safe Room Partnerships
We recently partnered with a charter school requesting storm protection in Oklahoma City. Looking to protect its most vulnerable demographic, U.S. Safe Room provided several large community safe rooms, conveniently situated behind the school. Our experienced building advisors investigated each city ordinance guiding shelter installation and operation. Moreover, school officials kept us abreast of changing safety needs. We updated blueprints for required bathrooms at the school’s request, further satisfying safety compliance. Contact us today for a free quote and consultation!
