A storm shelter is a safe place to hide during a tornado or violent storm. You have likely stocked it for the nastiest of weather, but you need to prepare yourself as well. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to remember when you’re inside.

Do:

Set up the radio.

Stay informed about the conditions outdoors by turning on the radio. What started as a nasty storm can turn into a tornado quickly, so you want to know when it’s safe to emerge. Batteries have a longer shelf life in the packaging, so they should be stored outside of the device.

Test the jack.

Some storm shelters have hydraulic jacks to ensure the door of the shelter can open even if heavy debris is in the way. These pieces of equipment are typically able to lift as much as eight tons, but only if they’re working properly. If your storm shelter has one of these devices, test it once a year to make sure the extender rises when pumped. 

Don’t:

Open the doors.

The eye of the tornado can be misleading. The pounding sounds of debris may disappear, but the calm may only last a few minutes. Once the storm has started, leave the door closed and bolted. There is nothing outside the shelter worth risking your safety.

Panic.

The storm shelter is built to protect you from the outside elements. It’s hard to know when the storm will subside, but stay calm and know that you’re safe inside. Play cards or comfort the family with plans of fun activities after the storm to keep you from thinking about the issues outside.

If you want to install a storm shelter on your property, contact the experts at G & M Tank in Purcell, OK. For over 45 years, they’ve provided peace of mind to homeowners throughout tornado alley. Each unit is equipped with steel reinforced doors, a complete ventilation system, and is guaranteed to meet or exceed FEMA 320 & ICC 500 standards. Call them at (405) 527-5342 for more information, or visit their website to learn more about their shelters.