Oklahoma City Indian Clinic reminds Oklahomans to practice physical distancing measures this tornado season
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, wants you to stay safe this tornado season.
“Staying informed about the weather is the best way to keep your family healthy and safe against being caught in a tornado or severe thunderstorm,” said Robyn Sunday-Allen, CEO of Oklahoma City Indian Clinic. “Remember to take COVID-19 precautions when devising a shelter plan. Do this beforehand so your family can prepare if severe weather is in your immediate path.”
If the threat of severe weather or a tornado warning arises, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security suggest the following safety measures:
- GET IN: get as far inside a strong building as you can, away from doors and windows.
- Being outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle are all unsafe in a tornado or severe thunderstorm. Find stronger shelter before the storm arrives and remember to get in, get down and cover up.
- GET DOWN: get as low as you can and to the lowest floor of the building you’re in.
- A reinforced underground storm shelter, storm cellar, enclosed basement or safe room are usually the safest places in a tornado. Underground shelters get you out of the way of flying and falling debris, which is a tornado’s most lethal weapon.
- If you cannot get underground, remember the basic guidelines. Get as far inside the strongest building you can find. Stay away from doors, windows and other openings to the outside. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can.
- COVER UP: use whatever you can to protect yourself from flying or falling debris; like a pillow, blanket, sleeping bag, mattresses, helmet, hardhat, etc.
Be advised that some places that normally offer shelter during dangerous storms may not be doing so because of COVID-19 restrictions. Make your plans now, and get ahead of the storm.
About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma. The clinic staff cares for more than 20,000 patients from over 200 federally recognized tribes every year. American Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please call (405) 948-4900 or visit www.okcic.com.