|
|
|
 |
|
Thursday, 28 May 2009 |
By J.D. DENNIS
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
When one moves to Oklahoma or the Panhandle areas, there is always one understood danger at all times— Tornadoes. While this danger is imminent all year long in the area, there are more dangers during the months from March through August, which is popularly known as "Tornado Season."
"The main thing I stress at this time of the year and all year long for everyone is to be prepared. Know where you're going to be going and what you're going to be when the storm is spotted, sirens go off, all weather radio goes off, etc.," said Director of Texas County Emergency Management Harold Tyson.
"All of our storm spotters have been recently trained and go. People should always pay attention to the weather though, which includes watching the television, listening to the radio stations and even listening to the radio scanners, if possible, so as to know what we're doing as well. Don't wait until it happens to know what you're going to be doing. When that storm is hitting is not the time to be getting ready and making your plan. The plan should already be made now. You need to know where the shelter you are going to is at and where you're going to meet your family should a tornado come through the town and their is destruction," said Harold Tyson.
The storm shelters for the area are as follows: Guymon is Academy Elementary, Ambassador Inn, Carrier School, Elk's Lodge, Guymon Public Library, Hope Community Church of God, Homer Long School, Living Word Fellowship, Methodist Church, St. Peters Catholic Church and Sunset Lane Baptist Church. For Goodwell there is the Methodist Church Basement, Baptist Church Basement and Goodwell High School. OPSU Campus shelters are the Student Union, Hesper Hall North and South, Holter Hall, McKee Library and the Noble Center as well as an underground cellar located at the Aggie Apartments next to the golf course.
Hardesty has the Apostolic Faith Church and the Hardesty High School Auditorium Basement. For Hooker there is the St. Johns Lutheran Church, First Christian Church and the United Methodist Church.
It is also always a good idea to have a 'tornado kit' available. Objects that should be in this kit is a batter-powered radio or television (preferably a all weather radio), flashlight, extra batteries for the previously listed items, first aid kit, sturdy shoes for every family member, identification and cash and a spare set of keys to the vehicles.
All weather radios are very important and can be bought just about anywhere that electronics are sold. They can be found in Guymon at Wal-Mart, United, Radio Shack, G and G Electronics as well as many other places. Some of these radios come preset for a little extra money and there are also handheld models. Texas County has its own all weather transmitter. "It's another tool offered to help be prepared. As far as I know there is no place in the county that cannot pick up this signal with an all weather radio," said Harold Tyson.
"If caught inside when the weather hits and they cannot escape, find an interior wall away from windows. This should be towards the central part of the house and the strongest part. Do not stay in mobile homes; however, as it is extremely dangerous to be caught in one if and when a tornado hits. People should not get caught in those situations though. They need to be prepared and know what they're going to do and when, not get caught off guard and stuck in their homes," said Harold Tyson.
Harold Tyson has been working for two and a half years to get a shelter for the south side of Guymon towards South Ellison where a majority of the homes are mobile ones. "The grants are in place, but haven't gone through yet. It's not going to get done over night, but I'm working towards that goal.
People are also able to turn a room in their house into a safe room should they get caught off guard by a storm. To obtain blueprints and ideas on how to achieve this, one can obtain them from the office at 1108 South Ellison or by contacting the office through email (
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
) or through phone by calling (580) 338-0911.
"I'm here to help them any time. That's my job and if we do have storms I am here to prevent injuries and the loss of life. I can't protect homes, but I can protect the people living in those homes," said Harold Tyson.
Pamphlets on how to prepare a plan incase of severe weather can be obtained at the Texas County Courthouse on downtown Main Street of Guymon.
"There is no better help for this time of season than to simply be prepared," said Harold Tyson.
|
|
Last Updated ( Saturday, 30 May 2009 )
|
 |
|
|
|
