Safety Tips for Seniors in Oklahoma When Facing Severe Weather

From spring tornadoes to unexpected ice storms and flooding, Oklahoma seniors face real dangers when severe weather strikes. As a statewide home health and palliative care provider, CompleteOK understands the importance of preparation—especially for seniors living alone or managing chronic conditions.

See Our Tips for Senior Safety in Severe Oklahoma Weather & How to Be Prepared

1. Build a Personalized Severe Weather Plan

Every senior should have a plan tailored to their home, health, and mobility:

• Designate a Safe Space: An interior room or underground shelter is best. If mobility is limited, ensure it’s accessible and stocked.

• Medication Readiness: Keep a 7-day supply of medications and a list of dosages and doctors in your emergency kit.

• Medical Equipment Backup: If using oxygen, CPAP, or other electronic devices, register with your utility provider for priority restoration and have a battery backup.

• Communication Plan: Designate a family member or caregiver to check in before and after storms.

👉 Make a Plan – Ready.gov

2. Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

Timely information saves lives. Encourage seniors to:

• Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on smartphones

• Download apps like FEMA, MyRadar, or Storm Shield

• Use a NOAA Weather Radio with backup batteries

👉 OK Emergency Alerts – OEM

3. Prepare a Senior-Specific Emergency Kit

Build a kit tailored to physical and health needs. Include:

• Flashlight + extra batteries

• Bottled water and shelf-stable food (3 days minimum)

• List of allergies, medications, doctors, and medical conditions

• Emergency supply on your medications

• Copies of ID, insurance, and power of attorney

• Extra hearing aid batteries, glasses, and mobility aids

• Phone charger and backup battery pack

Place the kit in or near the designated safe area. Don’t forget comfort items like blankets or calming music if needed for anxiety.

4. Plan for Transportation & Shelter

Many Oklahoma seniors don’t drive or may need assistance evacuating. Plan ahead:

• Coordinate with a neighbor, family member, or caregiver to provide transportation

• Identify local storm shelters and confirm accessibility

• Register with your local Emergency Management Office if you require special assistance

👉 Find Local Emergency Management Contacts

👉 FEMA Shelter Locator Tool

5. Ensure Housing Stability and Assistance

Seniors living in mobile homes or unstable housing are at greater risk. Here are programs that can help:

• Section 8 Housing – For safe, low-income housing👉 Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency

• Aging Services – For transportation, meals, and shelter access👉 Oklahoma DHS Aging Services

• 211 Oklahoma – Connects seniors with local shelters and support👉 Dial 211

6. Use a Support Network

Emergency planning should not be done alone. Encourage seniors to:

• Designate an emergency contact and make plans for severe weather ahead of time, considering relocating or having a safe place to go during the storm

• Join a community watch or neighborhood text group who can offer additional support or send emergency notifications

• Always notify caregivers about storm concerns ahead of time

7. After the Storm: Recovery Support

If a senior has experienced damage or displacement, encourage:

• Immediate wellness check by family, friends, or a home health nurse

• Contacting the Oklahoma Insurance Department or FEMA for claims

• Utilizing food and housing support through local support services

CompleteOK: Supporting Oklahoma Seniors

At CompleteOK, the safety and well-being of Oklahoma seniors is always our top priority—especially during severe weather. Through our home services, home health, palliative care, and hospice care programs, we provide compassionate, reliable care across the state. Whether assisting with daily living activities, providing skilled nursing, rehabilitation, advanced symptom management, or heartfelt hospice care, our team is here to help seniors stay safe, supported, and cared for—no matter the forecast.

💬 Could you or a loved one benefit from our services? Request a no-cost evaluation in seconds. You can also contact the branch location closest to you by easily navigating to the "LOCATIONS" tab on our website and selecting a location.