Before spring storm season: a shelter checklist for the OKC metro
If you want a shelter in place before the busiest part of the year, start in fall or winter. This page gives the official numbers on when tornadoes happen in Oklahoma and a simple plan. It is general information, not a promise about any company's schedule.
When tornadoes happen in Oklahoma
- Since 1950 Oklahoma has averaged about 59 tornadoes a year (NWS Norman, Oklahoma tornadoes by month).
- May is the peak month, averaging about 24 tornadoes, and April is second at about 12 to 13 (NWS Norman, Oklahoma tornadoes by month).
- Around the Oklahoma City (KTLX) radar, severe reports (hail, wind and tornadoes) rise sharply from March, peak in May and stay high in June (NOAA SPC, KTLX severe weather climatology).
- Tornadoes have been recorded in every month of the year (NWS Norman, Oklahoma tornadoes by month).
| Period | Avg. Oklahoma tornadoes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| April | about 12.5 | NWS Norman, Oklahoma tornadoes by month |
| May | about 24.4 | NWS Norman, Oklahoma tornadoes by month |
| Whole year | about 59.4 | NWS Norman, Oklahoma tornadoes by month |
A simple timeline
- Oct to Dec: decide. Pick a type (shelter types) and a budget (published costs). Ask any company whether its shelter is built to FEMA P-361 and ICC 500 (standards).
- Dec to Feb: get quotes and permits. Get at least two written quotes. Check your city's permit rule before work starts (permits); in Oklahoma City a permit is needed for above- and below-ground shelters (City of OKC Development Center).
- Before March: install. Ask each company for its current lead time in writing. Lead times change with demand.
- After install: register. Oklahoma City has a free registry so first responders can check shelters after a storm (how to register).
- Rebates: don't plan around one. SoonerSafe is not open for 2026 (rebate status).
Already have a shelter? A yearly check
- Make sure the door opens, closes and latches from inside.
- Clear anything stored on or around the door.
- Keep water, a flashlight, a phone charger and a weather radio inside.
- If you moved or changed phones, update your registration details.
Newer guides: Shelter rebate 2026 · Register your shelter · FEMA P-320 and ICC 500
Last checked Oct 23, 2026.