Eye on Safety: OKC Fire Department gives tips for tornado preparedness

Oklahomans were reminded on Tuesday how quickly the weather can become dangerous after tornadoes touched down in and around Ada early in the morning.

With severe weather remaining a constant threat, it is necessary to have a plan in place before the next severe weather event occurs.

Battalion Chief Scott Douglas joined News 9 on Wednesday to discuss storm preparedness and registration for storm shelters.

Q: How is the fire department preparing to keep people safe?

A: Firefighters train year-round to handle unpredictable disasters such as tornadoes but are assisted in their recovery efforts by digital maps of registered storm shelters in the Oklahoma City area.

"We're well-versed with Oklahoma weather, so we're prepared," Douglas said. "We're an all-hazard response, ready to go at any moment."

Q: Why is it good to register your storm shelter?

A: Registering your storm shelter expedites the search and recovery process should your shelter be difficult to reach or concealed by debris.

"We have a computer screen in our fire trucks," Douglas said. "We go to a certain map, and if you're registered, your storm shelter will be a little blue dot—that is the location of your storm shelter."

Q: How can residents register their storm shelters?

A: Registration for your storm shelters may be done on the city of Oklahoma City's official website.

"It takes about 45 seconds to do, and it really doesn't take that long," Douglas said. "It definitely helps first responders."