Why registering your storm shelter in Oklahoma could save your life

Oklahoma’s tornado season brings dangerous storms that can leave behind widespread damage. For those with storm shelters, safety is the top priority—but what happens if a shelter collapses or gets blocked by debris? That’s where registration comes in.

The Importance of Storm Shelter Registration

According to Scotty Stokes, Director of Rogers County Emergency Management, registering a storm shelter helps first responders locate and rescue people who may be trapped after a tornado.

“The storm shelter registration process actually assists the local fire departments and rescue teams to be able to find people that are in the storm shelters where a collapse may happen during a tornado,” Stokes said.

How Registration Works

Storm shelters are registered through county assessor offices or emergency management offices, where locations are mapped and stored in a database. In an emergency, officials can pull up a map to quickly locate shelters in affected areas.

“This allows us to be able to pull a map of the area, show where those storm shelters are located, and get help there a little quicker,” Stokes said.

Registration does not increase property taxes, and in some cases, homeowners can qualify for a tax exemption up to 100 square ft.

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How to Get a Storm Shelter & Register It

1. Assess your needs for a shelter

1. How large should it be to accommodate household members, pets, emergency kits, etc.

2. Decide which type of shelter is best for you

1. Many types of shelters: indoor above-ground concrete or steel safe rooms, underground garage shelters, and outdoor in-ground storm shelters

3. Make sure your shelter follows proper guidelines

1. FEMA 320, FEMA 361, and ICC-500; safe rooms built to FEMA guidelines are able to withstand winds of an EF-5 tornado

4. Register your new storm shelter of safe room with your city or county 

1. Contact your county assessor's office or visit your local emergency management website

Links to register for some cities in Green Country:

1. Broken Arrow
2. Tulsa
3. Jenks
4. Bixby

What to Keep in Your Storm Shelter

Having a shelter is only part of the preparation. Stocking it with essential supplies is just as important. Experts recommend including:

1. A battery-powered weather radio
2. Food and water for at least three days
3. A first-aid kit
4. Sturdy shoes and a change of clothes
5. A portable phone charger
6. Emergency toilet supplies (like a bucket and cat litter)
7. Toys or games to keep children occupied

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