Prep For Tornado Season: Shop Tornado Supplies Near Tulsa, OK

Whether you call them tornados, cyclones, or twisters, tornados can bring extremely high-speed winds, thunderstorms, and hail, seriously threatening life and property. Tornados are fast-moving and can leave homes, vehicles, trees, and terrain damaged — but preparation can make tornado response and cleanup as easy as possible. No matter your budget, preparing for a tornado can arm you with the supplies, power, and lighting to safely weather the storm. Read on to learn what items to have in case of a tornado to keep yourself and your property safe while making the aftermath of a tornado easier to manage.

O’Reilly Auto Parts Can Help You Prepare For A Tornado Or Severe Thunderstorm In Oklahoma

Find Flashlights & Flashlight Batteries Near You

With high wind speeds, storm surges, and the potential for flying debris, power outages are common during and after a tornado. Flashlights or other portable light sources can help improve your visibility to help you weather the storm more comfortably. It’s advised that you use a flashlight instead of a candle during and after tornados to limit the risk of a fire. Keep your surroundings illuminated with our selection of flashlights, from headlamps and work lights to battery-powered and rechargeable flashlights. We also stock D, C, AA, and AAA batteries near you to help you keep your emergency lighting ready for storm season and performing as long as you need it.

Shop Portable Generators Near Tulsa, OK

Maintaining a steady flow of electricity after a tornado may be a crucial medical need for some and an added comfort for others, and a portable generator can help supply the power you need to keep your essential electronics and appliances running. A gas-powered generator typically uses a motor and an alternator to provide electricity when other power sources are unavailable, helping charge and power larger electronics like refrigerators, entertainment devices, heaters, and more.

Do It Right Tip: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is one of the leading causes of death during natural disasters due to users operating a generator in an enclosed space. Remember to place your generator at least 20 feet away from your shelter, with the exhaust pointed away from doors, windows, and other openings to prevent harmful CO gas from accumulating in your living space.

Prepare For Power Outages With Flashlights & Flashlight Batteries

Falling trees, freezing or downed power lines, and electrical damage from frigid temperatures make power outages a common occurrence during winter storms. Preparing yourself with flashlights and the right flashlight batteries can make it easier to weather the storm with increased comfort and visibility. We carry clip-on lighting and headlamps for easy, hands-free light, as well as chargeable or battery-powered flashlights to fit your exact needs. Stock up on AA, AAA, and D batteries to keep your emergency lights going.

Fill a Fuel Container or Gas Can

Before a tornado, it’s recommended that you fill your vehicle’s gas tank at least halfway to help you better respond to the storm and its aftermath. Stocking up on extra fuel can help avoid paying inflated prices for gas, or if the gas pumps are not in service, can help you power your generator, vehicle, and more. Be sure to store your emergency fuel in a container out of direct sunlight to prevent vapors from escaping and reduce the risk of explosion.

Keep Your Battery Ready-To-Use and Working With Solar Battery Maintainers

Solar-powered items can be of great use during a tornado, as power outages are common, and a solar battery charger can be a great solution to charge and power your devices without electricity. A solar battery maintainer is an invaluable tool for keeping critical batteries charged, especially when household electricity or a generator is unavailable. Powered by the sun, solar battery maintainers ensure that your automotive battery or backup power source remains ready to use during a power outage.

Charge Devices With Power Inverters & Portable Power Banks

Preparing to lose power during tornado season can help keep essential items powered and running. Portable power banks are pre-charged and designed to charge and power small electronics including phones, rechargeable batteries, and more. Power inverters are designed for larger electronics such as lighting and small appliances, and allow you to use your vehicle’s battery and charging system to run these devices in case you need more power but do not own a generator.

Secure Outdoor Items With Ratchet Straps & Bungee Cords

Outdoor furniture, trampolines, and other items outside your home can easily be torn off and thrown during a tornado’s high winds, making bungee cords, rope, and ratchet straps an essential item in your emergency tornado kit. Easily secure your items to a stable structure by using bungee cords or ratchet straps to fasten tree limbs, yard decor, mailboxes, outdoor furniture, and more. This can help prevent damage to your belongings and act as a safety precaution to prevent airborne debris. Find ratchet straps in a variety of lengths and load strengths, as well as the bungee cords, rope, and rubber straps you may need during high winds.

Be Prepared With A First Aid Kit In Tulsa, OK

Flying debris is the leading cause of injuries during tornados according to the National Weather Service, and equipping yourself with a first aid kit can help you quickly treat yourself or others in case of emergency. A fully stocked first aid kit can supply you with disinfectant, gloves, bandages, and more to help you better respond in an emergency.

Supplies To Clean Up & Respond To A Tornado In Tulsa, OK

After the storm has passed, cleaning up your surroundings and organizing your belongings can seem like a monumental task. Whether it’s sweeping up after a wall or roof collapse, or rummaging through debris for your belongings, having the right protective equipment and cleaning supplies can make tornado recovery easier and safer. Stocking the right tornado response supplies can help you clean up subsequent tornado damage and can also save you time and stress after an emergency weather event.

Brooms to Help Clean Up Debris

Fragments of shattered glass, nails, and pieces of debris are a common sight after tornados, and cleaning up can be a big project. A push broom can help you clean a large area more easily and is designed to be durable enough to help clean up after the storm. Prevent strain or hazardous contamination from picking up items, and choose the right shop broom or push broom to help clean up a tornado’s wake more quickly and easily.

Breathe Easy During Tornado Clean-Up With A Respirator Or Mask

Fiberglass particles, toxic gasses, and other harmful contaminants are commonly exposed and accumulate in the air after a tornado. Damage to older homes can also expose asbestos and other pollutants into the atmosphere, which can be dangerous without proper precautions. High winds can damage or crack underground pipes, leading to a gas or carbon monoxide leak — tornadoes can rapidly affect the air quality. Protecting yourself from harmful particles can help ensure your health and safety as you clean up after the storm. Disposable face masks are great for non-toxic environments and can add to your comfort by trapping airborne contaminants, while respirators are used to prevent toxic gasses, vapors, and dust from being inhaled. Whether you need one-time use face masks for daily life during recovery, or if you need a dual-cartridge respirator to help you shovel rubble and rebuild after a tornado, we stock the respirators, face masks, and mask filters you need to help you get the job done right while staying safe.

Do It Right Tip: If you smell a gas leak in your home, turn off the main gas valve, open windows in the immediate area, and exit your shelter immediately. Do not turn on lights or appliances, since some airborne gasses can combust near a spark or flame. Then, contact your local authorities, State Fire Marshal’s office, or your gas company to alert them to the leak. Gas leaks are not only harmful when inhaled, but greatly increase the risk of explosion, potentially putting you and others in danger.

Turn Off Utilities With the Right Tools and Wrenches

After the storm has cleared and you have ensured your safety, check your electrical, water, and gas lines for any leaks, since high winds have the potential to damage these systems. While it’s advised you turn off utilities before a large storm, predicting a tornado may not be as simple. After the storm, take a moment to inspect your home’s utility systems. If you notice the wires are frayed or sparking, notice liquid or water leaks, or smell a gas leak, promptly turn off the utility from the main circuit breaker or valve to prevent an unsafe situation and potential damage to your health and home.

Prevent Injury With Gloves & Shoe Covers

Unearthed construction materials, rubble, and even biohazard and waste materials may be strewn along the path of the tornado, making it a potential danger to walk, work, or dig in these areas. We stock disposable nitrile, latex, and coated gloves, as well as winter gloves, work gloves, and electric service gloves depending on your exact project, as well as one-time-use shoe covers you may need to traverse the tornado’s damage during recovery efforts.

Stock Up On Extension Cords

Make connecting and accessing your power sources easier with extension cords. Whether you need them to use your generator at a safe distance or would like easier access to your devices and appliances, extension cords can make it less of a hassle to power and use your electronics. We carry retractable extension cords, cords with multiple outlet ports, and extension cords up to 100 feet long to help you recover from the tornado with one less worry.

Shop Emergency Flares For Distress Signaling

Easily signal for help and make your location known with safety flares, especially when there is no internet or cellular connection. Safety flares produce bright light or smoke and communicate that you or others are in immediate danger — this can help with rescue efforts and location signaling if other options are not viable. O’Reilly stocks flares with stands to prevent them from rolling or moving, and resealable flares to help you make the most of your emergency tornado supplies.

Why Should I Prepare For A Tornado?

Tornadoes are quick-moving and can touch down with little to no warning, so it’s essential to prepare your home for inclement weather before tornado season, which usually takes place from March to July. If you live in Tornado Alley (which includes northern Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, North/South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, and Ohio), it’s essential to keep emergency tornado supplies stocked and ready to use in case of emergency.

Shop Emergency Tornado Supplies At Your Tulsa, OK O’Reilly Auto Parts

Prepare for a severe storm or find the generators, tarps, and extension cords needed to weather the aftermath of a tornado with parts, supplies, and equipment from O’Reilly Auto Parts. We carry a variety of storm prep and safety supplies both online and in-store to help you stay safe during and after a tornado.

Additional Resources

Nearby Store Locations

Tulsa, OK #157 1116 South Garnett (918) 438-5165
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Tulsa, OK #1179 11101 East 31st Street (918) 622-0311
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Broken Arrow, OK #6729 3901 E Kenosha St (918) 882-0408
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Broken Arrow, OK #1993 3001 West Kenosha Street (918) 461-2400
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