Oklahoma has two tornado seasons. Most homeowners prep for the spring one and forget about fall. October and November bring a second peak in severe weather, plus the first hard freezes that test your plumbing. This 10-point checklist gets your home ready.
1. Inspect the Roof
Walk the perimeter and look for missing or curled shingles, exposed nail heads, and damaged flashing around chimneys and vents. After spring hail damage, this is when slow leaks finally show up.
2. Clear Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters back water up under shingles and overflow onto foundations. Extend downspouts at least 6 feet from the home.
3. Trim Trees and Remove Dead Limbs
A dead limb at 60 mph becomes a missile. Trim back anything overhanging the roof or service lines.
4. Check Sump Pump and Battery Backup
Test the float, check the discharge line, and replace the backup battery every 2 to 3 years. Power outages are the worst time for a flooded basement, see our flooded basement guide.
5. Seal Windows and Doors
Replace cracked weatherstripping. Wind-driven rain finds every gap.
6. Service Your HVAC
Replace filters, clean coils, and consider an air duct cleaning before sealed-up winter air starts circulating.
7. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Foam sleeves on exterior-wall and crawl-space pipes prevent the burst-pipe disasters our winter prep guide covers.
8. Locate Your Main Water Shut-Off
Every adult in the household should know where it is and how to use it. A 30-second shut-off can save tens of thousands.
9. Refresh Emergency Supplies
NOAA weather radio, batteries, flashlights, drinking water, first aid kit, and a list of emergency contacts including your insurance carrier and a 24/7 restoration company.
10. Document Your Home Inventory
Walk through with your phone camera, every room, every closet. Cloud-stored video makes claims dramatically easier. Read our insurance claim tips.
If Storm Damage Hits
Call (405) 992-4111 for 24/7 emergency tarping, water extraction, and full storm restoration. Average on-site response across the OKC metro is under an hour.