Tulsa Retailers, Grocers Have Severe Weather Safety Plan In Place

Tara Vreeland, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- The record storm that started brewing in Oklahoma Thursday continued to wreak havoc across the country over the weekend. Dozens of tornadoes and dangerous winds ripped up structures and threatened lives.

In North Carolina, the roof of the Lowe's peeled off. No one was hurt, but given Oklahoma's turbulent weather, that same scary situation could happen here.

"Every season is a challenge," said Jill Mitchell, Lowe's HR Manager in Tulsa.

You probably know what to do if severe weather threatens you in your home. But you probably haven't given much thought to where you should go if you are out shopping.

Big box stores we talked to say they have storm plans in place to keep you safe.  Lowe's on 15th street and Yale shut down their store when storms rolled in last week.

"Calmly move to the center isle of the building away from windows and doors, and remain there until all clear is given," Mitchell said, describing Lowes tornado procedure.

The same type of direction is given at grocery stores.

"Get away from the front of the stores and away from the glass. We'll take those individuals to a safe place back at the back of the store. Typically in a cooler that's the farthest from an exterior wall," said Jeff Burns, Reasor's Store Director.

Shoppers can breathe a little easier knowing they have a place to go.

"The store can be rebuilt but you can't replace a life," Mitchell said.

The Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency says if you find yourself out and about; go inside a building and into an interior room away from doors and windows.

Acting Director Roger Jolliff encourages everyone to have a disaster plan, a disaster kit and a NOAA Weather Radio.