Ahead Of The Storm Tulsa: Oklahoma Man Shares Story Of Damage From Severe Weather

Oklahoma storms can cause extreme damage to homes and businesses.

David Reed knows this first-hand and has some advice that could help you, too.

Reed has spent most of his life in Oklahoma, but it was not until recently that he felt the impact of the state’s powerful weather.

“When you say you’re from Oklahoma, people go “’Oh, so tornado alley, you live right through there?”’ And for the longest time, I was able to say “’well, yeah, I’ve lived there since I was in elementary school but have never been impacted by a tornado or seen a tornado,” Reed said. “I guess the Lord has a good sense of humor because within a span of two years both my office and house have been hit.”

Reed owns Reed Architecture, and his business was in the Remington Tower when an E-F 2 tornado tore through Tulsa in 2017.

But despite the damage to the building, Reed was able to save a priceless treasure that was inside.

“This was one of the first things that went through my mind; it was the conference table.” Reed stated. “This is a one-of-a-kind piece that came from Gallagher-Iba Arena, and it has got a lot of autographs from our beloved OSU Cowboys from the past.”

Reed had to relocate his office, but he was dealt another blow before the company got moved to the new location.

While his family was on vacation in 2019, Reed’s Creek County home was hit by a tornado.

“My father and my sister in-law had driven by [my house] and sent pictures so we could see some of the damage,” Reed remembered.

After the impact of two tornadoes, Reed is grateful that none of his co-workers or family were injured.

And he has some advice for other Oklahomans.

Reed recommended identifying the safest place at home or work for during a storm, and to store important documents electronical, and keeping a record of what valuables you own.

“For insurance purposes, video tape everything in your house once a year,” Reed recommended. “Material things are always able to be replaced, even this table.”

Reed also said that planning ahead is key.

If you do not have a storm shelter or safe room, identify an interior room without windows—like a bathroom or closet—where you can take cover. And whether it is at work or home, have a plan before the storm hits.