EMSA Urges Oklahomans To Not Seek Shelter At Hospitals During Severe Weather

The risk for severe weather is high for the next two days in Oklahoma. However, officials with the Emergency Medical Services Authority are urging Oklahomans to not seek shelter at local hospitals during severe weather due to safety concerns.

04/13/2012 Related Story: News 9 Weather Team: Get Ready For Tornadoes, Hail, Damaging Winds

According to officials, on May 24, 2011, several local hospitals were crowded with thousands of people and even their pets, including large dogs, cats, and lizards. Those people created a significant strain on the hospitals and staff members.

Hospitals are not designed to be shelters, and the staff may not be available to meet the needs of those seeking shelter, according to EMSA officials. Staff has to be pulled away from caring for patients, which is unnecessary and could be dangerous.

Authorities said some of the hospitals have large glass windows, which could be more dangerous for people seeking shelter there.

While asking residents to not seek shelter at local hospitals, officials urge Oklahomans to seek shelter at home, preferably in a storm shelter or safe room at their homes. However, if you do not have a storm shelter at home, an interior bathroom or closet will offer significant shelter during the storms.

EMSA officials say by leaving home to seek shelter somewhere else, you actually increase the risk of being caught in a storm.

Many deaths from tornadoes occur when people are trapped on a road with no place to go.