Oklahoma · Preparedness Guide
The epicenter of Tornado Alley, wildfire country, induced earthquakes from oil and gas operations, and ice storms that shut down the state for days.
About this guide
Oklahoma sits at the geographic heart of Tornado Alley — the convergence zone where cold dry air from the Rockies meets warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico produces more violent tornadoes per square mile than anywhere on Earth. The May 3, 1999 outbreak sent an F5 through Moore and produced the highest wind speed ever recorded — 301 mph. Moore was hit again in 2013. But Oklahoma's hazard list doesn't stop at tornadoes. The state leads the nation in induced seismicity from oil and gas wastewater injection — a state that averaged 1-2 earthquakes above magnitude 3.0 per year before 2008 was recording over 900 by 2015. Wildfires sweep the grasslands every spring. Ice storms hit hard across the entire state. Find your region to see what applies where you live.
Local self-reliance starts with knowing your place.
Quick facts
Top hazards: Tornadoes, Wildfires, Earthquakes (Induced Seismicity)
OK has expanded Medicaid — adults up to 138% FPL may qualify
USDA hardiness zones: 6a (Panhandle) to 8a (southeast OK / Little Dixie)
Unemployment: up to $649/week for 16–20 weeks (sliding scale; up to 26 weeks if continued claims exceed 40,000)
Free or low-cost soil testing available through the state extension service
Seven topics, one state
Each section focuses on one question. Find what you need without wading through what you don't.
Official maps and tools for flood, fire, earthquake, water, dam, river, and local hazard awareness.
Am I at risk? →
Find nearby courses, extension programs, and emergency training that build practical skills.
Where do I learn? →
Connect with local gatherings, neighbor-help efforts, civic groups, and community support networks.
What's happening near me? →
Find official alerts, emergency agencies, trauma centers, and crisis-response information near you.
Who do I call? →
Use local frost dates, planting zones, soil data, extension calendars, and composting guidance.
What can I grow? →
Find food, utility, health, unemployment, and 211 resources before hardship becomes crisis.
Where can I find help? →
Find your county transit provider, demand-response ride service, and carpool matching options.
How do I get around? →
Simple step-by-step preparedness checklists for your home, family, garden, documents, and local risks.
What do I do next? →
Get specific
Enter your ZIP code to see real-time weather alerts, drought conditions, FEMA disaster declarations, and county-level resources.
Next steps
Know your risks
Flood zones, hazard maps, and the OK risks that apply to your county.
Local Risk ReadinessBuild the basics
The universal first step — before you personalize, get the 72-hour foundation in place.
First 72 Hours