Families are encouraged to think about their severe weather preparedness plans during the month of May and with the help of the Chickasaw Nation, citizens can be prepared for tornado season. Chickasaw citizen Zena Tidmore grew up in California but moved to Ada a few years ago. After purchasing a home she had a storm shelter installed through the Chickasaw Nation Storm Shelter Program. "When the sky gets bad and the sirens go off, you really need to find some shelter," says Zena. "In the ground is really the safest place." Since 2003, the program has helped thousands of Chickasaw citizens.

"The criteria is that you be a Chickasaw homeowner and the Chickasaw's name is on the warranty deed, " explains Mike Wingo, Chickasaw Nation Division of Housing Customer Service Coordinator. "All the storm shelters are FEMA approved. These storm shelter units are specifically designed for this phenomenon, and so it provides a level of peace to a homeowner that they might not otherwise have." Zena Tidmore says at least a dozen people can fit into her storm shelter, a safe place during severe weather. "I've never really had a storm shelter to get in before, so this is a wonderful blessing. It keeps people safe. Not just you, but your family and neighbors." The storm shelter program is available to citizens both inside and outside the Chickasaw Nation boundaries. For Chickasaw Nation citizens-at-large, grants are up to $2,500 for the installation of storm shelters. Visit www.chickasaw.net/stormshelter for an application and to learn more.