ADA Requirements Make Basements Challenging in Oklahoma

Our hearts go out to the many in Oklahoma who have lost loved ones and to those recovering after the storm.

With severe weather bringing horrendous tornadoes to Oklahoma, many residents are now beginning to clean up after two days of sheer shock. While thousands of people were able to seek shelter from the storm, 24 people (including 10 children) were not so lucky.

Where Do You Seek Shelter From a Tornado When in a Wheelchair?

Safety and weather experts suggest the lowest floor in your home – a basement if you have one that’s accessible. Sadly, basements in Oklahoma are few and far between. Depending where a new home is to be built justifies whether a basement can be included. The regions’ frost line is only 18” down, making it very costly to dig further where a basement can be.

There are other suggestions, although controversial, including a bathtub or closet. Either of these locations is OK, provided there are no windows and the walls do not face the outside. Grab bars anchored to the tub or wall can provide extra support for those getting into and out of the tub.

Making Above-Ground Shelters Accessible and Safe

Above ground shelters are much more accessible are cost effective, using materials such as steel or concrete. This allows a family or caregiver to quickly move someone in a wheelchair to a safe area. If need be (and time allows) a portable wheelchair ramp can be utilized if the entrance to the above-ground shelter is not level with the ground. When the wheelchair is secure, a family member or caregiver can bring the ramp into the shelter until the storm passes.

After the Storm – Help with Aid

In addition to selling wheelchair ramps and safety products, Handi-Ramp sells portable yard ramps. Yard ramps attach to a semi truck and are used to load/unload a semi trailer when a dock is not present. Our portable loading dock yard ramps have been used by many businesses, especially after Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Katrina. These yard ramps are a great temporary solution when food and building supplies are needed.

To contact Hand-Ramp about a portable wheelchair ramp or yard ramp, please call Handi-Ramp (800) 876-7267.