Officials urge residents to prep for next emergency

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September 13, 2012

Officials urge residents to prep for next emergency

Mark Schlachtenhaufen The Edmond Sun The Edmond Sun Thu Sep 13, 2012, 10:22 PM CDT

EDMOND — You can be ready for the next emergency in three simple steps: Being informed, making a plan and building a kit. Officials are asking, “Are you ready?”

September is National Preparedness Month and local officials are urging all households to create a family disaster plan to make sure they are ready for the next emergency or disaster.

Oklahoma is known for its extreme weather. In the past decade residents have experienced flash flooding, tornadoes, ice storms, wildfires, remnants of hurricanes and earthquakes.

“Disasters can strike at any time and being prepared is a family’s best defense,” said Ken Garcia, regional spokesman for the American Red Cross of Central and Western Oklahoma. “Making a plan is an important step in making sure all household members know what to do in an emergency.”

In August, a fire management assistance declaration was declared for the Luther fire, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

In June, a major disaster declaration was declared for severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding from April 28-May 1.

In August 2011, a fire management assistance declaration was declared for that month’s fire in the 63rd and Sooner Road area in Oklahoma City.

In July 2011, similar action occurred for the Edmond fire from July 15-18.

In June 2011, a major disaster declaration was declared for severe storms, tornadoes, straight-lie winds and flooding that struck in Oklahoma the month before.

In May 2011, a major disaster declaration was declared for a severe winter storm that struck from Jan. 31-Feb. 5, 2011.

In February 2009, when the greatest threat for tornadoes is in the southeastern U.S., a tornado touched down in parts of Edmond including the Oak Tree addition.

Edmond Fire Maj. Kelly Lewis said the City of Edmond continues to have a program for registering storm shelters so if there is an emergency first responders can know where to look for residents.

Officials urge residents to:

• Register your storm shelter with the City of Edmond at edmondok.com by clicking on “City Services,” “Services H-Z,” “Public Safety,” “Emergency Management” and “Plans, Programs & Services.” You can download a shelter registration form or call 359-4564. The information is maintained by city emergency management personnel.

• Get a kit — Have items readily available for a disaster. This can include water, medical supplies, important documents (deeds, prescriptions, birth certificates, etc.), contact information, cash cell phone and personal items.

• Make a plan — Meet with family to discuss how to prepare for emergencies. This isn’t just at home. This can also be where you learn, work and play. Create a meeting location. Work out a plan for pets (look for pet-friendly hotels and animal shelters) and possible evacuation routes. Practice twice a year with your evacuation plan and drive the routes to see if there are other alternatives.

• Be informed — Stay up to date with what is going on. It’s best to have a battery powered radio as power loss is possible. Keep a weather radio for updates. Know your region and the disasters likely for your area. Oklahoma deals with strong storms, tornadoes, wildfires, heat, flood and others. Know emergency life-saving techniques such as CPR and first aid.

Lewis also urged residents to look into buying a weather radio. The city is offering a free NOAA “All Hazards” radio to qualified, multiple-occupancy sites such as nursing homes, assisted living centers, day care centers, schools, churches or businesses with 20 or more employees. For more information on eligibility, call 359-4564.

The city also has a weather watch program to notify groups of 20 or more people of approaching severe weather during the event. To register an event, call 359-4564.

marks@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 108

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Officials urge residents to prep for next emergency

The City of Edmond does not have any public storm shelters. Emergency Management officials say it is more dangerous for people leaving their homes and trying to seek shelter than staying in place. Do you believe the city should change its policy?

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