City of Tulsa Department of Emergency Management Urges Tulsans to Take 3 Simple Steps Before a Potential Disaster Strikes
September is National Preparedness Month and the City of Tulsa Department of Emergency Management is encouraging families across Tulsa to prepare now to protect their loved ones before the potential for any disaster strikes.
Disasters can happen at any time and a few simple preparedness steps can make all the difference.
“National Preparedness Month is a great time to take a few small steps that will make a big difference in being prepared during an emergency,” said Adam Woodard, City of Tulsa’s Director of Emergency Management. “This month, we’re encouraging Tulsans to take three simple steps to prepare for a disaster. Make sure your family has an emergency plan, build an emergency kit, and know how to get emergency information.”
Make an Emergency Plan
Knowing what to do before an emergency or disaster strikes can reduce stress and save both time and money.
“Your family’s plan will be unique to your family. Start by talking with members of your household about how you’ll receive emergency alerts, where you’ll shelter inside the home, where and how to evacuate the home, and your communication plan,” Woodard added. “Don’t wait until the last minute to decide what to do to keep yourself and your family safe.”
The City of Tulsa encourages Tulsans to use FEMA’s family emergency plan guide to help you keep track of important information like your family’s doctors or medical providers, insurance information, and contact information to help you stay connected when an emergency or disaster strikes.
Build an Emergency Kit
Think about what you and the people in your home need every day. Having enough food, water, and medicine can help you to stay safe and comfortable until help arrives.
“A basic emergency kit will contain a flashlight, a first aid kit, water, food, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, printed copies of emergency contact numbers, and chargers or batteries for your electronic devices,” Woodard said. “In addition, keep copies of your important documents like insurance policies, identification, and bank account records saved electronically and accessible online.”
Visit Ready.gov/kit for a list of basic supplies you can keep in your home and car to stay safe and comfortable when an emergency or disaster happens.
Sign Up for Emergency Information and Alerts
“It’s important to know how to get trusted information before, during, and after an emergency. Sign up for alerts now from trusted sources like the National Weather Service, local governments, or local news providers,” Woodard added. “It’s best to figure out how your family will receive emergency alerts before an actual emergency.”
Trusted Emergency Alert Sources
“If there’s one takeaway from Disaster Preparedness Month, it’s that preparing in advance can make a huge difference when an emergency does happen,” Woodward said.
How Tulsa is Prepared
The City of Tulsa Department of Emergency Management serves as Tulsa's central coordinating entity for preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery, continuity of government, and resilience planning within Tulsa proper. Responsibilities for this department include maintaining emergency operation plans, conducting hazard assessments, coordinating response activities during disasters within the city limits, ensuring continued operation of Tulsa’s outdoor warning sirens, and more.
The Department of Emergency Management coordinates with all City departments before, during, and after emergencies.
To learn more about the Department of Emergency Management, visit: https://www.cityoftulsa.org/government/departments/emergency-management
In addition, the City of Tulsa’s Stormwater division manages and implements flood control measures including watershed management, stormwater detention basins, creek management, and a prototype alert system for flooding.
This work has resulted in Tulsa receiving a Class 1 Community Rating System for comprehensive floodplain management. This rating has resulted in lower flood insurance rates for citizens. To learn more about flood safety, Tulsa’s flood history, and view floodplain maps, visit: www.cityoftulsa.org/floodcontrol
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