Temporary Shelter Policy

Non-profit and for profit, religious and secular organizations (“Organization”) may operate as temporary shelters (“Shelters”) if the Organization follows the procedure below:

1. Call the Tulsa Fire Department (“TFD”)[1] and schedule an inspection (“Inspection”) of the proposed facility (“Facility”) to determine whether it can safely operate as an overnight shelter.
   1. TFD will provide a checklist.
2. Provide the Inspection report, address of the Facility, and the shelter dates (“Use Date”) to Development Services[2] at City Hall.
3. Development Services will issue a permit (“Permit”) This Permit will expire after the Use Date passes.
4. Upon Notification of permit issuance by Development Services, The Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency (“TAEMA”)[3] will notify the temporary shelter that authorization has been granted and will formally request that the shelter open to assist with any significant event that has the potential to have significant consequences to the residents of the City of Tulsa.

Additional Information

• Organizations must obtain a Permit for each Use Date.
• The city will not provide resources to the Shelter. Security, staffing/volunteers, transportation, food, and other supplies are the responsibility of the Shelter.
• Organizations can reach out to the TAEMA to provide cots, blankets, and other supplies. Such supplies may be provided if available. TAEMA is not obligated to provide this material and no city resources or personnel may be utilized for operation of these shelters without a formal disaster declaration issued by an authorized jurisdiction. TAEMA may also assist with facilitation of training for shelter operations.
• A list of the Organizations that have completed this certification program will be on file with the City of Tulsa Asset Management and with TAEMA. In an extreme weather event, the Director of TAEMA may contact these Organizations to request they operate. Additionally, The Mayor and/or their designee may direct TAEMA to request sheltering operations based off determination of significant consequences to the community if shelter is not provided. If the Organizations agree, this procedure will apply. Under no circumstance are the Organizations required to operate.
• It is requested that shelter operators keep records regarding expenditures, volunteer and or staff hours, donations, and number of residents served and provide those to TAEMA upon request to facilitate potential federal reimbursement for activities under the Stafford Act when such funds are available. If requested by shelter operators, TAEMA can provide sample forms or templates that allow for easy capturing of this information. 
• Shelters operating under this policy are considered to be operating under the request of local emergency management and are granted the exemption from civil liability provided under Section 683.14 of the Oklahoma Emergency Management Act of 2003.
• This policy does not apply to shelters operating through the American Red Cross or during declared disasters.

Important Numbers:

[1] Tulsa Fire Department – 918-596-9444
[2] Development Services -918-596-9456
[3] Tulsa Area Emergency Management (TAEMA)- 918-596-9899