September Key Message: National Preparedness Month
#SeptemberKeyMessage September is National Preparedness Month. Everyone should have an emergency plan in case of flooding or other disasters. This year we are asking you to take action now – make a plan with your community, your family, and for your pets. Plan how to stay safe and communicate during the disasters that can affect your community.
Tulsa Ready App
One resource available through the Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency for Tulsa County / City of Tulsa residents is the Tulsa Ready App: http://readydl.com/tulsa-ready Download this app on mobile devices to: create custom emergency plans, receive immediate weather warnings, connect with family during disasters, and access critical information.
Other Resources
Floods can occur during any season, especially if you live in a low-lying area, along a levee or downstream from a dam. Preparing an emergency plan in case of a flood or other disaster is very important, especially for families. Talk with your family about creating a flood safety plan and disaster supply kit. For tools and tips visit: http://www.ready.gov/kids/know-the-facts/floods. To find out about preparing for earthquakes, tornadoes and other hazards, go to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management webpage: https://www.ok.gov/OEM/ .
Creating a disaster supply kit is easy, all you need is a backpack and a few household supplies. Some ideas for what to put in a kit: bottled water, non-perishable food/snacks, first aid kit, all-season clothes and sturdy shoes, flashlights, batteries, extra prescription medicine, a blanket, a NOAA weather radio, pet and baby supplies and any other essentials you will need in case you have to evacuate immediately or are without basic utilities for several days. More information about building disaster supply kits can be found at: http://www.ready.gov/kit or at http://www.disasterresiliencenetwork.org/beprepared/.
To learn more about your risk of flooding and how to be prepared call the City of Tulsa Customer Care Center at 311 (in Tulsa) or (918) 596-7777, or visit https://www.cityoftulsa.org/government/departments/engineering-services/floodcontrol/.
In partnership with the City of Tulsa, the Disaster Resilience Network shares these monthly key messages from the Program for Public Information (PPI) as part of the National Flood Insurance Program – Community Rating System. This outreach assists our community in keeping low flood insurance rates. Tulsa property owners and renters are eligible to receive up to a 40 percent discount on flood insurance rates.