A two-lane highway with iced trees bent toward the ground, touching the ground along the left side of the highway. A yellow front-end loader pushes the icy tree branches off the highway. — Ice damage from 2020: An early-season ice storm cuts power to neighborhoods and communities in central and western Oklahoma in October 2020. (Photo by Todd Johnson, OSU Agriculture)

Have a plan for September’s National Preparedness Month

Monday, September 9, 2024

Media Contact: Gail Ellis | Editorial Communications Coordinator | 405-744-9152 | gail.ellis@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University Extension encourages all Oklahomans to observe National Preparedness Month in September by creating a family plan in case of disaster.

Wildfires, severe weather, drought, flooding and earthquakes are historically devastating in Oklahoma, and residents need to be prepared for any emergency that could occur. OSU Extension offers videos, news articles, fact sheets and informational web pages to educate Oklahomans on preparation and recovery for the following disasters:

Drought
Earthquake
Extreme Heat
Flood
Tornado
Wildfire
Winter Storm

There are a few steps to take this month. First, Oklahomans should make a diligent effort to protect personal documents and other valuable items before a disaster strikes by completing these tasks:

Store important papers such as tax returns, birth certificates, social security cards, deeds, titles, insurance policies and other important items in water- and fireproof containers.
Keep copies of these documents in an alternative location.
Take inventory of contents in homes, businesses and on property through videos and photos.
Make a list of critical items to place in a "go-bag," including medications, phone chargers and special family needs.

Second, talk to family and coworkers about the plan. Establish an alternative location in case you are separated in an evacuation since cell service can get spotty. If an elderly family member lives in the home, include them in your planning. Don't forget to plan for pets and livestock.

OSU Extension established a Disaster Assistance Response Team in 2020 to advocate for emergency preparedness and offer education, resources and ground support to counties during recovery. The team includes OSU Extension specialists and county educators, trusted sources of information for farmers, ranchers, youth, agribusinesses, community officials and local residents.

For more information on getting ready for a disaster, go to ready.gov or contact a local Extension office for the resources listed above.