Emergency Management Storm Updates

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$45 Million Emergency Tornado Relief Measure Approved

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives unanimously passed Senate Bill 249, a measure that will provide relief in response to the May 2013 tornadoes.

Governor Mary Fallin applauded passage of the emergency aid legislation. SB 249 will direct $45 million from the Rainy Day Fund to the Office of Emergency Management for immediate tornado relief. These funds will match a portion of the federal funds that have been allocated to local governments for their relief efforts. The funds will be administered by the Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management and used to reimburse local governments for relief efforts related to natural disasters, including the May 19 and May 20 tornadoes.

“The tornadoes that struck several Oklahoma communities this week were absolutely devastating,” said Fallin. “We are currently in an all-hands-on-deck effort to recover and rebuild. My thanks go out to our Legislature for helping to ensure that communities hit hard by storm and tornado damage will have the support they need moving forward.”

Money from the fund will match 12.5 percent of federal dollars spent to reimburse counties, cities, and towns for infrastructure damages that occur under a presidential disaster declaration. It will also be used to cover extraordinary response costs incurred by state agencies while responding to natural disasters.

“We lost 26 Oklahomans and hundreds continue to suffer due to this tragedy,” said Representative John Echols, R-Oklahoman City. “It is of the greatest priority that we come together as a legislature and provide help when our people are most vulnerable. We are a strong state made of strong people. We will overcome this tragedy and we will rebuild.”

“Tragedy has once again fallen upon our great state,” said Rep. Paul Wesselhoft, R-Moore. “Communities have been destroyed and lives have been ended, all too soon. The world has been watching and Oklahoma and has proven that we are a brave people able to unite and rise above this challenging time. I give my thanks to my fellow lawmakers for their votes.”

News outlets are predicting the total dollar amount in damage to exceed the May 3, 1999 tornado, which was greater than $1 billion. Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak has made early predictions that damage could be well over $2 billion.

“The devastation that has fallen upon my district and this state is indescribable,” said Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore. “Oklahomans are facing a great hardship and the road to recovery will be long. I applaud my fellow lawmakers for their united compassion.”

“The people of Oklahoma have placed their trust in us as elected officials,” said Rep. Jason Nelson. “With that trust comes the responsibility to do what is right. By opening our hearts and through God’s guidance, I believe this chamber’s unanimous passage of this measure reinforces our commitment to the people of this state. This legislature is united. We are Oklahomans.”

Senate Bill SB 249 passed unanimously in both the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma State Senate. It was authored by Senate Pro Tem Brian Bingman and Representative Jason Nelson.

SB 249 will now go to the desk of Gov. Mary Fallin to be signed into law.

Democrats Put Politics Before Policy on Severe Weather Liability Law

Veto Override Attempt Fails

OKLAHOMA STATE CAPITOL -- An attempt to override a governor’s veto of House Bill 2296, which would offer limitless liability protection to mobile home park owners who allow residents to seek shelter in their offices during severe weather, failed by a vote of 47-50 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

House Bill 2296 passed the House unanimously last month.

On Friday, Governor Fallin vetoed HB 2296, by Rep. Eric Proctor, D-Tulsa, and Sen. Brian Crain, R-Tulsa, citing concerns about possible unintended consequences.

Gov. Mary Fallin

“After a thorough review of House Bill 2296, I felt that it had the potential to provide legal amnesty to individuals who encouraged the residents of mobile home parks to take shelter in structures that were unsafe,” said Fallin. “This would have the unfortunate and unintended consequence of actually putting lives in jeopardy rather than protecting them. This was obviously not the intent of the authors of this bill, which is why I vetoed the legislation.”

House Republicans are working on a more comprehensive liability protection policy that will address the governor’s concerns. The new language will be included in an amended version of House Bill 2419 by Rep. John Enns, R-Enid. The amended version of HB 2419 will offer liability protection to any individual who offers shelter to another during severe weather rather than offering protection only to mobile home park owners.

On Monday, the House postponed action on an attempt to override the veto of HB 2296 when Speaker Kris Steele’s motion to table the move to override passed.

Speaker Kris Steele

“The intent was never to block a vote on the veto override, but to ensure an informed vote on the veto override,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “In the course of our caucus deliberations on the veto, we identified a House bill currently awaiting action in the Senate that could be amended to address the issue and secured a commitment from the governor to work on compromise language for that bill.”

Proctor said he hoped to insert the language of his bill into another piece of legislation. 

Steele extended an offer Monday evening to House Democrats to work together to develop a compromise, but Proctor opted instead to try to override the veto again Tuesday. The veto override attempt failed.

“The House Republican Caucus cares about this issue and is moving forward with Governor Fallin to develop appropriate liability protection for those who open their doors to others during disasters,” said Steele. “The amended bill will address the governor’s concerns through a more comprehensive policy that meets and exceeds the intent of House Bill 2296. It will offer more protection to more people.”

HB 2419 by Rep. Enns contains an emergency clause which would allow the more comprehensive liability protection to become effective immediately. HB 2296 by Rep. Proctor would not become effective until November 1, well after the severe storm season this spring. 

Fallin is working with legislators to develop the comprehensive policy.

“Moving forward, I am absolutely committed to working with lawmakers on new legislation that accomplishes the intended goal of HB 2296, which is to encourage our citizens to open their businesses or homes to other citizens in times of crisis, said Fallin. “Speaker Steele has already shared with my office an early draft of a ‘Good Samaritan’ law that not only achieves those goals, but broadens the scope of HB 2296 in a way that will positively affect even more Oklahomans.”

Fallin visited Woodward earlier this week where a tornado killed six people and injured many more early Sunday morning. 

“I have talked to families very recently whose ability to reach a storm shelter or sturdy building meant the difference between life and death,” said Fallin. “I will continue to do everything in my power to improve access to those safe places in times of emergency.”

Steele expressed regret that Democrats opted for politics over policy. 

Rep. Eric Proctor

“A good faith offer was made to House Democrats to work on a compromise bill with Governor Fallin and they rejected that offer to work together in favor of an all-or-nothing approach with the veto override,” said Steele. “I communicated to Representative Proctor that I wanted him to take a lead on this compromise, but he declined. It’s disappointing that some would rather play politics with this issue than work collectively on a compromise. Nonetheless, we are doing our jobs and moving forward with the governor to address this issue.”

Proctor said that if the bill carried by Rep. Enns is not signed next week he will again attempt a veto override on HB2296. 

Governor Fallin Signs Supplemental Funding Bill

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today signed into law Senate Bill 1959, which provides $92.5 million in emergency supplemental funding for needs in education, public safety, natural disaster relief, and at the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office. The governor released the following statement:

“Today’s supplemental funding measures will help to ensure the state of Oklahoma is keeping its commitment to our teachers, protecting our citizens by putting more troopers on our state highways, and providing necessary assistance to communities hard-hit by natural disasters. It also provides necessary personnel and equipment upgrades at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, helping to put that agency back on a path to accreditation.

“All of these funding measures are both urgent and necessary. I applaud the Legislature for sending this supplemental bill to my desk quickly, and I am happy to be able to sign it into law.”

SB 1959, authored by Sen. Clark Jolley and Rep. Earl Sears, includes emergency funding provisions for natural disaster assistance to local communities, counties and other qualified entities ($34.1 million); insurance benefits for teachers and support staff ($37.6 million); a trooper academy for the Department of Public Safety ($5 million); personnel and equipment for the State Medical Examiner’s Office ($1 million); and funding for teacher National Board Certification bonuses ($14.8 million).

State Senate Approves Supplemental Funding Measure

The full Senate gave approval last week to a $92.5 million supplemental funding bill to meet specific needs in public safety and education. Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, is the Senate Appropriations Chairman and author of Senate Bill 1959, which was overwhelmingly approved on Thursday.

“This sends a clear message that promises made to Oklahoma teachers will be kept. Those who are qualified for National Board Certification bonuses will get them. Insurance benefits for educators that required funding have been addressed as well,” Jolley said. “We know the state needs more Highway Patrol Troopers on the road—it’s an important public safety issue, and so we’ve included money for a new trooper academy. Resources for Medical Examiner’s office will assist in their efforts to gain national accreditation. We also were very aware of the need to include emergency funds for our communities and counties throughout Oklahoma in the wake of wildfires and storm damage over the past year.”

SB 1959 includes:

• $14.8 million for NBC bonuses
• $37.6 million for insurance benefits for teachers and support staff
• $34.1 million for the State Emergency Fund to reimburse local communities and counties for disaster assistance
• $5 million for the Department of Public Safety for a Trooper Academy 
• $1 million for the State Medical Examiner for personnel and equipment required for national accreditation

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman said passage of the supplemental funding bill would help individuals and communities in every part of the state.

“I want to commend Senator Jolley for his work on this legislation,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa. “I also want to thank our members for their support. The needs were clear, and I’m pleased we were able to come to an agreement allowing us to address them early in the legislative session.”

SB 1959 now moves to the House of Representatives for approval.

Recent tremors should prompt policy review

Oklahoma City– Over the past few days, minor earthquakes have rattled Oklahoma homes and businesses. At least seven tremors have been reported in Oklahoma during the month of October alone. Yet there are cracks in the insurance policies of many Oklahomans.


Most property insurance policies exclude damage caused by earthquakes. Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak said Friday that now is a good time for policyholders to speak with their agents – and for agents to be fully prepared to inform their policyholders – about the subject of earthquake insurance.

After tremors occur a waiting period normally exists before coverage can be added to a homeowners or commercial property insurance policy, but immediately in the wake of a quake is a good time for consumers and insurers to discuss all options. Policyholders should inventory their belongings and speak with their agent to be sure their existing coverage is sufficient. For clients who already have or who do purchase earthquake coverage, agents should be sure the consumer is aware that normally the policy has a separate and often substantial deductible.


“Earthquakes can strike at any time and without warning,” Commissioner Doak said Friday. “But in Oklahoma, we’ve been getting clues for some time now that a damaging event could be in our future. There is no time like the present to consider that future, and the policyholder’s potential need for earthquake coverage.”


Commissioner Doak referred Oklahomans wanting more information about this type of coverage to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ “Consumer’s Guide to Earthquake Insurance.”

Oklahoma Earthquake Report from Department of Emergency Management

Due to the earthquake activity Oklahoma continues to experience, emergency managers and other key agencies and organizations are responding to damage reports. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management has staff in the field assisting with local damage assessments. In addition to emergency managers in the affected area, OEM remains in contact with officials at the Oklahoma Geological Survey, U.S. Geological Survey, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Weather Service, American Red Cross and The Salvation Army.

This weekend’s earthquake activity began with a 4.7 magnitude earthquake which occurred at 2:15 a.m. Saturday, with the epicenter located near Prague. A record-breaking 5.6 magnitude earthquake followed Saturday night around 11 p.m. near Sparks. The quake was felt as far away as Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Tennessee and Wisconsin. More than 40 aftershocks have also occurred in the Sparks, Prague, Meeker area. The largest aftershock was a magnitude 4.0 earthquake reported at 3:39 a.m. today, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. 

The Oklahoma Geological Survey reports they are in the process of collecting data from the earthquakes which occurred along a known fault line. OKGS warns Oklahomans to anticipate still more aftershocks. Anyone living in a home already affected by the earthquakes should be aware that future aftershocks may cause additional damage. 

Saturday night’s earthquake breaks the former record dating back to 1952 when a 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck the El Reno area, USGS records show.

INJURIES

Smart Use of Social Media by Emergency Agencies After East Coast Earthquake

The website for Government Technology magazine contains a story about the effective use of social media by local governments and emergency agencies following the east coast earthquake yesterday. 

"The emergency situation also demonstrated first responders’ and city officials’ sophisticated use of social media, especially Twitter. Many law enforcement agencies and emergency personnel began tweeting within minutes of the earthquake in order to disseminate information to the public."

The public also turned to social media:

"Initial reports also indicated that cell phone service was down or disrupted in many areas affected by the earthquake, and in turn the public turned to social media to get information."

Red State: Burn Ban Expanded to All 77 Oklahoma Counties

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today expanded the ban on outdoor burning to all of Oklahoma’s 77 counties. The Executive Proclamation expands the 45-county burn ban that was put in place on July 14, as the extreme to excessive drought conditions continue to worsen.

“We have just experienced the hottest July on record,” Fallin said. “The predictions of unrelenting extreme heat with no relief in sight make the statewide burn ban necessary.”


Oklahoma Forestry Services, a division of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, report increased fire activity across the state. Firefighter fatigue is a growing concern.


Gas and charcoal grilling is allowed provided that it is over a nonflammable surface and at least five feet from flammable vegetation. Unlawful activities under the ban include campfires, bonfires, fireworks and setting fire to trash, grass, woods or other materials outdoors. For a complete list of activities allowed and prohibited view the guidelines for the Governor’s Burn Ban on www.forestry.ok.gov/burn-ban-information.

Governor Fallin Signs Executive Order Amending State of Emergency

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today signed an amendment to the State of Emergency that was declared last month by Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb. The amended declaration will now include all 77 Oklahoma Counties in response to the continued severe heat and drought conditions.

While some counties are still affected more than others by the heat and drought hitting the state, all counties are currently experiencing drought conditions and forecasts show these conditions will only continue to get worse for all portions of Oklahoma.

This Executive Order is a proactive measure to ensure Oklahoma is eligible for any and all federal assistance that may be available.

Governor Fallin Issues Ban on Outdoor Burning

OKLAHOMA CITY – As drought conditions continue to worsen across Oklahoma, Governor Mary Fallin has issued an Executive Proclamation banning outdoor burning for much of the state. Oklahoma Forestry Services, a division of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, recommended the ban based upon an analysis of fire activity, wildland fuel conditions and the predicted continued drought as criteria for recommending the ban.

The Governor’s Burn Ban covers 45 counties in western and south-central Oklahoma. County Commissioner Burn Bans remain in effect in some counties not covered by the Governor’s proclamation. Extreme fire conditions are increasing with the extraordinary drought. With no significant rainfall predicted, expansion of the number of counties with burning restrictions may be necessary in the future.

“The number of wildfires we have had over the last few months is extremely tough on our state firefighters,” Fallin said. “It’s a drain on their resources as well as a physical drain. Anything that can be done to minimize fires will help to keep both our firefighters and the public safe. I’m asking all Oklahomans to be vigilant and to do their part in preventing fires.”

Unlawful activities under the ban include campfires, bonfires, and setting fire to any forest, grass, woods, wildlands or marshes, as well as igniting fireworks, burning trash or other materials outdoors.

As part of the Governors Burn Ban there are exemptions for a number of items such as welding and road construction. For more specific information and detail visit www.forestry.ok.gov or call Michelle Finch-Walker with the Oklahoma Forestry Services at 580-236-1021.

Click here for burn ban guidelines.

Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb Declares State of Emergency Due to Wildfires

Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb

At the request of Governor Mary Fallin, Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb today declared a State of Emergency for 33 Oklahoma counties due to extreme or exceptional drought conditions and the associated wildfires, which threaten the lives and property of the people in this area. 


Counties included in the State of Emergency are: Alfalfa, Beaver, Beckham, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Carter, Cimarron, Comanche, Cotton, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Garvin, Grady, Grant, Greer, Harmon, Harper, Jackson, Jefferson, Kingfisher, Kiowa, Love, Major, Roger Mills, Stephens, Texas, Tillman, Washita, Woods and Woodward. 


This declaration may be amended to include additional counties as conditions warrant.


“These counties have struggled to see relief from our current drought, and with Oklahoma’s high winds, conditions have unfortunately been ideal for devastating wildfires,” said Lt. Governor Lamb.  “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families going through this difficult time.  Declaring this emergency will provide aid to these struggling Oklahomans as they prepare to rebuild and restore what was lost.”


Already more than 10 fires have been reported throughout the state causing evacuations in some areas. Continuing drought conditions will likely cause additional fires in the following weeks.


This Executive Order marks a first step toward seeking federal assistance should it be necessary.


Note: The Oklahoma Constitution provides that when the governor is out of the state the lt. governor is acting governor. 

UPDATED: Oklahoma Tornado Recovery Continues

White House approves Gov. Fallin’s request for Tornado assistance

More counties may be added to the declaration as additional damage, unmet financial needs identified 

Oklahoma City – The White House yesterday approved Gov. Mary Fallin’s request for federal disaster assistance related to the May 22-25 tornadoes. Ten people were killed and more than 1,000 homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed in the violent storms.

The announcement means individuals and business owners in Canadian, Delaware, Grady, Kingfisher, Logan and McClain counties who were impacted by the tornadoes may now qualify for disaster aid.  More counties may be added to the declaration as additional damage and unmet financial needs are identified.

The assistance may include help with housing repairs or temporary housing, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and businesses to repair or replace damaged property, disaster unemployment assistance, and grants for serious needs and necessary disaster expenses not met by other programs.

To apply for disaster assistance, individuals and business owners may call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or go online at www.disasterassistance.gov

Emergency management officials continue to gather information to request public assistance for infrastructure repairs and response costs in areas impacted by the storms.

OK-WARN Provides Weather Alerts to Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Oklahomans

The State of Oklahoma web portal provides a service for deaf and hard-of-hearing people to receive timely notification of weather hazards in the state of Oklahoma.


OK-WARN is a customized database program that sends out critical weather information to alphanumeric pagers and e-mail addresses.


The program was created to help ease the fears of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who may have difficultly receiving life saving warnings.


When the National Weather Service issues a weather alert, the program will automatically send a message to all participating pages, so notification is nearly instant.


In addition to all that, the program also provides multiple data sources and attempts to deliver the critical message so you can be sure you'll never miss a warning.


You get only the warnings you request:

• Tornado Watch and Warning
• Severe Thunderstorm Watch and Warning
• Winter Storm Warning
• Winter Storm Watch
• Winter Weather Advisory
• Flash Flood Watch and Warning
• Civil Emergency Message
• Special/Significant Weather Statements
• Severe Weather Statements
• River Flood Warning
• Non-Precipitation Advisory

Governor Fallin Declares State of Emergency Due to Tornadoes and Severe Storms

Governor Mary Fallin declared a State of Emergency yesterday for 68 Oklahoma counties due to tornadoes, severe storms, straight line winds and flooding that began Tuesday.

The counties included in the declaration are: Adair, Alfalfa, Atoka, Blaine, Bryan, Caddo, Canadian, Carter, Cherokee, Choctaw, Cleveland, Coal, Comanche, Cotton, Craig, Creek, Custer, Delaware, Dewey, Garfield, Garvin, Grady, Grant, Haskell, Hughes, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnston, Kay, Kingfisher, Kiowa, Latimer, LeFlore, Lincoln, Logan, Love, Major, Marshall, Mayes, McClain, McCurtain, McIntosh, Murray, Muskogee, Noble, Nowata, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Payne, Pittsburg, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie, Pushmataha, Rogers, Seminole, Sequoyah, Stephens, Tillman, Tulsa, Wagoner, Washington, Washita, Woods and Woodward.

These Oklahoma counties were east of a dry-line and in an area which experienced tornadoes, straight line winds, damaging hail and flooding. Damage assessments are ongoing.

Under the Executive Order, state agencies can make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to expedite the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions. The declaration also marks a first step toward seeking federal assistance should it be necessary.

KFOR: Will Schools Have to Make Up Snow Days?

 

The short answer is, Yes. Schools can make up the snow days by adding hours to the days or days to the school year. Each district will decide how they will make up the lost instruction time.

Fatalities and Injuries Due to Winter Storm

One fatality* is attributed to the winter storm, according to the Oklahoma Office of the State Medical Examiner. A 20-year-old Moore woman died Tuesday following a sledding accident. Cause of death was multiple blunt force trauma to the head.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports troopers have worked 81 storm related crashes, including 7 involving injury since the storm began. OHP also responded to 278 motorist assist calls. The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports 77 falls, 4 carbon monoxide poisonings, 24 transportation related accidents, two exposure cases, 13 cut/pierce injuries and 5 injuries involving a person struck by or against an object related to the storm.

*(News stations are reporting three people died today when the vehicle they were traveling in near Miami, OK went into a body of water)

Location:Nw Expy,Oklahoma City,United States

Price Gouging Statute In Effect

Oklahoma’s price gouging statute is in effect in all of Oklahoma’s 77 counties due to the State of Emergency. The price gouging statute prohibits an increase of more than 10 percent in the price of most goods and services when a State of Emergency has been declared. Anyone who suspects price gouging is urged to contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit at (405) 521-2029.

Location:NW 58th St,Oklahoma City,United States

Emergency Weather Update 2

ROAD CONDITIONS

ODOT crews report heavy but intermittent snow in the Panhandle with varied ground cover and slickness. Elsewhere, crews continue to monitor conditions.
For information regarding Oklahoma road conditions, call 888-425-2385. For the latest conditions on Oklahoma Turnpikes, call 1-877-403-7623. For road conditions in neighboring states call: Texas, 800-452-9292; Kansas, 866-511-5368; Arkansas, 800-245-1672; and Missouri, 800-222-6400.

OKLAHOMANS URGED TO AVOID TRAVEL



Oklahomans are urged to avoid travel once the storm arrives. If travel is unavoidable, make sure you let someone know where you are going and the route you are taking and be sure to have the following items with you in your vehicle.

• A cell phone with charger and a battery powered radio.
• Windshield scraper, deicer, snow shovel and small broom for ice and snow removal.
• Several blankets or sleeping bags.
• Rain gear, warm coats and extra sets of dry clothing, mittens, socks and a cap.
• Non-perishable snacks like dried fruit, nuts and other high energy “munchies.”
• Several bottles of water. Eating snow will lower your body temperature so melt it first.
• Sand or cat litter for generating traction under wheels and a set of tire chains.
• Jumper cables, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit and brightly colored cloth to tie to antenna if you get stranded.

UPDATED: Weather Information; Governor Mary Fallin Declares Emergency as Winter Storm Approaches

(Jan. 31 at 10:45PM) The Commissioner of Public Safety, as authorized by the Governor, has announced that state agencies may temporarily reduce services beginning at 12:01 a.m. February 1 until 11:59 p.m. February 1 for the following counties: Canadian, Cleveland, Lincoln, Logan, McClain, Oklahoma, and Pottawatomie. State employees designated to maintain basic minimum services (staff essential functions) should remain at work or report to work as scheduled.