United Way Of Central Oklahoma

This issue focuses on community preparedness as it relates to Oklahoma's most prevalent natural disasters such as tornadoes, wildfires, and snow. 

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In the past decade, Oklahoma has received 34 major disaster and emergency declarations from the federal government. Perhaps more remarkable is the fact that Oklahoma is the only non-coastal state listed among the top five states with the greatest number of disaster declarations, ranking third behind California and Texas and ahead of Florida and New York. Oklahoma County is one of nine Oklahoma counties listed nationally among the top 30 hardest-hit disaster counties. Between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2010 Oklahoma County experienced 27 flood events, 81 hail storms, 26 snow and ice events, and 23 tornadoes. 
 
The format of this Vital Signs differs from previous issues in that each weather-related phenomenon will feature unique diagnoses and prescriptions, rather than one all-encompassing diagnosis and concluding prescription. Additionally you will see an example of each disaster as it occurred in 2010, a year that ran the gamut of extreme weather events including an ice storm, tornadoes, hailstorms, and floods that led to four major disaster declarations and one emergency declaration by the Federal Emergency Management Authority. You will also find helpful tips on creating an emergency preparedness kit and emergency response plan for your home. 
 
In light of the individual and community needs that arise in times of weather-related disasters, United Way of Central Oklahoma is compelled to support disaster response and recovery efforts as part of its Community Preparedness focus area. In doing so, United Way of Central Oklahoma assists with the coordination of community resources and volunteers as part of the City of Oklahoma City's Emergency Response Plan. This is a role that our staff takes very seriously, and we stand ready to partner with other local agencies to support our community through any means necessary.