The following are basic things to be prepared for and do in specific emergency situations:

Wildfires:

Wildfires can occur anytime or anywhere, but the potential is always higher during periods with little to no rainfall; high winds can contribute to escalating wildfire risks
Make a wildfire plan – know where to go and which evacuation routes to use to get there
Make or restock your emergency preparedness kit; include flashlight, batteries, cash, first-aid supplies, food, and water
Stay tuned to alerts via phone, radio, or television for updates, emergency instructions, or evacuation orders

Prepare before a wildfire

Keep a clear area approximately 30 feet away from buildings. Clear away anything that will burn like wood, leaves, brush, and other landscaping
Create fire breaks such as driveways, walkways, and tree/bush free lawns
Regularly clean roofs and gutters of combustible debris
Connect a garden hose long enough to reach any area around the building and fill large containers with water
Review your insurance policy and prepare or update building contents

During a wildfire

Be prepared to evacuate on short notice
If you see a wildfire and haven’t received any alerts or evacuation orders, call 9-1-1 and report it; don’t assume someone else has already called it in
If ordered to evacuate, do it immediately and make sure to notify someone where you are going and when you arrive
If you or someone has been burned, call 9-1-1 or seek help immediately; keep the burned area cool and covered to reduce the chance of infection or further injury

After a wildfire

Return to facilities only when authorities say it is safe
Maintain a fire-watch for several hours checking for smoke, sparks, or hidden embers that may reignite
Use caution when going through burned areas; hazards may still exist including hot spots and potential gas leaks or electric lines
During cleanup wear a NIOSH certified respirator (dust mask) and wet debris down to minimize breathing ash particles
Discard any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke, or soot
Do not use water that may have been contaminated to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, or make ice
Photograph damage for insurance purposes

Tornadoes:

Oklahoma has one of the highest number of tornadoes in the U.S. and they can occur anytime during the year.

Preparing for a tornado

Identify safe rooms, storm shelters, or other potential protection locations where you can go quickly for safety when there is a warning or approaching tornado
Have an emergency kit handy with flashlight and batteries, water, snacks, blankets, weather radio, and first-aid kit
Be alert to changing weather conditions; Look for approaching storms; look for danger signs:
- Dark, often greenish sky
- Large hail
- Large, dark, low hanging clouds (particularly if they appear to rotate)
- Loud roaring noise
- Flying debris in the air

Know the terms:

Tornado Watch – conditions warrant the possibility that tornados could occur

Tornado Warning – a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately

After a tornado

If you are trapped, do not move about or attempt to move objects; tap on a pipe or the wall to help rescuers locate you
Listen for updates and instructions from local officials
Check in with family or friends via texting or social media
Watch out for sharp dangerous debris and downed power lines or gas leaks
Stay out of damaged buildings until authorities deem them safe
Wear protective clothing, dust masks, and gloves during clean up; don’t attempt to move heavy debris by yourself
Do what you can to prevent further damage to property (putting up tarps, etc.) since insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm
If the building is without power use flashlights or battery powered lanterns rather than candles or fuel lanterns
Take photos of damaged property; keep a list of property in buildings in a safe location like the cloud

Floods

Flooding can occur in Oklahoma during every season, but spring holds our biggest threat. It is particularly important to be prepared for flooding in low-lying areas near rivers, creeks, and lakes.

Basic Flooding Safety Tips:

If you approach flooding streets when driving; Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Avoid walking or driving in floodwaters
Don’t drive over bridges that have fast moving water. Floodwaters can scour foundation material from around the footings and make the bridges unstable
Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down and sweep you away; 1 foot of moving water can wash your vehicle away
If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground
If floodwaters rise around your vehicle but the water is not moving, abandon your vehicle and get to higher ground. Do not leave the vehicle if the water is moving
Avoid parking along creeks and rivers during heavy rains. They can flood quickly with little warning

Terms to know:

Flood Watch = Be Aware, conditions are right for flooding or flash flooding in your area

Flood Warning = Take Action, flooding is either happening or will shortly

Preparedness:

Turn on the TV or radio to receive the latest updates on weather and emergency instructions
Know where to go in case you need to seek higher ground in a hurry
Make or restock an emergency kit. Include: flashlight, batteries, first-aid supplies, dry clothing and blankets, water, and snacks

After a flood:

Return only when authorities say it is safe
Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded; watch out for debris. Floodwaters often erode roads, walkways, and foundations of buildings
Do not attempt to drive through areas that are still flooded
Avoid standing water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed utility lines
Photograph damaged property for insurance purposes

Earthquakes:

Earthquakes are unexpected, sudden, rapid shaking of the earth caused by breaking and shifting subterranean rock. After the quake aftershocks may occur causing further damage.

Preparing before an earthquake:

Secure items that could fall or move and cause injuries or damage (bookshelves, mirrors, light fixtures, etc.)
Practice how to “Drop, Cover, Seek Shelter and Hold On” drop to the ground, cover your head and neck, crawl to a place where you can be protected (under a table) and hold on
Properly store documents. Keep water and first-aid supplies on hand as well as food, clothing, blankets, flashlight and batteries
Plan where to go, should an earthquake occur, and have an alternative way to communicate with your family

During an earthquake:

Drop, Cover, Seek Shelter and Hold On
Stay where you are until the shaking stops. Don’t run outside. Do not get in a doorway as this does not provide protection. Be very careful, move slowly and test your footing as you move into an open area
If you are outside when the shaking starts, move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. Drop, Cover, Seek Shelter and Hold On until the shaking stops

After the earthquake:

When the shaking stops, look around. If the building is damaged and there is a clear path to safety, leave the building and go to an open space away from damaged areas
If you are trapped, do not move about or kick up dust
If you have a cell phone use it to call or text for help
Tap on a pipe or wall to draw the attention of rescuers
Once in the clear, if you are not injured, provide assistance to those in need however you can
Use extreme caution during post-disaster cleanup. Wear protective clothing, work gloves, and sturdy boots
Be prepared for aftershocks. Drop, Cover, Seek Shelter and Hold-on

Active Shooter:

Don’t think terrorism, bomb threats, and active shooter incidents only happen in big cities. They can occur anywhere and anytime. Have a plan in place and train your employees on what to do if confronted with an active shooter.

Planning:

Train employees to be aware of their surroundings and to observe what is going on with people (their demeanor, remarks, body language) that makes them uncomfortable and ill-at-ease. Report suspicious behavior to authorities
Identify the two nearest exits anywhere you go, and have an escape path in mind or find good places to hide
Understand how you would provide for individuals with disabilities or other access and functional needs

During an Active Shooter incident: 3 Options - Run, Hide, Fight

Run - escape if possible; getting away from the shooter(s) is the top priority
Leave your belongings and get away
Help others escape, if possible, but evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow
Warn and prevent individuals from entering an area where an active shooter may be
Call 9-1-1 once you get safe, and describe the shooter(s), location, and weapons
Hide - get out of the shooter’s view and stay quiet. Lock and block doors, close blinds, turn off lights, turn off your cell phone’s ring and vibrate options
Don’t hide in groups. Instead, spread out along walls or hide separately; don’t make it easy for the shooter
Try to communicate with police silently through text messaging or social media, or put a sign in a window
Stay in place until law enforcement gives you an all clear or comes for you
Make sure your hiding place provides you with protection if shots are fired through the door or walls
Fight - as an absolute last resort. Commit to your actions, be as aggressive as possible against the shooter(s)
Recruit others to ambush the shooter using makeshift weapons (chairs, flagpoles, fire extinguishers, scissors, whatever you can find as a weapon)
Be prepared to cause severe or lethal injury to the shooter

After the Active Shooter incident:

Keep hands visible and empty; know that law enforcement’s first task is to end the threat; they may have to pass the injured along the way until they have secured the area
Follow law enforcement instructions and evacuate in the direction they come from
Officers will be armed with rifles, shotguns, and handguns; they may use pepper spray or tear gas to control a situation
Officers will shout commands and may push individuals to the ground for their safety
Consider seeking professional counseling for you and your family to cope with long-term effects of the trauma
Take care of yourself first, then you may be able to help the wounded before first responders arrive
While waiting for first responders, provide first-aid, apply direct pressure to wounds and use tourniquets if you are trained to do so
Place wounded people on their sides if they are unconscious and keep them warm

Many municipal law enforcement departments are providing training for staff and citizens concerning “Active Shooter” incidents. For more information contact your local police department to find out how a training may be arranged.