Oklahoma Tornado Safety: Be Prepared and Stay Aware

NEWS RELEASE

Oklahoma Tornado Safety: Be Prepared and Stay Aware

Osage Nation, Pawhuska, Okla. (May 5, 2015)—When living in Osage County, Oklahoma, people have grown to understand that tornadoes can occur any time of the year. Spring does seem to be tornado season due to the changing weather, but some years see more activity than others.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration better known as NOAA reported:

  • In 2013, Oklahoma experienced 82 tornadoes with 63 occurring in May.
  • In 2014, Oklahoma experienced 16.
  • Preliminary numbers for 2015, show 10.

On March 25th of this year, Sand Springs, just south of Osage County, was hit by a deadly tornado. This is probably still on people’s mind. Again, one does not know when they might be a victim.

Osage Nation Emergency Management (ONEM) wants constituents to know that they can alleviate concerns about this natural weather phenomenon. In the Osage language, tornadoes are called bad wind or THA.TSE BE.ZHE.

Using different sources such as NOAA and FEMA websites, and an article by Adam Knapp of Oklahoma City, the following was developed:

Families and individuals are not always at home or near a shelter when a tornado strikes.

  • When the sky looks ominous, stay weather-informed.
  • Know the emergency plans of your and your spouse’s workplace, and those of your children’s schools or daycares.

A tornado plan should be in place which includes emergency numbers. Also, a tornado kit prepared with a battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid items, flashlight and whatever else you feel is necessary for you and your family.

  • Do not seek shelter in your car or under an overpass or bridge.And never try to outrun a tornado.
  • Mobile homes are not safe shelters.
  • For some to watch an approaching storm is exciting and can make for a good photo opportunity, but resist and remain safe.

It is also advised to have an aftermath plan. For instance, designate a contact person for checking on everyone and have an idea in place on how to get back together.

If you are an enrolled Osage member, include Osage Nation Constituent Services (ONCS) in your aftermath plan. Whether you have suffered tornado or other types of damage, or are in need of emergency assistance in the Nation’s service area or outside the county’s boundary contact ONCS. The program has extended their weekly office hours to 7:30am to 5:00pm and can be reached at 918-287-5555, and now have a 24/7 emergency number, 1-800-320-8742. Contact ONCS with your emergency for an intake assessment.

And, always in case of any emergency call 9-1-1.

ONEM sends out weather alerts and this service is available to anyone whether a member or employee of the Osage Nation or just a county citizen. REGROUP is located on the Nation’s website at www.osagenation-nsn.gov. Click on Emergency Management from the directory then click on Osage Alerts to sign-up and review the warranty disclaimer and limitation of liability provided.

To learn more about ONEM or ONCS please visit the Nation’s website.

For media inquiries contact Osage Nation Communications Department at 918-287-5599.