This report is a summary of key events that occurred during the last week and does not represent a complete of Emergency Management activities throughout the week.
This report is a summary of key events that occurred during the last week and does not represent a complete of Emergency Management activities throughout the week.
--- Meetings & Administrative Activities • Attended the Board of County Commissioners meeting.
• Continued efforts to clean and organize the Emergency Management Office and Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
• Keypad locks for both the EOC and office were changed and are now fully functional.
--- Severe Weather Monitoring & Response • Actively monitored and prepared for forecasted severe weather throughout the week.
• Severe weather activation occurred Friday and Saturday due to multiple warnings and heavy rainfall. Widespread flooding was observed across Okmulgee County, prompting numerous road closures. Water rescues were conducted in both the Liberty Fire District and the Okmulgee Fire District due to vehicles being stranded in floodwaters.
--- Operational Challenges & Equipment Needs A significant need for additional road closure barricades and signage was identified across all three districts. Emergency Management is currently evaluating the purchase of a small enclosed trailer. This trailer would assist in the storage, transport and deployment of barricades, road signs and disaster response equipment during emergencies.
--- Road Closure Protocols & Enforcement • Additional road closures were implemented where water was reported over the roadways.
• OCEM is reviewing relevant state statutes regarding road closure signage to improve local enforcement capabilities, including the potential involvement of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP).
--- Shelter & Siren Issues - Morris • During the tornado warning, the Morris School shelter was not opened, and OCEM was not contacted by school administration as previously agreed. OCEM will offer a volunteer to assist school staff during shelter operations, when available.
• The tornado sirens in Morris failed to activate during the warning. Although the activation signal was sent from two separate locations, the issue is under investigation.
