Emergency Notices

It is the responsibility of each citizen to have an individual plan of action in the event of certain public emergencies to include weather and non-weather related. Take time individually and with other members of a household or business to plan courses of immediate action such as having:

• Access to communication devices such as:
  • Battery-powered radio
  • Internet
  • Telephone
  • Television
• Access to a limited amount of food and water
• Access to a minimum supply of medications
• Access to shelter
• Access to transportation
• Identification

Special Requirements

Remember to consider the special requirements of those individuals with limited mobility and to the needs of pets. Every member of the household or business should plan as to how they will remain in contact with each other or how they will notify a party away from the emergency as to whereabouts and needs.

In some cases a public emergency may have some advance warning such as in approaching severe weather or possible flooding conditions. Individuals should listen to local media if such situations appear to be developing.

Warning System

The City maintains an outside siren warning system for such conditions, but such a system is simply to alert individuals outside to take cover and to seek additional information from electronic sources such as radio and television announcements or through the use of telephone communications. Individuals should take appropriate actions based upon those announcements and to act directly in accordance with any such announcements made through this means by directives of local officials.

If no advance warning is received and a public emergency exists, immediately seek electronic information as to conditions and if possible and appropriate implement the personal, individual advance preparation. If none has been made, then seek out those items indicated in the previous Advance Warning tab, if circumstances allow.

Official Announcements

Official announcements regarding the scope of the public emergency and what actions may be necessary will be announced in the name of the Mayor of the City. If common electronic notifications are not possible, local officials will attempt to assess all effected areas of the community as soon as possible to determine the needs of all individuals. These officials will simultaneously give individuals in the assessed areas instructions as to what personal actions may be necessary for the immediate period of time. Please follow such instructions exactly.

Individuals may also be requested to assist fellow citizens if possible by the local officials who will suggest possible actions which might be helpful. Local officials will be prioritizing available resources to be used in the most useful means toward saving life, limb, and property in that order and towards establishing public order that will quickly achieve these purposes.

Emergency personnel will be a variety of people from Police Officers, to Fire Fighters, to Paramedics, and to Public Works staff, to name a few. Depending on the situation any individual from any of these groups may provide a useful service to affected individuals. Please follow their directions as requested. Please remember that an order by a Police Officer must be followed absolutely.

 If it should be necessary to evacuate an area of the community, public officials will so indicate through electronic means if they are available.  If such means are not available such notice will be given on-site. Individuals should follow these instructions carefully.  Such instructions will at a minimum indicate the route(s) of the evacuation, suggest possible destinations, and indicate a manner in which to receive follow-up information as may be required. 

Evacuation Tips

Keep a map on hand that will enable you to take a route that may be unfamiliar to you.  Plan to take one vehicle per household.  This will keep family members together and reduce the number of cars on your particular evacuation route.  

Local officials will establish through public notifications channels a Public Information Center for individuals to find out about each other as soon as possible following a public emergency as well as to report particular special needs for assistance. Please give as much identification and contact information as possible upon making such contact to the Public Information Center. If telephone service is operational that number will be 918-299-5883.

Depending upon the nature of a public emergency, some individuals may have specialized equipment or other services that may be useful to local officials. Such offers of assistance also can be made in care of the Public Information Center.