Situation Update

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

Situation Update 6

April 18, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) staff continue to assist local jurisdictions in the areas affected by the recent tornado outbreaks.

Governor Mary Fallin today requested a federal disaster declaration for Woodward County in the wake of the deadly tornado that swept through Woodward early Sunday morning. If approved, the declaration would provide federal assistance to individuals and businesses impacted by the storm, to include assistance for housing repairs or temporary housing, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and businesses to repair or replace damaged property, disaster unemployment assistance, and grants for serious needs and necessary disaster expenses not met by other programs. If the disaster declaration is granted, additional counties could later be added.

A State of Emergency, as declared by Gov. Mary Fallin, remains in effect for 12 Oklahoma counties hit hard by the tornadoes and other severe weather. The counties included in the state of emergency are: Alfalfa, Caddo, Canadian, Cleveland, Ellis, Harper, Jackson, Kiowa, Logan, Oklahoma, Woods and Woodward. More counties could be added as needed.

Specialists with FEMA, OEM, and SBA concluded preliminary damage assessments Monday evening, finding 224 homes and businesses impacted in Woodward County. Of those, 73 were destroyed, 22 sustained major damage and 21 had minor damage. Additionally, the team worked to determine the unmet financial needs of those whose homes and businesses sustained damage.

The Oklahoma State Medical Examiner reports 6 fatalities in Woodward related to the storm.

5-year-old female

7-year-old female

10-year-old female

24-year-old male

41-year-old male

63-year-old male

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports that 86 storm-related injuries from April 13 to April 15. This includes 36 injuries related to the Woodward tornado.

Woodward/Woodward County Emergency Management remains at 24-hour operations and reports the following information:

Siren tests were conducted today in Woodward. The tests found that approximately one-third of the city’s sirens were impacted by the storms. An emergency community warning plan has been put into effect using emergency and fire vehicles until the outdoor warning sirens can be repaired. Those repairs are scheduled to be done early next week.

Woodward officials would also like to thank Larry Gatlin for hosting the Rebuilding and Moving Forward Benefit Feed and Concert tonight at the Crystal Bridge Arena in Woodward. All donations collected at the benefit will go to the Woodward Tornado Fund. Donations can also be made to the Woodward Tornado Fund by contacting the Bank of Western Oklahoma at 580-254-5525.

A lost and found center has been established at the First Assembly of God Church at 3906 Lakeview Drive in Woodward. Please bring any found items including photos or documents to this location. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Woodward Emergency Management is hosting a storage facility for valuable belongings at 100 Temple Houston Drive. The facility will be law enforcement staffed and provides a safe storage location for those impacted by the storms. The hours of operation for the site are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Cleanup is continuing in Woodward. Local emergency management officials ask residents to please move debris to the curb for pickup. Vegetative debris and structural debris must be separated and any hazardous materials must be separated from all other debris piles. They request that homes not be demolished and moved to the curb and that debris not be placed in the roadway. Only residential properties are eligible for debris removal.

A Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) opened today as a one-stop resource center for those impacted by the tornadoes. Volunteer agencies, churches, and community organizations will be available at this location with resources and information available to aid in recovery. The center is located at First Baptist Church at 202 East Hanks Trail in Woodward and open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Salvation Army will be among the disaster relief agencies at the MARC They will be meeting with residents regarding immediate needs emergency financial assistance.

An American Red Cross shelter remains open in Woodward at the Living Word Fellowship at 1310 Oklahoma Avenue. Health Services and Disaster Mental Health personnel are on hand to assist.

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and the American Red Cross continue to coordinate mass feeding in Woodward for those impacted by the storms.

The Oklahoma State Health Department reports medical volunteers from the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps have been deployed to provide storm recovery assistance in Woodward. These volunteers are supporting the recovery by providing tetanus shots, basic first aid and mental health services if needed.

State health officials continue to urge caution while sorting through storm debris. Everyone involved in clean up should wear proper clothing, heavy boots, and gloves.  Tetanus shots are recommended for anyone who hasn’t had a tetanus booster within the last 10 years. Woodward County Health Department staff provided approximately 270 vaccinations through Monday. Tetanus shots are still available at no cost at the Woodward County Health Department at 1631 Texas Avenue in Woodward. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Oklahoma’s price gouging statute is in effect in the 12 counties covered by the Governor’s State of Emergency. The price gouging statute prohibits an increase of more than 10 percent in the price of most goods and services when a State of Emergency has been declared. Anyone who suspects price gouging is urged to contact the Attorney General’s Public Protection Unit at (405) 521-2029.

For Oklahoma residents seeking non-emergency disaster or health and human service information, please contact your local 2-1-1. Services are available 24 hours a day by dialing 2-1-1 from your home or cellular telephone. Please only call 911 for emergencies.

This weekend’s weather once again highlights the need for people to stay informed about their local weather. The National Weather Service and OEM remind Oklahomans that a NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio can save lives during severe weather.

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Next Situation Update: As conditions warrant