Situation Update

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

Situation Update 4

August 5, 2012 – 7:15 p.m.

Due to ongoing fires, the State Emergency Operations Center remains activated. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with emergency managers in the affected areas. Additionally, OEM is working with the Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Forestry Division, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, Oklahoma State Department of Health, American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

A statewide Burn Ban is in effect. This ban, issued by Gov. Mary Fallin on Friday, supersedes all county burn bans currently in place and remains in place until conditions improve and it is removed by the Governor. For a copy of the current burn ban resolution or for the most up-to-date information go to: www.forestry.ok.gov/burn-ban-information.

A State of Emergency remains in place for all 77 Oklahoma counties as declared Monday by Gov. Mary Fallin due to extreme or exceptional drought conditions. The Executive Order allows state agencies to make emergency purchases related to disaster relief and preparedness. It is also a first step toward seeking federal assistance should it be necessary. Under the executive order, the State of Emergency lasts for 30 days.

Creek County Emergency Management reports the fire is ongoing. Today, three National Guard helicopters have been assisting on the fire in an area west of Drumright. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol Medical Unit and ambulances from Mercy Regional of Oklahoma in Owasso and Creek County Emergency Medical Services also assisted on this fire. As of this morning, at least 58,000 acres had burned in this fire, State Forestry officials announced.

Norman Emergency Management reports the fire in the eastern part of Norman near Thunderbird Casino is ongoing. Three National Guard helicopters have been assisting on this fire along with task forces from Caddo, Garvin and Canadian counties. Norman Emergency Response Volunteers and others are provided support.

Oklahoma County Emergency Management reports they continue to work hotspots and patrol fire lines on the fire. The Oklahoma County task force assisted earlier today on this fire.

Grady County Emergency Management reports firefighters continue to work hotspots and patrol fire lines on the Ninnekah fire.

Stillwater Emergency Management reports they continue to monitor hotspots on the fire that began near the Stillwater airport before traveling to Glencoe Saturday night.

More than 78,330 acres have burned in fires across the state since Friday.

Oklahoma Forestry Services reports:

• Noble/Slaughterville Fire – 7,900 acres
• Creek County Fire – 58,230 acres
• Luther Fire – 2,600 acres

Grady County Emergency Management reports 9,600 acres have burned in the Ninnekah fire.

The following American Red Cross Shelters remain open:

• Slaughterville Baptist Church – 10101 60th Street, Lexington, OK
• Sand Springs United Methodist Family Life Center - 101 W. 38th Street, Sand Springs, OK
• Cushing Senior Citizens Center – 203 E. Cherry, Cushing, OK

American Red Cross reports 37 people stayed overnight at the Sand Springs shelter, 33 people stayed overnight at the Cushing shelter and 33 people stayed overnight at the Slaughterville shelter. Additionally, 2 people stayed overnight at the Pawnee shelter that is now closed, and 8 people stayed overnight at the Choctaw shelter, also now closed.

Additionally, the American Red Cross continues to provide canteens and volunteers to support firefighters in the affected areas.

The Salvation Army continues to respond to multiple wildfire locations. The Salvation Army is serving food, hydration and emotional and spiritual care. Canteens across Oklahoma remain on stand-by for their services as needed in other areas.

State Agriculture officials and the Sand Springs Animal Control Unit have teamed up with volunteer veterinarians working in Sand Springs to provide shelter and medical care to animals that have been impacted by wildfires in the area.  Pet Smart Charities has donated food and crates to aid in the disaster response. The shelter is located at Sand Springs United Methodist Church - 101 W. 38th Street, Sand Springs.

Drought conditions will continue across the state with little improvement anticipated through the end of August. The wildfire threat has decreased some, although remains very high. Hot temperatures will return Monday and Tuesday with highs forecast near or above 100 degrees across much of the state. The extreme temperatures of the past week are not expected. Wind speeds will be lower over the next few days as compared to the past week. The lower wind speeds will help keep the fire threat below the critical range experienced Friday and Saturday. Short-term relief is expected on Wednesday when temperatures are expected in the mid to upper 90s and the forecast includes the possibility of rain. However, temperatures return to the 100s by Thursday.

The Oklahoma Insurance Department recommends taking the following steps after your property has been damaged by a fire:

• When the fire has moved on or been extinguished, call your insurance agent or company claim line as soon as possible.
• Make a list of your damaged property and make necessary repairs to protect your home and property from further damage.
• Read your homeowner’s insurance policy carefully to fully understand your coverage and your rights. If you don’t have the policy in hand, ask the agent for a copy.
• Know if you have replacement cost or actual cash value coverage.
• Ask your agent about additional living expenses (ALE) or loss of use.
• Refer to your policy to know what deductible you'll be required you'll be required to pay.

For questions about insurance claims or to report insurance fraud, please call the Oklahoma Insurance Department consumer assistance number at 1-800-522-0071 or online.

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.

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Next Situation Update: As conditions warrant