Situation Update

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

Situation Update 8

December 10, 2013, 4:45 p.m.

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management remains in contact with emergency managers in the affected areas and with disaster response, recovery agencies, to include the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Services: Forestry Services Division, The Salvation Army, American Red Cross and other disaster relief agencies.

A State of Emergency for all 77 Oklahoma counties remains in place. On Thursday, December 5, Governor Mary Fallin issued the declaration due to the winter storm. 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.

The American Red Cross is supporting three shelters:

• Choctaw Nation Community Center at 400 W O Street in Antlers.
• Choctaw Nation Community Center at 408 N M Street in Hugo.
• Friendship Baptist Fellowship at 13127 Highway 120 in Cameron

Warming centers are open in the following locations:

• First Baptist Church of Antlers, 208 NE B Street, Antlers
• Choctaw Nation Bethel Community Center, Choctaw Road 144, Bethel
• Choctaw Nation Smithville Community Center, 39618 N US Highway 259
• Valiant Assembly of God, 612 N Dalton, Valliant

Baptist Disaster Relief is operating a feeding kitchen for residents in Hugo. Additionally, Baptist Disaster Relief chainsaw teams continue to respond in Hugo, Antlers and Pocola to assist in clearing county roads blocked by downed trees as well as assisting families with trees blocking access to homes and driveways.

The American Red Cross, The Salvation Army and Baptist Disaster Relief remain on standby to assist with shelters, warming centers and feeding stations in other impacted areas as needed.

The Office of the State Medical Examiner reports 10 fatalities are now attributed to the winter storm.

Unidentified male adult died following a propane stove fire in Westville, OK

18-year-old male died in a motor vehicle accident in Tulsa, OK

5-year-old male died in a motor vehicle accident in Muskogee, OK

6-year-old male died after falling through ice in a creek in Tulsa, OK

56-year-old male died after a fire in the home in Tulsa, OK

85-year-old male died in a motor vehicle accident in Oklahoma City, OK

43-year-old male died in Oklahoma City, OK (cause and manner pending)

75-year-old male died in a motor vehicle accident in Sapulpa, OK

75-year-old male died in Talihina, OK (cause and manner pending)

15-year-old male died in Claremore, OK (cause and manner pending)

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), 180 storm related injuries were reported by area hospitals yesterday evening including 135 falls.

In total since 8 a.m. Thursday, more than 800 weather-related injuries have been reported to OSDH.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has responded to 327 non-injury and 107 injury weather-related collisions since 8 a.m. Thursday.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission reports more than 3,800 homes and businesses are without power across the state -- most in southeast Oklahoma.

PSO Total: 1382

Okmulgee: 993

Bartlesville: 352

Hugo area: 37

Choctaw Electric Cooperative:Approximately 2,500

Crews from Electric Cooperatives from across Oklahoma are assisting in the restoration effort at Choctaw Electric Cooperative.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) reports highways and interstates across the state are mostly clear, however, drivers are urged to stay cautious of slick spots. Highway crews are continuing to work to address areas and apply salt and sand as needed.

Drivers should continue to be alert for black ice on the highways and interstates, as well. Wet or slushy areas of roadways can refreeze causing a thin layer of ice, also known as black ice. Allow extra space between vehicles, so there is adequate distance for braking in wet and icy conditions. Approach highway bridges, overpasses and exit/entrance ramps with extra care until all roadways are completely dry.

To check CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS, call the Department of Public Safety's ROAD CONDITIONS HOTLINE at 405-425-2385 or visit http://www.dps.state.ok.us/cgi-bin/weathermap.cgi.

The Oklahoma Office of the Attorney General reports that Oklahoma’s Emergency Price Stabilization Act remains in effect for 77 Oklahoma counties due to the Governor’s State of Emergency. Attorney General Scott Pruitt said Oklahoma’s 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.

For Oklahoma residents seeking non-emergency disaster or health and human service information, please contact 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.

###

Situation Updates are posted at www.oem.ok.gov

Follow us on Twitter @OKEM

Next Situation Update: As conditions warrant