Situation Update

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

Situation Update 3

May 8, 2015 - 5:15 p.m.

Due to severe weather conditions across Oklahoma, the State Emergency Operations Center remains activated. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with emergency managers across the state and coordinating with numerous agencies and organizations including the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Oklahoma National Guard, National Weather Service, Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Oklahoma Office of Geographic Information, Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), and Civil Air Patrol.

Governor Mary Fallin declared a State of Emergency Thursday for 12 Oklahoma counties due to tornadoes, severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding that began Wednesday. The counties included in the declaration are: Alfalfa, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Cleveland, Dewey, Garfield, Grady, Grant, Major, McClain and Oklahoma. Additional counties may be added.

Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reports one fatality attributed to the storms. A 43-year-old female in Oklahoma City was found dead in her cellar on Thursday.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports 30 injuries were treated by area hospitals as a result of Wednesday’s storms.

American Red Cross reports a shelter remains open at Santa María Virgen Episcopal Church, 5500 S. Western Avenue in Oklahoma City. About 70 people stayed at the shelter overnight. Red Cross is partnering with Oklahoma City Animal Welfare to accommodate the pets of guests at the shelter.

The shelter in Tuttle is transitioning to a comfort station and will serve meals Friday evening at Heritage Family Baptist Church, 600 N. Mustang Road (or 600 N. State Highway 4) in Tuttle.

The Salvation Army reports a mobile feeding unit (canteen) is on site in Bridge Creek and in southeast Oklahoma City. In Bridge Creek, one canteen is stationed at Bridge Creek School and one is mobile. In Oklahoma City, one canteen was located near I-35 and I-44 and concluded operations today.

Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief has chainsaw teams assisting in Bridge Creek. Storm victims may request assistance by calling (405) 443-7583 or visiting www.okdisasterhelp.org.

Oklahoma City Emergency Management reports numerous homes and businesses sustained damage from straight-line winds, flooding and a tornado that struck near Interstate 35 and SE 44th Street on Wednesday. Many mobile homes, vehicles and small buildings were destroyed or heavily damaged. The most significant flood damage is along Lightning Creek.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission reports 2,602 power outages statewide.

OG&E - Total 1,196

     OKC – 981

     Healdton – 133

     Muskogee - 82

PSO - Total 158

Largest outage areas:

Elk City – 344

Hobart – 93

Tipton – 17

Tulsa Northwest – 14

Idabel – 11

Caddo Electric Cooperative - Total 77

Canadian county – 43

Caddo county – 19

Grady county – 15

Oklahoma Electric Cooperative - Total 1,171

Largest Outages:

Tuttle – 116

Blanchard - 259

The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is offering free bacterial testing of private well water for those affected by the recent storms. The free testing will be available until June 15, 2015. Well owners may call 1-800-522-0206 for more information on eligibility for free testing as well as sampling instructions and supplies. Additional information is available at http://www.deq.state.ok.us/tornado/index.html.

Flood damage can lead to a number of public health issues. The Oklahoma State Department of Health recommends the following tips:

• Listen for news reports to learn whether a community’s water supply is safe to drink.
• Have wells checked for contamination from bacteria and chemicals.
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage, bacteria and chemicals. Professional services and/or guidance may be necessary before attempting to repair flood-damaged property.
• Throw out any food, including canned items, which was not maintained at a proper temperature or has been exposed to floodwaters. Do not eat food from a flooded garden.
• Remove and replace any drywall or other paneling which has been underwater. Mold growth in hidden places is a significant health hazard.

The American Red Cross Emergency App provides weather alerts and preparedness information in English and in Spanish. The app is available for iPhones, iPads and Android devices. Search “Red Cross Emergency” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

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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