SITUATION UPDATE

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

Situation Update 5

May 22, 2017 - 4:30 p.m.

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) returned to normal daily operations Monday morning. OEM remains in contact with emergency managers in the affected areas and is coordinating with agencies and organizations including the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Oklahoma Insurance Department, National Weather Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief and the Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.

A State of Emergency remains in effect for all 77 Oklahoma counties due to severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and snow that began April 29. Under the Executive Order, state agencies can make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to expedite the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions. The declaration may be extended for an additional 30 days if needed.

American Red Cross has provided a total of 1,896 meals, 1,128 snacks, 217 bulk items, and 28 comfort kits in Elk City, Muskogee County, and Pontotoc County. Statewide, they have opened 25 cases with 66 clients served.

The Salvation Army continues to provide meals, snacks and beverages to residents, first responders, volunteers and others in Elk City following last Tuesday’s storm. To date, 505 meals, 734 drinks and 905 snacks have been served. Additionally, they are providing emotional and spiritual care.

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief chainsaw teams are in Elk City to assist with large debris removal from Tuesday’s tornado. Residents in areas affected by recent severe weather who need assistance from chainsaw teams may contact them by visiting www.okdisasterhelp.org.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports 85 injuries have been treated by area hospitals as a result of storms that began Thursday, May 18.

Storms on Tuesday, May 16 resulted in the following injuries and fatality:

• 1 fatality as confirmed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
• 4 injuries were treated at area hospitals, as reported by the Oklahoma State Department of Health

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation reports the following highways are impacted due to high water or flooding:

• Grant County - SH-11 is closed at Pond Creek, Osage Creek and Cottonwood Creek about 7 miles west of Medford
• Cherokee County - SH-80 is closed five miles south of SH-51 between Hulbert and Fort Gibson

To check CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS in Oklahoma, call ODOT's ROAD CONDITIONS HOTLINE at 844-4OK-HWYS (844-465-4997) or go to www.okroads.org. For turnpike information, call the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority at 877-403-7623 or go to www.pikepass.com.

The Emergency Price Stabilization Act remains in effect for all 77 counties, after the governor declared a state of emergency on April 29. The price gouging statute prohibits an increase of more than 10 percent for the price of goods and services after a state of emergency has been declared. The act is in effect throughout the state of emergency and for 30 days after it has ended. Additionally, the act remains in effect for another 180 days for charges for repairs, remodeling and construction. Individuals who suspect price gouging should contact the attorney general’s Consumer Protection Unit at (405) 521- 2029, or fill out a complaint form.

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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