February 7, 2021 Winter Weather Event Situation Update 1

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

Situation Update 1

February 13, 2021 5:30 p.m.

With a statewide winter storm warning in effect, the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activated Saturday at noon. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (ODEMHS) is in contact with emergency managers across the state and coordinating with agencies and organizations including the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Oklahoma Insurance Department, Oklahoma Management and Enterprise Services, Oklahoma State Department of Education, National Weather Service, Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, and others.

Governor Kevin Stitt declared a State of Emergency for all 77 counties on Friday, February 12. Under the Executive Order, state agencies can make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to expedite the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions. The Executive Order also temporarily suspends requirements for size and weights permits of oversized vehicles transporting materials and supplies used for emergency relief and power restoration.

A second executive order was issued Wednesday, February 10 to suspend certain regulations for truck drivers transporting propane into the state.

Two shelters are open for overnight stays:

• Donald Reynolds Recreation Center, 1005 N. Willow Street, Pauls Valley
• Rose Stone Inn, 120 S. 3^rd Street, Ponca City

Five warming stations are open during the day:

• Checotah Senior Activity Center, 611 N. Broadway Street, Checotah
• First United Methodist Church, 1615 OK-88, Claremore
• Brown’s Funeral Home, 4900 W. Highway 70, Durant
• Dale Robertson Center, 1200 Lakeshore Drive, Yukon
• Red Andrews Municipal Gymnasium, 720 NW 8^thStreet, Oklahoma City

Additional shelters and warming stations are open for people experiencing homelessness.

The state has activated the Stranded Motorist Assistance Response Teams (SMART) to assist stranded motorists if needed. These teams of Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Oklahoma National Guard personnel will be placed strategically throughout the interstate system Sunday through Wednesday. This program is a joint effort between OHP, the Oklahoma National Guard, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

State agencies have also prepositioned industrial-sized generators regionally across Oklahoma. The generators can be used for shelters, water systems, or other critical infrastructure. Please note these generators are NOT for residential use.

While roads are currently clear, Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) urges drivers to plan ahead for the next round of severe winter weather and anticipated dangerous travel conditions. Officials urge Oklahomans to stay off the roads if possible during the winter storm.

When driving in dangerous winter weather conditions, motorists are asked to:

• Stay at least 200 feet behind road clearing equipment; crews need room to maneuver and can engage plowing or spreading materials without notice.
• Allow extra space between vehicles to provide adequate distance for braking.
• Be aware of "black ice," which looks wet on the roadway but is a thin layer of ice.
• Be patient, plan trips ahead and allow extra time in reaching destinations.

To check CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS in Oklahoma, call ODOT's ROAD CONDITIONS HOTLINE at 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.

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 9-1-1 for emergencies.

###