Disaster Update
Oklahoma – Well before the blizzard of February 2011 hit, the Tulsa Red Cross was implementing well-developed logistics plans to come to the aid of people who would undoubtedly be displaced by what was shaping up to be a storm of historic proportion.
Emergency preparedness information was supplied to, and broadcast by, area media…
Red Cross staff and volunteers participated in briefings by the National Weather Service and emergency response agencies, monitoring the developing situation…
Personnel and critical supplies were deployed to areas likely to be hardest hit…
And the Tulsa Area Chapter prepared to operate its emergency operations center 24/7, if necessary, to respond to the disaster.
Fortunately, the storm did not create extended power outages. However, the record snowfalls experienced in many of the 31 counties served by the Tulsa chapter stranded vehicles and closed major highways, leaving many travelers unable to reach their destinations.
The Tulsa Area Chapter activated its emergency operations and mobilized “Ready When the Time Comes” teams to open and operate 11 shelters in 9 counties for stranded drivers. The travelers found comfort, a safe place to stay, hot meals and compassion at the Red Cross shelters. And as conditions improved and roads re-opened, the Red Cross helped those in the shelters get back to their vehicles and safely on their way.
By the end of the sheltering operation, the Red Cross had housed 89 people in overnight stays, served 181 meals, distributed 412 snacks and provided 62 comfort kits containing essential toiletries.
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Posted by amrecro 
