[ARRL-OK] general oklahoma information

[Kevin ODell]

Oklahoma



08/30/08 8pm – 12,500 evacuees still stands.  The State of Oklahoma is  
considering taking more evacuees depending on the capacity of the Red  
Cross.  Red Cross is looking at its expanded capacity.



08/29/08 10pm- The State of Oklahoma has extended its agreement with  
Texas to Louisiana in the event that Texas does not implement a  
coastal evacuation plan or that the number of evacuees is less than  
12,500.



08/29/08 7pm –  The State of Oklahoma had agreed with State of Texas  
(only) to take 12,500 and that is currently all Oklahoma is planning  
to accept if needed.



08/28/08 10pm – The ARC remains in planning conversations with the  
State of Oklahoma. The discussion has now shifted as to whether any  
Texas citizens will be evacuated to Oklahoma and/or if plans will  
instead shift to accepting Louisiana residents. This negotiation and  
conversation are ongoing.



08/27/08 8pm – The Governor of Oklahoma has agreed to accept 12,500  
evacuees from Texas in the event that the state implements the coastal  
evacuation plan. Oklahoma Emergency Management has delegated the  
reception and sheltering responsibility to the City of Tulsa and  
Oklahoma City. The initial indication from Texas is that most of the  
evacuees will arrive via fixed wing aircraft; however, the state is  
also planning to receive people on buses. The Regional Chapters in  
Oklahoma have been diligently working on plans to support the  
municipalities over the last year. Both city plans include evacuee  
reception, health screening, and general health surveillance by public  
health officials, and shelter operations conducted by ARC.


The Tulsa plan and Oklahoma City differ in that Oklahoma City is  
looking at a consolidated community shelter (or two) for 5,000 people  
along with supporting a pet friendly shelter, and the City of Tulsa is  
looking at a central reception point at the fairgrounds and people  
will be bussed to 5 traditional ARC shelter locations throughout  
Tulsa.  Currently there appears to be full community and state support  
for both of these plans, to include Government, NGOs, and VOAD.


Last night, the Central Oklahoma Chapter hosted a meeting with key  
state representatives, United Way, and local officials to solidify  
plans in the event Oklahoma City receives evacuees early next week. A  
similar meeting will take place in Tulsa in the next few days.