OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Insurance Department is encouraging residents across the state to strengthen their emergency plans during National Preparedness Month, emphasizing practical measures that can help families respond to natural disasters and other unexpected emergencies.
Observed throughout September, National Preparedness Month is an initiative led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to encourage Americans to prepare before disasters occur. The Oklahoma Insurance Department, or OID, is supporting the nationwide effort by outlining steps Oklahomans can take to protect their households and improve their ability to respond when emergencies disrupt everyday life.
The guidance covers communication plans, emergency supplies, evacuation procedures, household-specific needs and access to timely emergency information.
Emergency Communication Plans Are a Key First Step
OID recommends that households begin by creating an emergency communication plan. The plan should contain contact information for family members, emergency services and important service providers, as well as at least one out-of-state contact.
Copies should be provided to every household member so family members know whom to contact and where to reconnect if they become separated during an emergency.
Having this information prepared in advance can be particularly important when power outages, telecommunications disruptions or evacuations make normal communication difficult.
Emergency Kits Should Include Essential Supplies
Residents are also encouraged to assemble an emergency kit or go-bag that can be accessed quickly if they need to leave their homes.
OID recommends including nonperishable food, drinking water, medications, important documents and a change of clothes. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners also provides guidance on items households may consider when assembling emergency supplies.
Families should regularly inspect their kits and replace expired food, medications, batteries and other supplies when necessary.
Keeping copies of insurance documents and identification with emergency materials may also help residents access important information if their homes become temporarily inaccessible.
Families Should Establish Evacuation and Shelter Plans
Another part of emergency preparation involves identifying evacuation routes and safe locations before a disaster occurs.
OID advises households to know multiple routes out of their neighborhoods and communities because roads may become inaccessible during severe weather or other emergencies. Families should also agree on a meeting place and identify nearby shelters or trusted locations where they could stay.
Having alternatives can become especially important during widespread emergencies when transportation routes, utilities or local services are disrupted.
Emergency Plans Should Reflect Individual Household Needs
Preparedness plans should account for circumstances that differ from one household to another.
Residents who depend on prescription medications or medical equipment should ensure those requirements are incorporated into their plans. Households with pets should prepare appropriate food, water, medications and other necessary animal supplies.
Other considerations may include the needs of children, older family members and people who may require additional assistance during an evacuation.
By addressing these requirements in advance, households can reduce the number of decisions they must make while an emergency is unfolding.
Staying Informed Can Help Residents Respond Quickly
OID also stresses the importance of receiving reliable information during an emergency.
Residents are encouraged to enable emergency alerts on their mobile phones and monitor weather and public safety updates through television, radio or smartphone applications. Timely information can provide warnings about approaching severe weather, evacuation orders, shelter locations and other developments.
Emergency plans should also be practiced and reviewed regularly. Household drills can help family members understand their responsibilities and identify potential problems before an actual emergency occurs.
Plans should be updated when contact information, medications, household circumstances or evacuation options change.
Insurance Preparation Can Support Disaster Recovery
For homeowners, renters and businesses, preparing for emergencies can also include reviewing insurance coverage before a loss occurs.
Policyholders can benefit from understanding what their policies cover and maintaining accessible records of important possessions and insurance information. Addressing questions before a disaster may make it easier to navigate the claims and recovery process afterward.
OID is directing residents to its Road Map to Ready and other preparedness resources. Oklahomans with insurance questions or concerns can also contact the department at 800-522-0071.
The department is urging residents not to postpone emergency preparations, stating: “Don’t wait for the next disaster to have a plan. Prepare today!”
National Preparedness Month provides an opportunity for Oklahoma households to review existing plans, replenish emergency supplies and ensure family members know what to do when an emergency occurs.
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