salvationarmyokc
Gov. Mary Fallin today announced the kickoff of this year’s McReady Oklahoma statewide severe weather preparedness campaign – a public-private partnership designed to prepare families and communities for emergencies and to increase awareness of severe weather threats.
Local and state emergency management officials, along with volunteer response agencies, joined corporate sponsors including McDonald’s and OG&E, for the annual program’s official launch at Townsend Elementary in Del City. Students and staff were treated to the McReady Weather Safety Show featuring KOCO Chief Meteorologist Rick Mitchell, OG&E’s Lineman Larry and Ronald McDonald.
“When it comes to Oklahoma weather, from tornadoes to floods to damaging windstorms, it seems we’re never too far from an emergency or disaster,” said Gov. Fallin. “The good news is there are steps we can all take now to keep our families safe, and that’s what this campaign is about.”
The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command partners with the state for disaster awareness and response. Whether wildfires scorch neighborhoods or a tornado hits a populated area, The Salvation Army is ready to respond with our Emergency Canteen, providing food, drinks, relief and hope to rescue workers and victims alike.
The program features displays in more than 170 McDonald’s restaurants throughout the state during the month of April – which the governor proclaimed McReady Oklahoma Family Preparedness Month. Informational materials focusing on floods, tornadoes, lightning, emergency preparedness and NOAA all hazards weather alert radios are available as part of the program. Customers will see severe-weather themed tray liners and drive-thru bag stuffers throughout the month-long campaign.
“We’ve known for years that preparedness is the key to saving lives when it comes to severe weather,” said Albert Ashwood, director of the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM). “The McReady program allows us to drive the message home and better prepare individuals, families and entire communities.”
In addition to OEM and the Oklahoma Emergency Management Association, McReady partners include the American Red Cross, R.D. Flanagan & Associates, the Office of Gov. Mary Fallin, KOCO Channel 5, KOTV Channel 6, KRMG Radio, McDonald’s Owners/Operators, MOROCH, National Weather Service, OG&E Electric Services, Oklahoma Citizen Corps, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, Oklahoma Floodplain Managers Association, The Oklahoman, Salvation Army and Tulsa Partners Inc.
The McReady Weather Safety Show is also scheduled for other schools including those in Midwest City, Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
For more information regarding McReady Oklahoma, visit
www.mcready.org or contact McReady@oem.ok.gov
Salvation Army Central Oklahoma 