Across Oklahoma in May and June, Mother Nature showed her ability to unleash powerful forces. Individuals, businesses and government were all affected by storms that highlight why we need to take seriously our preparedness efforts.

September is National Preparedness Month and many helpful resources can be found at www.ready.gov. Additionally, your local emergency management office is a place where you can find a wealth of road-tested advice on how to be ready and what to prepare for in your specific area.

“This is the time each year that we place emphasis on preparedness and work to encourage citizens and businesses to engage in activities to be better prepared for when an emergency or disaster strikes,” said LeFlore County Emergency Management Director Michael Davidson. “Being informed starts with knowing what hazards may impact you, knowing what the threats are where you live and work, and knowing how to plan and prepare for those threats.”

The storms Oklahoma weathered this year brought a great deal of rain and destruction. Many parts of our district experienced everything from heavy flooding to tornadoes. Tragically, lives were lost. Communities and residents are still cleaning up from the damage or coping with recovery issues. Counties and local governments are continuing to assess and rebuild lost infrastructure. And, my office is assisting in whatever capacity we can.

“It’s amazing how strong and dangerous the water is,” reflected Wade Patterson, McCurtain County Emergency Management Deputy Director, whose county was hit hard by flooding, including the loss of family homes and damage to businesses. “It takes with it whatever it wants to.”

Lynn White, co-owner of Eufaula Cove Marina in Eufaula said the flooding severely impacted the marina he had purchased shortly before the heavy rains started in May. White now knows first-hand the importance of businesses also being prepared for disasters. And, as he continues recovery efforts, White said they are taking steps to prepare for any future floods.

Another part of being storm-ready is to understand the importance of warning signs and barricades for high water on roads. Officials want the public to be safe.

“We do it (put up signs and barricades) because the water is coming up and we don’t know how high it will get up to,” said Marshall County and City of Madill Emergency Management Director Hubert Weaver.

Please set aside time this month to take action and prepare yourself, your family or your business for future natural disasters. As Oklahomans well know, disasters can strike at any time.

My offices in both Oklahoma and Washington are here to continue providing support however we can. Please do not hesitate to contact us in Muskogee at (918) 687-2533, McAlester at (918) 423-5951, or in Washington at (202) 225-2701.

I pray that you and your family will be prepared and safe when the next natural disaster strikes.