Officials urge being prepared for natural disaster Published Sept. 15, 2008 By Brandice Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Acquire a kit. Strategise an escape plan. Be informed. September is "Oklahoma Preparedness Month." Throughout the Sooner state, officials are promoting awareness to weather-related hazards through various events. Tinker officials said they also want to get the word out. "Oklahoma is subject to a lot of natural disasters including tornadoes and floods," said Lt. Col. Thomas Painter, 72nd Air Base Wing Safety chief. "Anything that people can do to prepare themselves for the worst, always improves their chances of success." Situated in the middle of the state, the Oklahoma City metro is prone to an array of natural hazards. Aside from tornadoes and floods, others include ice storms, thunderstorms, fires, drought, and hail storms. To prepare for the possibilities, officials are encouraging residents to make or get an emergency kit to hold essential items until help arrives. Kit items may include non-perishable foods, water, first-aid supplies, duct tape, and blankets - which provide warmth, shade or protection against the elements and damaged belongings. "Not only should you have a kit for your home, but it's always good to have a kit for your car," the colonel said. "It's just thinking about where and how you can be exposed to potential problems and then get prepared for them. A lot of people don't take the time to do that." Colonel Painter said car kits should also include flares and jumper cables, in addition to items typically found in home kits. To best be prepared for natural hazards, residents should plan an escape plan and stay informed about potential dangers. An escape plan should include a route out of the home, a place to go, paperwork to bring, and a care plan for pets, should they not be allowed in shelters or are left behind. "Family communication is an important thing to set up," said Steve Ferreira, 72nd ABW Readiness Emergency manager. Not all natural hazards require the same escape plan. Others may require an individual to stay put. If the natural hazard is severe enough to cause destruction in the streets or require emergency vehicles, Mr. Ferreira said it is imperative to stay out of their way and away from the damaged areas. "Stay at home, wait for emergency responders to give you direction," Mr. Ferreira said. "Don't go out and sightsee. Let the emergency responders do what they need to do." Colonel Painter agreed. "Remain calm," he said. "You'll get a lot more done with a calm, level head than you will without one."