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OSU-OKC Recognized for Weather Safety Efforts

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 11, 2023) – OSU-OKC has been recognized for its efforts in weather safety.  The National Weather Service’s Norman Forecast Office StormReady® Advisory Board recently re-recognized the Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City campus as StormReady®.

 

Richard D. Smith, Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service, congratulated OSU-OKC in a letter to Scott LaPlant, Safety and Security Manager/Interim Director of Security at OSU-OKC.

 

“The faculty, staff and students at OSU-OKC should be very proud of this accomplishment,” Smith wrote. “This StormReady recognition indicates that you have taken extra steps to be ready to handle weather emergencies.”

 

According to the National Weather Service, some 98 percent of all Presidentially declared disasters are weather related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage. The StormReady program helps arm America's communities with the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property before, during and after the event.

To be officially StormReady, a community must:

  • Establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center
  • Have more than one way to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts and to alert the public
  • Create a system that monitors weather conditions locally
  • Promote the importance of public readiness through community seminars
  • Develop a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.

   “Being located in central Oklahoma, we know there is always a chance severe weather could impact our campus,” LaPlant said. “We wanted to do everything possible to be prepared for such incidents if they should occur, to give us the best chance to keep our faculty, staff and students safe in an emergency.”

 

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About Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City

Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC) is part of the modern land-grant system of Oklahoma State University. OSU-OKC is a two-year public institution, offering more than 40 degrees and certificate options. Through quality education, a supportive environment, leadership training and service opportunities, OSU-OKC trains students to work and educates them to lead. OSU-OKC graduates are found throughout the community serving as police officers, firefighters, nurses, teachers, healthcare professionals and business owners. More information is available at www.osuokc.edu.