Emergency Management Week is March 20 through March 26
Oklahoma Emergency Management Week is March 20-26 - News Release
In March, emergency managers will have an opportunity to participate in an important event when March 20-26 is designated Oklahoma Emergency Management Week 2011. As part of the week-long celebration, the Oklahoma Emergency Management Association will host a Day at the Capitol and Legislative Reception for Oklahoma State Senators and Representatives on Wednesday, March 23. In addition to the events planned at the state level, our hope is that you will plan activities locally to honor Emergency Management Week.
Day at the Capitol
Plan now to join emergency managers from across Oklahoma at the State Capitol on Wednesday, March 23. The Day at the Capitol event will begin at the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 9:30 a.m. with a legislative briefing and emergency management updates will follow.
In the afternoon, the event will continue at the State Capitol with a reception from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. As an emergency manager, you are the one your legislators need to hear from and this event makes it easy for you to participate in the legislative process.
Now is a good time to contact your representative and senator. Let them know you’ll be at the State Capitol on March 23rd and invite them to attend the OEMA Reception that afternoon. We’ve even included a sample letter for your use in inviting your legislators.
Following is a schedule of events for the Day at the Capitol on March 23rd.
9:30 a.m. Legislative Briefings begin at State EOC
10:30 a.m. Emergency Management Updates
Albert Ashwood, OEM Director
David Barnes, OEMA President
11:00 a.m. Lunch
12:30 p.m. Meet at the State Capitol
1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Legislative Reception - 4th Floor Rotunda, State Capitol
Please let us know if you plan to attend Day at the Capitol by calling the state office at (405) 521-2481 no later than March 16.
Local Events
Local activities recognizing Oklahoma Emergency Management Week are also important for the success of the event. We urge you to take advantage of this opportunity to shine the spotlight on emergency management efforts in your community. Having your governing body adopt a proclamation establishing Emergency Management Week locally is a great first step. This would be a good time to show off your EOC with an open house and recognize your emergency management employees and volunteers. And, might we suggest taking your emergency preparedness message to local radio talk shows and schools. To assist you with these local efforts, we’ve attached a sample proclamation and a list of talking points.
If you plan an event, please notify OEM Public Information Manager Michelann Ooten, at the office 405-521-2481 or at michelann.ooten@oem.ok.gov. That way she can help spread the word about what you and other emergency managers will be doing during Oklahoma Emergency Management Week 2011.
Sincerely,
Albert Ashwood
Director
Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management
David Barnes
President
Oklahoma Emergency Management Association
Director
Oklahoma County Emergency Management
PARKING
Please note, visitor parking at is now located on the west side of the Will Rogers Building however only two-hour parking is allowed there and this is strictly enforced.
Visitor parking for throughout the day is available in the parking lot northwest of the Tax Commission Building on the west side of southbound Lincoln Boulevard. To enter the parking lot, take NE 27th Street west off southbound Lincoln Boulevard.
Take the elevated walkway to cross Lincoln Boulevard. Continue outside past the Tax Commission Building south to the Will Rogers Building. Once inside, take the elevator to the basement, turn to your left and take the tunnel. Down the hall on your left you’ll see the State Emergency Operations Center.
