OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- September is National Preparedness Month and The Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (Faithlinks) will host a “Be Ready” campaign for disaster and emergency preparedness. The campaign stresses the importance of being prepared in the event of severe weather, a hazardous material incident, terrorist attack or other emergency situation. 

Since 2007, Oklahoma has received an unprecedented 12 presidential disaster declarations for flooding, tornadoes and other severe weather.  Families, faith congregations and communities need to be informed, involved and ready for local and national emergencies. The Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives has partnered with various preparedness groups and government agencies to encourage families, faith congregations and community organizations to plan for emergency preparedness.

During September, families are encouraged to assemble a 3-day emergency preparedness kit and have a plan for communicating with each other. Faith congregations are encouraged to identify both at-risk individuals and local resources and to use their facilities for disaster response trainings or shelters. Communities should create partnerships for a comprehensive response and coordinated evacuation as necessary. 

Sept. 26-27 has been designated as Be Ready Sunday/Weekend for churches, synagogues, mosques and other religious organizations to promote awareness and preparedness. Be Ready information cards have been developed by the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and are available for distribution by faith congregations or other community organizations. 

To request literature, more information or engage your faith/community organization in a time of crisis, visit www.faithlinksok.org/FeaturedEvents.htm (Link opens in new window), e-mail info@faithlinksok.org, or call (405) 522-0606.

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