Agencies Test Communication Techniques For Disaster Preparedness

Emergency agencies across Oklahoma are in Tulsa Thursday testing disaster communication equipment at the 2016 Interoperable Communications Black Box Rodeo.

The training helps ensure communication runs smoothly during times of disaster. 

The training, which was hosted by the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security and the Oklahoma Communications Unit Committee, was held at the Tulsa State Fairgrounds. 

About 12 local, state and tribal agencies attended the disaster training. Many brought out the large command centers that are used when Oklahoma is hit with major devastation.

The setup is similar to what you may see following a deadly bombing, tornado or even earthquake. 

When first responders move in, they often come from all over the state. Being able to communicate is paramount. 

Many agencies communicate through radio systems but not always on the same frequency. 

So now they are testing out if they can pick up on the frequencies or sync their systems. Organizers said it's great to test it out now instead of finding out there's a problem in the middle of an actual tragedy.

"You think about all the things that could happen in Oklahoma alone that have gone on even before the earthquakes started, we get tornados, we get ice storms anything that is going to decimate a community that's why these people are here," said Tulsa Police Officer Demita Kinard. 

The disaster training is held in Oklahoma every year, but this is the first time it's been held in eastern Oklahoma.