McReady Program Promotes Tornado Safety In Tulsa Schools

By Craig Day, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Tulsa Public Schools is working on what is called a hazard mitigation plan for the district. What it means is safer kids and the chance of getting federal money for weather safety initiatives.

The children at Tulsa's Eugene Field Elementary, like many Oklahoma students, are taking part in tornado drills. With tornado season here, Oklahoma's Office of Emergency Management wants all schools statewide to be prepared.

The McReady Program is helping, and April is the perfect time for a reminder.

"The majority of tornados in Oklahoma occur - if you have to single out one month - it's in May," said Michelann Ooten, Office of Emergency Management.

Oklahoma averages 20 tornados each May, with a high year of 90.

Eugene Field Elementary's emergency preparedness plan is something Tulsa Public Schools wants to duplicate for other schools.

Each teacher has a manual, which is like their tornado Bible, with info on what to do during severe weather.

"If all students are accounted for in their class, they show green. If one child is missing they show red," said Cindi Hemm, Eugene Field principal.

Eugene Fields' plan includes safety procedures, first aid information, contacts for parents and more.

"Our emergency management throughout entire district is going to every single school and looking at their plan and what they're doing is combining the best of the best," Hemm said.

Once that's done, TPS will be eligible to apply for federal hazard mitigation funds from FEMA.

"To ramp up their ability to make their schools safer," said Bob Roberts, Mitigation Plan Consultant.

For the kids at Eugene Field, their drill came together quickly. One minute and 12 seconds, to be exact.

They're learning a lot through their severe weather lessons and the McReady campaign.

This month, you'll find weather safety info at more than 190 McDonald's in Oklahoma as part of McReady.

You also have a chance to win a weather radio on NewsOn6.com.