Preparing For Natural Disasters

Experts offer advice for Oklahomans who don't want to be caught off guard by another winter storm. The Red Cross is offering disaster preparedness classes, and some retailers are saying now is the

Saturday, January 27th 2007, 5:06 pm

By: News On 6

Experts offer advice for Oklahomans who don't want to be caught off guard by another winter storm. The Red Cross is offering disaster preparedness classes, and some retailers are saying now is the time to buy a generator.

News on 6 reporter Chris Wright explains.

"There's definitely a need out there for people to learn how to be prepared," said GT Bynum with the American Red Cross.

The Red Cross was all over Green Country during the ice storm, setting up shelters and delivering free meals to the displaced. Its members say the most common complaint they heard from people was "we weren't prepared for this."

In order to ensure that everyone prepared next time, the Red Cross is encouraging anyone interested to attend its disaster preparedness class, "Ready When the Time Comes."

"Hopefully what people got out of this is the need to learn more,â€ said Bynum. â€œI can say for myself personally I did. I think we can all learn more about how we can be better prepared."

Those who attend the class can also purchase a first aid kit, which the Red Cross says comes with some essential first aid items. The kits will be available at a cost of about $10, and they have everything you need in case you get stuck in another storm.

At Clifford Power Systems employees tell us people have approached them, saying they want to buy a generator in order to be prepared in the event of another storm.

The larger models will set you back $10,000 plus another several thousand for the installation.

"Usually we don't see this type of activity in the winter time, so it is a random act of business if you will," Brian Gewart with Clifford Power Systems said.

And while the generators are pricey, as the ice storm showed us, you can never be too prepared.

Clifford Power Systems says they do have several smaller, more affordable generators as well.

If you would like more information on the Red Cross' â€œReady When the Time Comesâ€ class you can give them a call at 918-831-1186, or visit their website www.tulsaredcross.org