Oklahoma communities tied to response system

Monday, July 11th 2005, 11:04 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State Homeland Security officials say cities and towns across Oklahoma are starting to receive decontamination trailers as part of the state's regional response system.

The trailers were delivered Monday in Blackwell, Broken Bow, Duncan, Washita County, Henryetta and El Reno.

Homeland Security Director Kerry Pettingill says the units are placed in strategic locations in the state to be sure equipment and personnel are available in case of natural disaster, hazardous material spill or terror attack. He says the regional response system is designed to give Oklahomans security and peace of mind.

The regional system will eventually include emergency response vehicles; two mass decontamination units; and two urban search and rescue trailers.

Other towns and counties scheduled to receive the decontamination trailers by August first are Pauls Valley, Bixby, Sallisaw, Ponca City, Muskogee County, Owasso, Washington County and Guthrie. Also, the UKB Cherokee Indians, Yukon, Pocola, Lavern, Atoka County, Thomas, Jones, Newalla, Grant and Delaware County.