Oklahoma Task Force Groups Begin 3-Day Operational Readiness Program

Starting Tuesday, Oklahoma Task Force groups from across the state will start a three-day operational readiness program to help prepare for any situation they may be called to. More than 500 members will be participating in the simulations such as natural disasters or large-scale triage type events.

Terry Sivadon with Oklahoma Task Force One in Tulsa said this isn’t just training since these members already know what they are doing, this is about going above and beyond when it comes to being prepared.

“Just like a live incident, you really don’t know what you’re getting into until you get there,” Sivadon said. “So this scenario will run the exact same way and they will get their assignments and work until the job is done.”

The groups will be stationed at different parks and locations through the city for various ropes courses, damage assessments, search and rescue events, and more to sharpen their quick-thinking skills. The actual details of the simulations won’t be released until later on, in order to maintain the element of surprise for those participating.

State-wide communication is also being tested during these three days. Sivadon said they have communication posts with radios set up at every location to test the equipment and the skill sets.

Sivadon told News On 6 that the training is done every two years to make sure task forces know what to do if the worst thing imaginable happens in your neighborhood.

“Some smaller teams may not get to go out as often a we do so that is why we are doing the big lift for them and helping them to make sure they are ready when they are called,” Sivadon said.

Sivadon says drills like these are what could be the difference between life and death when it comes to being ready in a catastrophe in someone’s neighborhood.