Emergency Phone Numbers Put To Reality Check

By Dan Bewley and Scott Thompson, News On 6

TULSA, OK -- It was a year ago when a massive ice storm shut down much of northeastern Oklahoma, leaving thousands in the dark and wondering where to turn for help.

When an emergency strikes it's important to know about the options available for those in need. In Green Country there are three phone numbers you should know.

The first is for residents in the City of Tulsa. It's the Mayor's Action Center at 596-2100. It can help you with anything related to the City of Tulsa, such as information on shelters, power outages or when storm debris is scheduled to be removed.

If you live outside of Tulsa city limits, you can call 211. The non-profit helpline is operated in every Oklahoma county.

In case of an emergency it can help you find shelters, as well as advice and information from your local health department.

211 works closely with emergency management and the Red Cross to pass on information about basic needs during a disaster.

The other number is simply 911, but it should only be used if you need immediate help. Operators there cannot help with shelters or other information.