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The Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security (OKOHS) is urging Oklahomans across the state to "Resolve to be Ready" for 2009. This New Year's Resolution can be easily kept by following Ready Oklahoma's three easy steps: 1) Make a kit, 2) Have a plan and 3) Be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur in your neighborhood and community.

"Homeland security begins at home which is why we are encouraging Oklahomans to take on this New Year's Resolution," said Kerry Pettingill, Oklahoma Homeland Security Director. "Preparing for emergencies, especially this time of year, is critical. Think back to last year's devastating ice storm. That storm was a prime example of the importance of having an emergency supply kit. Any disaster will be less stressful if you know you have the right supplies."

MAKE A KIT: During these hard economic times, building an emergency supply kit may seem overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be too expensive or time consuming. Instead of buying all of the items for your kit at once, pick up a few extra items each time you go to the store. You'll have a fully stocked kit in no time without draining your pocketbook.

HAVE A PLAN: Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to plan in advance. You should identify an out-of-town contact because long distance calls may be easier to make during an emergency than calling across town. Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has coins or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. It may be difficult getting through, or the telephone system may be down altogether, so be patient.

BE INFORMED: Learn more about the potential emergencies that could happen where you live and the appropriate way to respond to them.
Please visit www.ready.ok.gov to learn more about how to prepare for emergencies including what to have in your emergency supply kit. You can also download free materials, including family emergency plan templates and sample business continuity plans.

Please visit www.ready.ok.gov to learn more about how to prepare for emergencies including what to have in your emergency supply kit. You can also download free materials, including family emergency plan templates and sample business continuity plans.