Florida Emergency Officials Stand Ready To Assist Oklahoma Tornado Survivors

TALLAHASSEE – Emergency officials from across Florida stand ready to assist those affected by the Oklahoma tornado. The Florida State Emergency Response Team is in communication with emergency officials in Oklahoma and is working through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact to support response efforts.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by yesterday’s tornado in Oklahoma,” said Bryan W. Koon, Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “Our teams are actively working through the proper channels to support the survivors and first responders as they work to respond to and recover from this devastating event.”

All Floridians can help the survivors of this event by donating through established relief organizations. Donating cash through established relief organizations allows for versatility to meet needs as they arise.  If you have goods to donate, be sure to confirm the need through a relief organization before donating.

“The best way people can help is to send a cash donation to an established relief agency,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Chester Spellman. “Material donations have to be sorted and transported, which can create more work for emergency responders. Cash is versatile, effective and meets survivors’ needs as quickly as possible.”

Floridians who wish to assist those impacted by the Oklahoma tornado are encouraged to follow the “3 C’s” Cash, Confirm, and Connect.

CASH – Financial gifts are the best way to immediately help survivors. Donate to an established relief organization. For a complete list of established relief organizations, visit: www.nvoad.org/members.

CONFIRM – A community hit by disaster does not have the time, staffing or money to dispose of unneeded donations. Confirm any and all donations are needed before sending.

CONNECT – Volunteers are a critical part of disaster response and recovery, but it is important to get connected to an established relief organization before traveling to impacted areas to help.

For more information about how severe weather can affect Florida, and to Get A Plan!, visit www.FloridaDisaster.org, and follow FDEM on Twitter at @FLSERT, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FloridaSERT and www.Facebook.com/KidsGetAPlan.