Oklahoma to Host Nation’s Largest Summit on Tornado Preparedness

 

For Immediate Release: February 29, 2012        Contact: Leah Scoles | leah.scoles@oid.ok.gov I (405) 521-2339

 

Oklahoma to Host Nation’s Largest Summit on Tornado Preparedness

National Meteorologist, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Leaders, Oklahoma Governor, Lt. Governor and Insurance Commissioner will address more than 700 insurance professionals

 

The Oklahoma Insurance Department, National Weather Center in Norman, OK, and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners are partnering to host the first-ever National Tornado Preparedness Summit in Oklahoma City.

The goal of the summit is to use lessons learned from past disasters and share knowledge of state-of-the-art programs to improve mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery to save lives and property. In addition, the conference will serve as a national forum for federal, state and local officials to exchange ideas and recommend new policies to improve emergency management.

“I am excited that we are going to have more than 700 insurance agents, adjusters, company representatives, local/state leaders and insurance regulators together for a first-of-its-kind event,” said Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak.

“The Tornado Summit Planning Committee has worked diligently to arrange for a wonderful lineup of speakers,” said co-chair of the Oklahoma Catastrophe Task Force Kim Decker. “Nationally recognized meteorologist Jim Cantore from The Weather Channel, Director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security National Communication Systems Allen Woodhouse, world-renowned social media strategist and speaker Crystal Washington, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and Lt. Governor Todd Lamb are among the long list of outstanding presenters,” she added.

The summit will cover all aspects of tornado mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. “Having experts representing more than 20 states at the summit will allow for a perfect opportunity to discuss lessons learned from previous tornado disasters and share best practices on how to help the public before and after tornados strike.” said co-chair of the Oklahoma Catastrophe Task Force, John Wiscaver.

Attendees will also be allowed to tour the National Weather Center in Norman, OK. The National Weather Center houses a unique confederation of University of Oklahoma, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and state organizations that have worked together in partnership to improve understanding of events occurring in the earth’s atmosphere over a wide range of time and space scales.

“Oklahoma is a state with one of the highest occurrences of tornados, and the close proximity of the National Weather Center in Norman makes Oklahoma City the perfect location to host the National Tornado Preparedness Summit,” said Doak.

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Click here to hear Jim Cantore Speak about the National Tornado Preparedness Summit

Click here to hear Crystal Washington Speak about the National Tornado Preparedness Summit