Oklahoma Hosted Nation’s Largest Summit on Tornado Preparedness

 

For Release: March 19, 2012     Contact: Leah Scoles - leah.scoles@oid.ok.gov I (405) 521-2339

 

Oklahoma Hosted Nation’s Largest Summit on Tornado Preparedness

National Meteorologist, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Leaders, Oklahoma Governor, Lt. Governor and Insurance Commissioner Addressed over 800 Insurance Professionals

 

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

The goal of the summit was 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. The conference also served as a national forum for federal, state, and local officials to exchange ideas and recommend new policies to improve emergency management.

“It was exciting to have more than 800 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 Summit covered all aspects of tornado mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. “Having experts representing more than 25 states at the summit allowed for wonderful discussions on lessons learned from previous tornado disasters and the sharing of best practices.” said co-chair of the Oklahoma Catastrophe Task Force, John Wiscaver. “We are also proud of the significant economic impact Oklahoma City gained as a result of this summit.” Wiscaver added.

“With speakers such as nationally recognized meteorologist Jim Cantore from The Weather Channel, world-renowned social media strategist and speaker Crystal Washington, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and Lt. Governor Todd Lamb the Tornado Summit was destined to be a success,” said Kim Decker, Co-Chair of the Oklahoma Catastrophe Task Force.

Proceeds from the summit were given to support three great organizations. The American Red Cross, The University of Oklahoma’s Lindsey + Asp, a student ran public relations and advertising firm, and the Oklahoma State University Center on the Study of Disasters and Extreme Events all received contributions.

“Oklahoma City was the perfect location to host the inaugural National Tornado Summit. The National Tornado Summit 2013 will be held in Oklahoma City March 10-12, 2013 and will have more components including a day for the general public, and more breakout sessions specifically designed for emergency managers, first responders, re insurers, law enforcement, and the military”, said Doak.

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