Emergency Operations Planning (EOP) Project for OJA
OKLAHOMA CITY, November 23, 2016 - Oklahomans are no strangers to natural disasters, two of the
highest F-rated tornadoes (1999 & 2013) occurred in Oklahoma; and residents have
recovered from ice storms and even devastating floods. With this in mind, the
Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) is working to improve its emergency response
thanks to a federal grant.
“We have children
who are in secure facilities and group homes, away from their communities and
families; this plan will be used to
implement an alternative communications system so that loved ones can check on the safety and health of their
children worldwide.
We currently have emergency plans but additional steps in Emergency Operations
Planning can help prepare staff at all the facilities, and
ensure the continuity of those important services,” said Anna Kelly OJA Assistant
Deputy Division Director for Community Support.
An Emergency Operations Planning (EOP) task-force will be
charged with developing, publishing and disseminating a coordinated statewide
EOP plan. Upon the completion of this statewide EOP, the task-force will
develop a comprehensive training curriculum for facility staff and
residents. This EOP will strengthen facility preparedness to respond and
continue operations during an emergency event.
“Our kids
are trauma sensitive and a natural disaster, even an imminent one like a
tornado warning can trigger anxiety; so an additional benefit of this grant is to
help us plan how we can minimize the impact of any further trauma to the kids or
the staff who work with them,” said Paula Christiansen, OJA Public Information
Officer.
Through the grant, OJA will develop plans and purchase preparedness
resources that support the standards developed by FEMA, the Red Cross and other
crisis response organizations. The agency will equip facilities with EMT
medical kits, trauma kits, generators and communication devices such as two-way
radios.
"Training and drills specific to the plans need to be in place. We
hope to have many of these completed before next spring and are looking forward to sitting down with our
staff, strategic partners, and our contracting service providers to
coordinate these efforts,” added Kelly.
For more information on the Office of Juvenile Affairs,
please visit www.ok.gov/oja.
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For additional information, contact:
Paula Christiansen/Public Information Officer
(405) 530-2814 Office / (405) 620-6483 Cell
About the Office of Juvenile Affairs
The
Office of Juvenile Affairs is a state agency entrusted by the people of
Oklahoma to provide professional prevention, education, and treatment services
as well as secure facilities for juveniles in order to promote public safety
and reduce juvenile delinquency.
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