Ready Okaloosa

About the Program

Category: Risk and Emergency Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2009

“Ready Okaloosa,” a hurricane preparedness program, is designed as an outreach to County residents and businesses in order to assist them in preparing for a severe weather event. The program allows residents to register with the Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, and receive valuable planning and preparation materials. The materials are customized for each resident by utilizing the address of the resident as a reference point. This reference point allows the county to identify the possible impacts from a hurricane or other severe storm that a specific resident may experience. Each registered resident or business is then mailed individual packets that detail their evacuation zone, flood plain, and needed planning materials. The program allows the County to prepare for shelter support by identifying residents who plan to go to public shelters. With possible shelter numbers clearly identified, the County and the American Red Cross are able to effectively plan for shelter support required for disaster operations.