Beginning this year, cities and towns throughout Oklahoma will be required to develop emergency evacuation plans under a new law signed recently by Gov. Brad Henry. State Sen. Kenneth Corn is author of Senate Bill 1709, which Corn says better protect Oklahoma citizens in the face of a large-scale disaster.
“We all saw what happened following Hurricane Katrina. Many of those who died would probably still be alive if there had been better emergency planning before the disaster hit,” said Corn, D-Poteau. “The purpose of this legislation is to help prevent our communities from repeating those fatal mistakes.”
While the state already requires some entities, such as nursing homes to have an evacuation plan, there have been reports that some of those plans are inadequate to ensure the health and safety of residents.
“Many have a plan to get their patients out of those facilities, but they haven’t worked out where they’ll take them beyond that,” Corn said. “And in many cases, the local emergency management teams don’t have any information about those plans. By requiring all incorporated jurisdictions to fully develop emergency evacuation plans, we’ll have better communication and coordination, and that’s going to save lives.”
The new law takes effect on Nov. 1, 2006.
Source: Oklahoma Senate
Daredevil CEOs May Put Companies at Risk
California Independent Contractor Law May Be Liability for Agents, Brokers
North Carolina Continues Auto Regulation Debate As Rates Stay Same for 2012
Long-time California Lobbyist Looks to 2012 Legislation Affecting Insurance
Mine Safety Chief Seeks to End Complacency Over Safety
Virginia Court Grants Rehearing of Global Warming Claims Case
Woman Takes Honda to Small-Claims, Wins Big
Federal Insurance Office Says Overdue Regulation Report Still Weeks Away
