Gov. Brad Henry has kicked off of the McReady statewide severe weather preparedness campaign – a public-private partnership designed to prepare families and communities for emergencies and to increase awareness of severe weather threats.

City, county and state emergency management officials, along with volunteer response agencies and associations joined corporate sponsors including McDonald’s for the annual program’s official launch. “In Oklahoma, we’ve seen more than our share of destruction caused by tornadoes and severe weather,” said Gov. Henry. “But many of us have also learned that being prepared and knowing what to do before the storm hits saves lives. That’s what this campaign is all about.”

The program features displays in more than 160 McDonald's restaurants throughout the state during the month of April – which the governor proclaimed McReady Oklahoma Family Preparedness Month. Informational materials focusing on floods, tornadoes, lightning, emergency preparedness and NOAA weather radios are available as part of the program. Customers will see severe-weather themed tray liners and drive-thru bag stuffers throughout the 30-day campaign. In addition to maintaining the displays, many emergency managers are holding events locally as part of McReady.

 “We’ve known for years that preparedness is the key to saving lives when it comes to severe weather,” said Albert Ashwood, director of the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM). “The McReady program allows us to drive the message home and better prepare individuals, families and entire communities.”

For more information, contact McReady@oem.ok.gov