The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) launched a new statewide training program aimed at strengthening recovery capabilities among local governments and partner organizations.
The training is open to emergency managers, municipal and county officials and staff, Tribal Nations, electric cooperative representatives, floodplain managers, and others involved in disaster recovery operations.
“Strong recovery efforts depend on informed local partners,” said Annie Mack Vest, OEM Executive Director. “These trainings are designed to give communities practical tools and a clearer understanding of the recovery process before the next disaster happens.”
Sessions will cover key recovery topics, including:
- Disaster declaration process and thresholds
- Preliminary damage assessments
- FEMA Public Assistance program
- Resilience and recovery planning
“Disaster declarations and recovery resources depend on identified damage thresholds and documentation requirements,” said Vest. “This training helps local partners understand how those determinations are made and what information is needed to connect communities with available state and federal assistance.”
The current workshop schedule is included below. Additional workshops are currently being scheduled.
June 11, 2026, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Muskogee Civic Center, 425 Boston, Muskogee
*Registration is closed for this workshop
August 25, 2026, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pioneer Center, 3401 Centennial Drive, Woodward
Register: https://forms.office.com/g/hm3PS79gNg
September 9, 2026, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Meridian Technology Center, 3025 S. Division St, Guthrie
Register: https://forms.office.com/g/gDbDv7yztJ
October 6, 2026, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Great Plains Business Development Center, 1601 Park Ridge Blvd., Lawton
Register: https://forms.office.com/g/VzYhqingS6
January 14, 2027, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pittsburg Co. EOC, 705 EOC Drive, McAlester
Register: https://forms.office.com/g/urGnUJSp6u
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