Oklahoma Storm 2010??

What is wrong with this picture?

January 27, 2010 Gov Brad Henry, Oklahoma declares a State of Emergency for all 77 Oklahoma counties as state officials continued their emergency response preparations.

The storm has not even reached Oklahoma yet, and our Governor is declaring a State of Emergency?

Then on Friday, January 29, 2010, as reported by newsok.com:

As heavy snow fell across much of Oklahoma on Friday, Gov. Brad Henry asked the White House to approve an emergency disaster declaration request for all 77 counties.

If Henry’s request is approved, state and local governments will be reimbursed for storm-related expenses, including paying overtime, operating shelters and clearing roads of ice and snow. It also will cover the use of bottled water and industrial sized generators secured from a federal agency.

I find it rather odd that you declare a State of Emergency before a “disaster” has even happened. And for all 77 counties?

If request is approved, reimbursed for storm related expenses? Winter arrives once a year every year. Did the state and local governments forget to budget for possible winter emergencies?

The National Weather Service was warning Oklahoman’s of the coming storm 3-5 days before it hit Oklahoma. Each and every one of us should have been making preparations for possible power outages, icy road conditions, heavy snow falls, (the largest accumulation of snowfall from the storm in was only 8 inches).

Common sense tells me that if a storm is on its way you make sure you have enough food to feed yourselves should you not be able to leave your home. You have enough water stored, should the water system freeze or fail. You have candles, blankets, alternate heating sources should there be power outages. You check on your neighbors, especially the elderly to make sure they make it through the storm. Neighbors helping neighbors.

Governor Brad Henry sets a poor example of Oklahoman’s taking care of Oklahoman’s. He sets a poor example by asking for Federal aid.

Bottom line folks, each and every one of you need to take responsibility for ones own self!