The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service (OCES) Disaster Education and Assistance Team (DEAT) provides coordination for disaster education programs for extension audiences; organizes training programs for OCES professionals; and serves as a point of contact for outside agencies. The OCES DEAT has the following objectives:
Pre-Incident:
Preparedness and Mitigation
Disaster training for OCES staff
Disaster education programming for extension clientele
Incident: Response
Coordinate with first responders, enforcement and regulatory agencies
Disseminate official information to OCES field staff
Gather intelligence on local situation and needs
Coordinate OCES response activities
Secure OCES staff safety and support field office functions
Post-Incident: Recovery
Assist outside agencies with recovery programs and services
Coordinate OCES educational programs to facilitate business, family, and community recovery
Ensure OCES staff recovery and well-being
The OCES DEAT anticipates education and assistance needs for all hazards including natural disasters; agroterrorism and criminal incidents; plant and animal disease outbreaks; and accidents, contaminations, and toxic spills. The OCES DEAT consists of a broad range of specialists to ensure comprehensive consideration of the implications of any type of disaster. The DEAT consists of a team leader and the following members:
- Communication Specialist
- Animal Disease Specialists
- Plant Disease Specialists
- 4H/Youth Specialists
- Animal Systems Coordinators
- Plant/Soil Systems Coordinators
- Economics/Rural Development Coordinators
- Family and Consumer Science Coordinators
