City Remains Ready to Respond to Emergencies; Search for Permanent Emergency Management Director to Begin July 1
In an executive order signed earlier today, Mayor Monroe Nichols announced the establishment of the City of Tulsa Department of Emergency Management - a move that creates a dedicated department responsible for coordinating emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience efforts for the City of Tulsa.
Leading up to the announcement today, the City worked with county and state partners and looked at best practices across the country for the City’s new chapter in emergency management. The department represents the next step in a monthslong effort to establish a modern emergency management structure with clear lines of responsibility, dedicated leadership, and enhanced coordination with local, state, tribal, and federal partners.
Mayor Nichols said the City arrived at this moment after taking a hard look at what emergency management should look like for a city of Tulsa’s size and the specific needs of Tulsa serving as the region’s urban core. Whether it’s natural disasters or current-day emergencies such as cyber attacks, Tulsa has averaged roughly one major emergency requiring large-scale response every year.
“Ultimately, our community deserves the best response possible when it comes to emergency response. I've seen firsthand the needs of our community following a disaster and I’ve also seen just how hard our City employees work during these events. From winter weather when I first took office, to standing in the completely destroyed Tulsa Tech North Peoria Campus after the tornado this spring, I've seen the dedication of our teams and the strain these events have on our residents and our response teams,” Mayor Nichols said. “And while our response has always been strong to these types of events, emergencies take their toll on those impacted, and the employees, who deserve dedicated support from professionals inside the organization whose sole responsibility is emergency management.”
Following approval of the FY27 budget last night, the creation of this department by executive order will further allow the City to implement the approved budget and move ahead with this important public safety initiative when the new fiscal year begins July 1.
"Emergency management is about far more than responding when disaster strikes," Tulsa Public Safety Commissioner Laurel Roberts said. "It's about ensuring our city is prepared, resilient, and ready to protect residents and maintain essential services no matter what challenges arise. By establishing a dedicated department, we're creating a structure that reflects state and national best practices and ensures Tulsa has the focus, coordination, and accountability necessary to serve our community for years to come."
Emergency Preparedness & Response Remains Strong
As the City launches a search for a permanent emergency management director beginning in July, Tulsa's Public Safety Commissioner Laurel Roberts will continue serving in the interim emergency management role.
During this time, and as has been the case since Tulsa County hired its emergency management director last year, residents should expect no disruption to emergency management operations or public warning systems.
All emergency preparedness capabilities remain fully operational, including the City's access to emergency response resources and outdoor warning siren systems.
Regional & State Leaders Weigh In
“Tulsa faces a wide range of hazards, from severe storms and tornadoes to flooding, ice storms, and other emergencies," said Annie Mack Vest, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management. "Vocalizing a commitment to emergency management programming, in this instance, a dedicated program in Tulsa, provides city leaders with a resource focused on preparedness, coordination and recovery while continuing to build partnerships with the county and surrounding region that are essential during a disaster. We commend the City of Tulsa for making this investment and are confident this update will strengthen capabilities and improve disaster readiness and resilience both locally and statewide.”
“Tulsa County looks forward to working with the City of Tulsa and its new Department of Emergency Management to collaborate on shared needs and priorities,” said Tulsa County Commissioner Kelly Dunkerley. “Disasters and emergencies don't stop at jurisdictional boundaries, and no one agency can do this work alone. I am confident that Tulsa's new department will be a valuable partner in those efforts, and I look forward to continuing the close collaboration that helps keep our entire region prepared and resilient."
Department Responsibilities
The City's Department of Emergency Management will serve as the City of Tulsa's central coordinating entity for preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery, continuity of government, and resilience planning within Tulsa proper.
Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:
Background on Emergency Management
Late last summer, the City began evaluating its emergency management structure following the dissolution of the Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency (TAEMA). During that process, City leaders examined emergency management models across the region and consulted with State emergency management officials, who encouraged Tulsa in its efforts to establish its own department consistent with practices already in place in peer cities.
As Oklahoma's second-largest city, Tulsa will now join other major cities in having a dedicated department focused exclusively on the needs of its own residents while continuing close coordination with Tulsa County, neighboring jurisdictions, tribal governments, and state and federal agencies.
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