Seifried Advances Camp Safety Bill on Emergency Preparedness

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, on Monday advanced legislation to better protect Oklahoma children at summer camps in the event of unprecedented severe weather.

The Senate Rules Committee overwhelmingly approved House Bill 1675, which would require overnight youth camps and outdoor programs involving children to prepare emergency action plans that will be placed on file with their county emergency management office. These plans would outline how camp staff and counselors will respond if there is a tornado, flash flood, wildfires, high winds or any other severe weather by detailing severe weather monitoring and detection, evacuation routes, reunification procedures and the criteria for sheltering in place.

In the wake of a tragedy at a Texas summer camp last summer, Oklahoma is among the states re-evaluating how overnight camps prepare for natural disasters and coordinate with local law enforcement and emergency managers to keep kids safe.

While many camps already have emergency action plans, increased coordination and communication with county emergency managers will ensure that everyone is on the same page in the event of severe weather, Seifried said. 

“Parents should never have to worry about their children’s safety when they send their kids off for a summer of fun at camp,” Seifried said. “What happened in Texas was a heartbreaking reminder that we can’t take emergency preparedness for granted.”

Under HB 1675, each camp shall conduct a site-specific hazard assessment to identify structural vulnerabilities of buildings and shelters, proximity to hazard exposure zones, safe shelter-in-place locations and feasible evacuation routes. Camp staff would also be required to undergo annual training on emergency procedures and hazard recognition.

“Severe weather can develop in Oklahoma in a matter of minutes,” Seifried said. “Ensuring that camps have detailed logistical plans for what to do in case of a tornado, flood or other emergency prevents confusion and chaos in the moment. Being prepared for the worst-case scenario will guide staff on how to handle unprecedented situations and keep kids safe.”

HB 1675 is now eligible for consideration by the full Senate.