OK-FIRST: An Example of Successful Collaboration between the Meteorological and Emergency Response Communities on 3 May 1999

The Oklahoma Climatological Survey began an initiative known as Oklahoma's First-Response Information System using Telecommunications (OK-FIRST) in 1996 to support local public-safety agencies (fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and emergency management). OK-FIRST provides participant agencies with a wealth of real-time weather information and instruction for these users on the interpretation and application of the data in their operations. The 3 May 1999 tornado outbreak was a critical test for the OK-FIRST system. Users of OK-FIRST prevented the tragedy from becoming worse by making informed decisions that protected life and property.