Oklahoma Climatological Survey

From collecting weather data to providing information and instruction for governmental and educational customers, OCS is the most enterprising state climatological office in the nation. Our proactive approach to serving the citizens of Oklahoma is evident in the programs listed to the left. Click on any of these program names to find out more.

Glossary
The Weather and Climate Glossary defines words typically used in OCS's educational outreach programs. The glossary is intended for a general audience.

USTTI
OCS has partnered with the United States Telecommunications Training Institute to conduct an annual series of workshops entitled "Decision-Making in Weather Impacted Disasters". These workshops are attended by participants from developing countries. To date, this workshop series has hosted visitors from 16 countries.

At A Distance
OCS is using technologies developed at the National Weather Service's Warning Decision Training Branch to increase training opportunities for customers in education, public safety, agriculture and other areas. These materials supplement existing outreach programs and will support new initiatives. Distance learning materials consist of short, interactive modules viewed through web browsers and can be utilized individually or as part of a designed curriculum.

Innovations
In 2001, OK-FIRST won the coveted Innovations in American Government Award from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government and the Ford Foundation. The Award provided funds for activities designed to promote replication of OK-FIRST outside the borders of Oklahoma. One such activity was the Innovations in Managing Weather-Impacted Situations workshop attended by emergency management professionals from 11 states.

OK-FIRST
OK-FIRST has been recognized for its innovative approach in providing instant access to a wealth of vital weather data for public safety agencies. A winner of Harvard University’s Innovations in American Government Award in 2001, OK-FIRST also provides instructional resources for the public safety community . The information available through OK-FIRST is critical for the protection of life and property, as evidenced by the tornado outbreak of May 3, 1999 and numerous flooding, winter weather, and wildfire events.

ONALERT
Observations Necessary for Aiding Local Emergency Response via Telecommunications (ONALERT) is a multi-agency effort bringing together the expertise of the National Weather Service (NWS), the Oklahoma Climatological Survey (OCS) and NOAA's Forecast Systems Laboratory (FSL) in the areas of analysis, forecast and warning generation, and adaptation of critical forecast information for efficient and appropriate use by emergency management personnel.

EarthStorm
OCS provides accurate, useful, and exciting learning activities using meteorology, environmental data, high quality software, and telecommunications. OCS staff have been working side-by-side with Oklahoma teachers since 1992 to help bring real-time weather data to even the most rural of schools.

Lessons
In cooperation with Oklahoma teachers and the OU College of Education, OCS meteorologists have created scientifically accurate and pedagogically sound learning activities. These activities apply Oklahoma environmental data and computer technology to enhance student problem solving skills and basic science knowledge.

Reference Materials
As part of the OCS Weather Series, these reference materials are intended to be used by teachers as refresher information prior to teaching a given subject. OCS reference materials are not meant to be comprehensive, but should provide adequate depth in the subject for use by most K-12 teachers.

Tornado Safety
Oklahoma averages more tornadoes per square kilometer than anywhere else in the world. As a result, Oklahomans are used to seeking shelter when storm sirens wail. Unfortunately, even in Oklahoma, many myths about tornado safety steps prevail. Save a life by reading these safety tips and following the steps in an emergency.

Case Studies
Oklahoma public safety officials receive directed instruction from OCS scientists using case studies of previous hazardous weather events. Case studies allow participants in OCS's OK-FIRST and ONALERT programs to strengthen their problem solving skills.

Graphics
These graphics were designed for specific OCS outreach activities. Non-for-profit use of these images is permitted as long as the OCS copyright statement remains on the image. Please contact us at ocs@ou.edu if you desire to use any image in a for-profit activity.