Oklahoma City, OK (June 1, 2026) The Salvation Army’s Tulsa Metropolitan Area Command hosted a VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) Preparedness Expo and Blood Drive on May 30, bringing together more than 25 organizations focused on helping communities prepare for emergencies and disasters.
The event gave families and individuals an opportunity to learn how to be ready for situations such as tornadoes, floods, fires, earthquakes, and other emergencies. Each organization shared information, resources, and practical tips that attendees could use to better prepare themselves and their families.
Many of the booths also offered giveaways, including emergency preparedness kits and activities for children, making it easy for people of all ages to get involved and learn something new.
Visitors were treated to hot dogs, chips, cookies, and water thanks to a partnership between The Salvation Army and Baptist Disaster Relief. The food and fellowship helped create a welcoming environment where community members, volunteers, and organizations could connect.
As the first event of its kind since the COVID-19 pandemic, the expo was more than just a preparedness event. It provided an opportunity for disaster response organizations to reconnect, strengthen partnerships, and share ideas and resources. It also helped renew community awareness about the importance of being prepared before a disaster strikes.
Kevin Chinault, Arkansas-Oklahoma Divisional Director of Emergency Disaster Services, states, “Preparedness starts at the local level, and this event shows what’s possible when partners come together with a shared goal. By working alongside our VOAD partners and Baptist Disaster Relief, we’re helping ensure our communities are better equipped before disaster strikes.”
The day was a success for everyone involved, bringing together organizations that share a common goal: helping communities become stronger, safer, and better prepared for whatever challenges may come their way.
