Okmulgee County Secures FEMA Funding for Outdoor Warning Siren Project

New sirens to provide critical alerts for severe weather and emergencies across the region.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Okmulgee County Emergency Management (OCEM) has received $248,000 in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to install a network of six new outdoor warning sirens across the county. This marks the first time Okmulgee County will own and operate its own public alert system, which will complement the county's existing Genasys mass notification platform.

Why it matters

The new siren system comes at a critical time, as Okmulgee County has experienced nine tornadoes and numerous other severe weather events in recent years. The sirens will provide an important layer of public safety infrastructure to quickly alert residents of impending threats and allow them to take shelter.

The details

The Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners approved the grant application in 2023, and the project will install six new Federal Signal Equinox sirens at key locations including schools and municipal buildings. Two existing sirens in the City of Morris and Town of Schulter will also receive upgrades. The new sirens feature advanced technology like off-grid power, dual activation pathways, and automatic integration with National Weather Service alerts.

  • The initial grant application was approved by the Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners in October 2023.
  • Okmulgee County received the official FEMA award letter on February 10, 2026.
  • The new siren system will be operational ahead of the region's severe weather season.

The players

Okmulgee County Emergency Management (OCEM)

The county agency responsible for emergency preparedness and response, including the new outdoor warning siren project.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

The federal agency that provided $248,000 in grant funding to support the Okmulgee County Outdoor Warning Siren Project.

Jeffrey Moore

The Emergency Management Director for Okmulgee County who led the effort to secure FEMA funding for the new siren system.

Okmulgee County Board of County Commissioners

The county governing body that approved the initial grant application and has prioritized public safety and emergency preparedness investments.

Federal Signal Equinox

The manufacturer of the new outdoor warning sirens that will be installed across Okmulgee County.

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What they’re saying

“Preparedness saves lives. Having multiple ways to receive alerts during emergencies ensures citizens can act quickly and decisively.”

— Jeffrey Moore, Emergency Management Director (henryettafree-lance.com)

“By working together and prioritizing preparedness, we are building a safer and more resilient Okmulgee County.”

— Jeffrey Moore, Emergency Management Director (henryettafree-lance.com)

What’s next

The new outdoor warning sirens are expected to be fully installed and operational ahead of the region's severe weather season.

The takeaway

This project demonstrates Okmulgee County's commitment to public safety and emergency preparedness, providing residents with a critical new layer of early warning infrastructure to keep the community safe during severe weather and other crises.