Oklahoma

Things to know...

Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!

• Weather & Natural Disasters
  Oklahoma's climate characteristically features a blend of windiness, aridity, and abundant sunshine, with sunlight prevailing approximately 69% of the time. The summers tend to be hot and humid, while the winters remain relatively mild. The region experiences frequent thunderstorms and hailstorms, with tornadoes being a notable weather phenomenon. 

  TORNADOES

  Tornadoes mainly occur during the months of April, May, September, and October, with sirens being specific to particular locations and tested on Saturdays at noon during clear weather conditions. Should you hear a siren, it's imperative to swiftly move to your designated tornado shelter or safe room. It's advisable to prepare an emergency kit capable of sustaining you for several days and to rehearse your family tornado plan regularly, treating it with the same importance as a fire escape plan.

  • The severe weather season is from March to June (April and May being the most active)
  • An average of 57 tornadoes annually, although most are not severe
  • Tornadoes are rated using the EF Scale (0 = mild wind speeds; 5 = violent intensity)
  • In the last 15 years, Oklahoma has had 11 EF4/EF5 tornadoes 
  • The presence of tornado shelters and warning sirens underscores the state's proactive approach to mitigating the risks posed by tornadoes

  Sign Up for Alerts & Warnings (oklahoma.gov)
  Visit Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management for more details specific to the state.  
• Neighbourhoods

  Historically, most CAF families with children tend to live in the city of Edmond while single members or couples find themselves in Oklahoma City. 
  
  Use this tool to help you learn more about a community. You can get information on schools, home values, weather, population and more > Access the Military One Source Neighbourhood Navigator.

• Getting Around
  Public transportation options are limited in Edmond and Oklahoma City, making driving essential. If you plan on using the toll roads in Oklahoma, most would recommend getting a PikePass transponder instead of paying by plate. For more details, visit PIKEPASS: Safe. Efficient. Reliable.
• Tinker Air Force Base

  Tinker AFB is the largest military air depot in the US. The base employs more than 26,000 military and civilian employees and is made up of over 5000 acres and more than 700 buildings. Tinker AFB is comparable to a city with a population of 30,000. CAF spouses and dependants have access to Tinker AFB, where you will find some of the following resources and services:

  • Canadian Detachment & Mess 
  • BX - Base Exchange (tax free shopping)
  • Commissary (grocery store)
  • Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC)
    • School Liaison Officer
    • Exceptional Family Member Program
    • Military Family Life Counselors (Social Workers)
    • Deployment Support
    • Career/Employment Support
  • Personal & Work Life Workshops
  • ITT (Information, Tickets, & Travel) - Discount recreation and travel options
  • Outdoor Recreation Programs, Rentals, and Lodging
  • Fitness Centers and Iszard Pool
  • Child Development Centers (CDC) + Youth Center
  • + the bowling alley, golf course, movie theatre, auto hobby shop, thrift store, and more! 

  
  Note: Children 10yrs+ require their own Military ID Card for base access and all visitors must report to the visitors center. 
• On-Base Medical Facility

  Spouses and dependents have access to medical services at the Military Treatment Facility (MTF) on base. However, dental and vision care must be provided off base. Using on-base medical services is often more convenient and requires less paperwork than seeking care off base.

  72nd Medical Group (Tinker MTF)
  7050 S. Air Depot Blvd., Building 1094
  Tinker Air Force Base, OK 73145-8102
  Phone: 405-734-APPT (405-734-2778)
  
  For general healthcare guidance while OUTCAN, please visit www.cfmws.ca/us-healthcare.

• Critters & Wildlife
  Oklahoma is home to various critters, including snakes, spiders, and scorpions, some of which are poisonous. To ensure safety, it is highly recommended to arrange routine pest control for your home, yard, and tornado shelter.  Pest control is also covered under your utility payments.  
• Children's Education
  A few facts about education in Oklahoma:

  • To enroll in Pre-K at a public school, children must be 4 years of age by September 1st
  • Limited bus services are providers; reimbursement for mileage is possible if bus services are unavailable (FSD 35)
  • Teachers may recommend tutoring due to differences in the curriculum; Financial assistance may be available during the first year at post
  • French is rarely available
  • Catholic schools are available for all ages

  For information and guidance about education options in Oklahoma, contact the Tinker AFB School Liaison by calling 405-734-3683 or emailing [email protected]. The School Liaison helps ease the transition from one school to another and helps families navigate the local school system, ensuring our military youth have the opportunity to achieve academic success.
• Automobile Registration, Plates & Licenses
  Out-Of-State License & Title Transfers: https://oklahoma.gov/service/popular-services/out-of-state.html
  To find the nearest office to you, visit https://oklahoma.gov/service/locations/driving-auto-locations.html 
  
  Note: License plates in Oklahoma are referred to as "tags". To register your vehicle, you'll need proof of ownership and car insurance. 
  
   
• Local Social Security Offices
  Edmond & Oklahoma City
  12301 N Kelley Avenue
  Oklahoma City, OK 72121
  1-800-772-1213
  
  Moore
  200 NE 27th Street
  Moore, OK 73160
  1-866-964-4260
  
  Note: If you intend to apply for an Employment Authorization Document, there will be a check box on the application that automatically registers you for a Social Security Number (SSN).