Oklahoma
Things to know...
Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!
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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
Visit Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management for more details specific to the state. -
Neighbourhoods
Historically, the majority of CAF families with children tend to live in the city of Edmond while single members or couple find themselves in Oklahoma City.
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Tinker Air Force Base
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. -
Critters & Wildlife
Oklahoma is known for its critters (snakes, spiders, and scorpions) and it is highly recommended that you arrange routine pest control for your house, yard, and tornado shelter.
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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
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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.
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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).
