After considerable due diligence, the Oasis Foundation has launched a 12 to 18 month pilot in the state of Alabama. OFA is working directly with local EMAs to better understand their needs and to develop and fine tune three specific initial programs for maximum benefit.  Alabama was selected due to its geographic location on the Gulf Coast and its chronic vulnerability to hurricanes, tornados and severe weather. It provides an ideal place to develop and refine templates that can eventually be rolled out nationwide.

From the onset, OFA has enlisted input and guidance from Alabama’s disaster readiness and response leaders. To date, the Foundation has developed strong and active partnerships with Alabama’s state and local emergency management agencies, the United Ways of Alabama, Alabama Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (AL-VOAD), American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Alabama Department of Public Health, many county and municipal governments, plus the non-profit, faith-based, and business sectors.

Critical voids in most community emergency planning programs revolve around relief supply logistics and emergency communication. Therefore, OFA is initially focusing on development and implementation of the SOS Program, the Community Alert Network System, and the 2-1-1 Program.