Oklahoma City Emergency Management has rolled out a new Accessible Hazard Alert System that delivers critical warnings in formats tailored for residents who are deaf, blind, or hard of hearing. The service can send short American Sign Language videos, spoken audio, text messages, and alerts that work with refreshable Braille devices, all aimed at keeping more people in the loop as severe weather returns to the Plains.
“It’s a product the city pays for yearly, but it’s free to the public to access,” Lt. David Storer, deputy emergency manager, told KOCO. He said the accessible alerts are designed to help people with access and functional needs put their emergency plans into action. Officials underscore that traditional warning systems do not reach everyone equally, which makes multiple accessible formats essential.
City materials point residents to a dedicated sign-up portal where they can choose how they want to receive alerts and which devices to register. The registration site explains that alerts go to internet- and video-capable devices and can include maps and step-by-step instructions. As outlined by the City of Oklahoma City, AHAS is meant to work alongside outdoor sirens and other warning tools used across the metro.
How the alerts work
The platform is provided by Deaf Link, which converts emergency messages into ASL videos with English voiceover and text, and can attach National Weather Service graphics when needed. Deaf Link describes AHAS as an opt-in, subscriber service that also supports refreshable Braille readers and other assistive devices. Alerts can be targeted by zip code so emergency managers send warnings only to neighborhoods in the impact area.
Why this matters for OKC
Officials say outdoor warning sirens are still important, but they are built for people who are outside and can be unreliable inside buildings. Oklahoma City operates 182 outdoor warning sirens across the metro, according to the city. AHAS is intended to reach people inside homes, workplaces, and long-term care settings with accessible information they can act on quickly. Emergency managers told KOCO that Deaf Link works closely with the National Weather Service to keep AHAS warnings timely.
How to sign up
Residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or deaf-blind can register through the OKC AHAS signup page, where they can set device preferences and share any access needs they want officials to know about. The portal states that no special equipment is required beyond an internet-capable device, although users are responsible for any carrier or broadband charges. The service is free for subscribers and is focused on imminent threats to life and property.
Officials say AHAS adds another layer of access when every minute counts, a message they are repeating as spring storm season ramps up. For residents who need help signing up, the City Action Center can offer guidance and resources. The rollout also places Oklahoma City alongside other communities that use accessible alert platforms, according to Deaf Link.
