Del City Prepares for Winter Storm Weather

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

DEL CITY, Oklahoma -- It's been nearly a year since the ice storm hit the metro and some places are preparing ahead of time just in case another storm is in store.

As Del City's city workers get ready to turn the Christmas lights on, they're also prepared if the lights go off.

Del City Assistant Police Chief John Smith says since the ice storm hit last winter, the city is now more prepared.

"We have all our things on line and everything's maintenance checked and ready to go," Smith said.

From the police department to the fire department, direct communication will soon link the metro cities directly through an enhanced 911 system. Right now, they reach out from radio to radio.

"They're definitely going to have a much better level of safety," Smith said. "We're going to be able to communicate with our citizens if they call in with a situation, we can get them appropriate help that they would need."

The storm also took a toll on the city's water supply as several wells lost power and now the water plant has a plan, with backup power from a generator.

"That process has been done," Del City Public Works Director Bill Graham said. "So, we're hopeful that the plant will stay online continuous now."

The police department expects the communication system to start up in the spring.

Del City police are working with the fire department through homeland security for a grant for the enhanced 911 system.