When a natural disaster strikes it's all too easy to become too nervous to think, and that's why preparing for disasters in advance is so important.

The Belle Isle Library, 5501 N. Villa, Oklahoma City , is presenting a program on March 7 called "Prepare for Disasters With the Red Cross." Elizabeth Hopkins, with the Red Cross, will be on hand between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., to tell attendees how to get ready for whatever may come our way in central Oklahoma, and how best to survive it when it happens.

According to The Disaster Center, among the states Oklahoma ranks number 2 for frequency of Tornadoes, 7 for number of deaths, 9 for injuries and 5 for cost of damages. Comparing these figures to other states by the frequency of storms per square mile, Oklahoma ranks, number 2 for the frequency of tornadoes, number 10 for fatalities, number 15 for injuries per area and number 6 for costs per area.

Oklahoma ranks number 4 among the states for the risk of death by tornado.

"Belle Isle Library is really pleased to be working with the American Red Cross on this program," said librarian Ann Meeks.

"In this country, we've always looked to the Red Cross when disasters occur, but it's best to be prepared before they do. As tornado season approaches, people can come to the library to learn what they can do to be prepared for emergencies and disasters in advance."

So come to Belle Isle Library on March 7, 2006 , to begin developing plans for home, work, school, and outdoors.

"A Red Cross representative will discuss the tips you need to know," Meeks added. "Handouts will be available."

The program is suitable for everyone age ten and older. For more information, call the library at 405-843-9601.

The Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma County includes 12 libraries and five extension libraries. Libraries include Belle Isle, Capitol Hill, Ralph Ellison, Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library and Southern Oaks in Oklahoma City, as well as Bethany, Choctaw, Del City, Edmond, Midwest City, Village and Warr Acres. Extensions are located in the communities of Harrah, Jones, Luther and Nicoma Park and include Wright Library in Oklahoma City . You can also reach us at www.metrolibrary.org.