Category Archives: Weather Protection

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

Summer Safety

Because we are all trying to help make our world a safer place, it’s great when we hear from friends in other parts of the world that share the same goal.  The following article was sent to us from the United Kingdom.  We know you will enjoy these helpful reminders, and we appreciate their wanting to participate in our project: bringing safety to the forefront.

As the summer gets closer and closer, we need to be aware that the sun and the subsequent increased time spent outdoors could mean more risk of an accident happening.
At the end of last summer, British company, National Accident Helpline conducted research that suggest those outdoors took extra care not to put themselves in danger during sunny pursuits.

National Accident Helpline, the UK’s leading personal injury claim firm, surveyed more than 100 of its customers to gauge their attitudes to activities which in the past have prompted people to take unnecessary risks.

The results were happily reassuring – for example few people resorted to using lighter fluid or petrol to try and give their barbecue an added boost.

Of those surveyed, 89 per cent said that they would never do so.

Beach lovers were also mindful of safety lessons. Almost everyone surveyed – 99 per cent – said they would not set foot in the sea for a swim if they had consumed any alcohol at all.

And drivers knew that they should also be careful when the sun comes out – 96 per cent of those surveyed maintained that they would change out of their summer flip-flops and into sensible shoes before they got behind the wheel of a car.

National Accident Helpline Legal Director John Campbell said: “Most people, as our research shows, are careful and sensible with what they do – and they deserve their employers, government and private firms to take the same care.”

This concern for safety is surely not just a British thing. As long as everyone, regardless of where they are in the world, stays mindful of being safe then accidents have a much reduced chance of happening. Just by following a few simple safety tips, such as the above; driving in sensible shoes, not putting lighter fluid onto a lit barbeque etc, will put you in a safer environment with less chance of a personal injury.

It probably isn’t surprising that a lot of injuries and accidents occur due to silly mistakes, so ensure you stay safe this summer.

Weather Protection

TORNADO SEASON!

Tornadoes have already hit many areas of the United States!  The most violent storms of nature, tornadoes are rotating funnel clouds that extend from thunderstorms to the ground with winds that can reach 300 mph.  Their paths can be one mile wide and up to 50 miles long.

In order to keep the public informed, NOAA weather radio, commercial radio, and television stations frequently announce weather situations.  WATCH means that a tornado is possible.  WARNING means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar, and to take shelter immediately.

From FEMA: The following are facts about tornadoes:

  • They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
  • The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
  • Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.
  • The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 MPH, but may vary from stationary to 70 MPH.
  • They may be almost transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
  • Tornadoes can go with tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
  • Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can happen at any time.
  • Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months.
  • Peak tornado season in the southern states is March through May; in the northern states, it is late spring through early summer.

Danger signs of tornadoes are: large hail, large dark low-lying cloud, (particularly if rotating), loud roar (like a freight train), and dark, greenish sky.  The area may become very still prior to a tornado.
When a tornado is approaching, get to a cellar, basement, closet or hallway away from windows and doors, and get under a table.  If you are in a mobile home, get out immediately and take shelter.  If you are outside: lie flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.  You are safer in a low, flat location than under an overpass or bridge.  If you are in a vehicle, never try to outrun a tornado. Leave your vehicle and seek a safer location.  Watch for flying debris from a tornado. Debris causes major injuries and many fatalities.

We certainly hope you never have a tornado strike in your location.  As we always suggest: remember to keep adequate supplies of water and non-perishable foods, first aid kit, flashlight, change of clothes, and other needed equipment ready in case of an emergency.  The best plan for you and your loved ones is to be prepared, just in case.
Source: FEMA

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety, Weather Protection

SPRING FEVER, “HAY FEVER” OR SINUS?

With the onset of Spring, several of us will have our fair share of either allergies or sinus problems.  Blooming flowers and trees are great to look at, but the little blossoms that float in the air we breathe can cause health problems.  Let’s look at these two common illnesses: allergies and sinus.  Allergy symptoms are often confused with a cold or flu.  Allergies are the immune systems’ reaction to generally harmless substances and continue off and on, much longer than a cold.

Symptoms of allergies are:

  • Sneezing
  • Watery eyes
  • Repeated ear and sinus infections
  • Loss of smell, taste
  • Hoarseness
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Cold symptoms that last more than 10 days without a fever

Sinuses are air-filled spaces behind the forehead, nasal bones, cheeks, and eyes, with openings to the nose, and serve as conditioners that filter and humidify the air.   If the sinuses become blocked, miserable headaches occur, as well as these other symptoms of acute sinusitis:

  • Nasal congestion
  • Greenish nasal discharge
  • Facial or dental pain
  • Eye pain
  • Night cough
  • Fever
  • Sore throat

Here are some suggestions if you are plagued by sinus or allergy problems:

  1. Take a non-drowsy decongestant during the day to avoid pressure build up.
  2. Avoid smoke and irritants that increase your chance of developing sinus/allergy difficulties.
  3. Check the pollen counts in your area before you go outdoors.
  4. Use a saline mist spray to keep sinuses healthy.
  5. If you work in dusty environments, use a respirator.
  6. If you are prone to allergies, protect your eyes with goggles or wraparound glasses.
  7. Do not take antihistamines that could cause drowsiness while driving or working.
Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products, Respiratory Safety, Weather Protection

MT REDOUBT – WILL IT, OR WON’T IT

Scientists at the Alaska Volcano Observatory have been closely watching Mt. Redoubt, an active volcano in the largely volcanic Aleutian Range, since the end of January, when geologists recorded a sharp rise in earthquake activity.  Volcanoes can shoot ash 30,000 to 50,000’ high, and depending on wind and velocity, be carried more than 100 miles away.   The threat level (Aviation Hazard Color Codes) has been raised from yellow to orange, which means there is heightened unrest with an increased likelihood of eruption, or volcanic eruption under way with no ash or minor ash emission.  Anchorage is the nearest large city to Mt Redoubt.  Falling ash and ash flows carry toxins into rivers and lakes.  Glass particles in ash can also cause damage to vehicles.

Citizens of Alaska are not unfamiliar with these occurrences, and usually have advance warning in order to be prepared for the eruption of a volcano.  These volcanoes are different from the types of those in Hawaii, as they produce molten lava.  Ash fall from the Alaska volcanoes are tiny parts of rock and glass, which can cause severe injury to breathing passageways, eyes, nose, and open wounds.

As with any natural occurrence, we encourage persons in the area to be prepared the best way possible, by:

  • Staying inside as much as possible
  • Covering face with wet cloths, if masks unavailable
  • Keeping fresh supplies on hand, i.e., water, food
  • Closing windows and vents to chimneys.

Following most eruptions, the possibility of short-term minor discomforts such as nasal and throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, uncomfortable breathing, skin irritations, and painful itchy eyes are typical results, rather than more serious health problems.  However, persons who suffer from respiratory ailments should take extra precautions to be prepared.

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

Cruise Control, Wet Roads!

Lately, driving in the rain hasn’t been a problem for most of us Texans, as we have had a pretty long dry spell in many areas!  Below is an email that has circulated for a while; however, following other research on this topic, we hope to convey to you just how dangerous using cruise control during inclement weather can be:

A 36 year-old female had an accident, totaling her car.   A resident of Kilgore, Texas, she was traveling between Gladewater & Kilgore. It was raining, though not excessively, when her car suddenly began to hydroplane and literally flew through the air. She was not seriously injured but very stunned at the sudden occurrence! When she explained to the highway patrolman what had happened he told her something that every driver should know – NEVER DRIVE IN THE RAIN WITH YOUR CRUISE CONTROL ON. She thought she was being cautious by setting the cruise control and maintaining a safe consistent speed in the rain.   But the highway patrolman told her that if the cruise control is on when your car begins to hydroplane and your tires lose contact with the pavement, your car accelerates to a higher rate of speed, making you take off like an airplane.

According to an article by the Utah State Highway Patrol, the rate of speed can be 10-15 mph faster than the set speed.

This advice from a South Dakota State Trooper: “Your cruise control does not know the difference in road surface types.  This makes having it activated is dangerous on slippery roads.  Unless the driver turns it off or taps the brake pedal, the vehicle will not slow down during a skid.   There is no state law that addresses this issue.  Like much of life, this is a decision that you must make, on your own, when you think it is necessary.  There are a lot of people who do not have the understanding of the mechanics of cruise control and do not know of its dangerous consequences.    So, as a law enforcement officer and a concerned citizen, I urge you to turn off the cruise control in bad weather, and take control of your vehicle.”We tell our teenagers to set the cruise control and drive a safe speed – another valuable lesson is to tell them to use the cruise control only when the pavement is dry.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

GIVING GIFTS TO SAVE LIVES

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Gifts can be for special occasions or given as a random act of kindness to surprise someone you know.  But what if your gift could save their life?  FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) recommends showing how much you really care by giving emergency preparedness items as gifts.  In other articles on our website, we have discussed “Being Prepared”, and “Protect Your Pet”, for times of disasters.  Many of the items listed in these articles are mentioned again, but what a unique idea it would be to give one of the following as a gift:

  • Appropriate fire extinguishers
  • Foldable ladders for second-story escape routes
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  • NOAA Weather radios, with extra batteries
  • Enrollment in a CPR or First Aid Class
  • Flashlights, batteries
  • Highway Safety Kit

Consider purchasing a sturdy container that these staples can be stored in, and note that the contents should be checked every 6 months:

  • Manual can opener
  • 3-Day Supply of water (1 gallon per person, per day)
  • Non-perishable foods
  • Canned foods with water
  • Pet Supplies

Note:  Emergency supply kits should be prepared for home, work, and even the car.

If there are elderly persons living alone in your neighborhood, it would be great if you could be sure that they are also prepared.  If they do not own a cell phone, a group could purchase a basic cell phone that would give them a feeling of security.

Keeping family, friends and neighbors safe is a very important part of every day life.

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

SNOW BLOWER SAFETY

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Snow blower and lawnmower accidents account for loss of fingers, toes, cuts, burns, crushed and broken bones.  It is very important that the owners’ manual is read first before operating a snow blower.  If you have any doubts, go back to the manual again to be sure!

Please operate the machine with care, and do not let a young person operate it unless they are very responsible and mature, and you are certain they can.  Here are some tips to help ensure safety when operating a snow blower:

  • Be sure that there are no children and pets in the area.
  • Be sure the discharge chute is not aimed at passing motorists or pedestrians.
  • Debris should be moved away from the area to be cleared, as it would be thrown farther than the snow.
  • Never leave the snow blower running and unattended.
  • Always be sure safety guides, shields, or switch guards are in place, and do not remove them.
  • Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
  • Never put your hands into the discharge chute or augers to clear stuck snow and ice.
  • Add fuel only when the engine is turned off and cooled down.
  • Do not wear loose clothing, as it might become entangled in the moving parts of the machine.
  • Be sure you know how to turn off the machine quickly.
General Safety Issues, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

POWER FAILURE DURING WINTER STORMS

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Old Man Winter really had quite an opening act for his first day throughout the United States!
From the West to East coast, and all points in the Mid-west, he packed a pretty powerful punch.  Winter storms have blasted many parts of the country, with high winds, driving wind chills to as low as -25° below zero!  Hundreds of passengers have been stranded in airports, with flights cancelled.  There have been numerous traffic accidents across icy and snow-filled roads.

Hopefully we are all prepared for the winter season.  If you live where there is a threat of storms that continue for more than one day, and might cause power failure, here are some ideas to help you stay warm and safe:

  • Close off rooms to parts of the house that you don’t need to use.
  • Do not be short of staples such as food and water.  Stock high-energy food that doesn’t require cooking or refrigeration.
  • Have a flashlight and extra batteries.
  • Keep extra medicine and baby supplies.
  • A battery-powered NOAA weather radio can keep you informed of the situation.
  • Have a first aid kit.
  • Be sure you have extra heating fuel, as deliverers may not be able to come to your home for days.
  • Winterize your home by caulking and weather stripping doors and windows, insulating walls and attics and installing storm windows.  If necessary, cover windows with plastic.
  • Fireplaces, wood stoves, or space heaters are excellent alternative energy sources, but be sure your house has proper ventilation.

According to information from Electric Generator Direct, portable generators are ideal to help furnish power in times of emergencies, but they must be placed outside the house, not in the garage or near doors or windows, as they emit dangerous carbon monoxide gas.  Between October 1 and December 31, 2006, approximately 32 people died after severe weather knocked out power….not from the storms, but from carbon monoxide poisoning.  Persons using generators should have carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.

US Dept of Commerce
FEMA

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

WINTERIZING YOUR CAR

We depend on our vehicles to get us where we need to go, so it’s important that we winterize them properly.  Be sure that your vehicle is in good working order when you need it most.

There are many parts that should be checked by you or a mechanic, so let’s get started:

  • Battery.  Cold temperatures reduce cranking power; your battery is asked to do more to start the engine with low temperatures, so be sure it is in good working order.
  • Wipers and windshield wiper fluid.  Replace old wipers if they leave streaks on the window.  Normal life of wipers is one year.  Leave them in raised position to keep them from freezing to windshield if car is left outside.
  • Ignition system
  • Thermostat
  • Antifreeze
  • Lights
  • Belts and Hoses
  • Exhaust system
  • Flashing hazard lights
  • Defroster
  • Brakes
  • Oil level.  Make sure you use the right engine oil. (Consult owners’ manual.) Oil thickens as it gets cold.  Oil with (W) in the viscosity index is formulated for winter.
  • Heater

Some other things to consider:

  1. Be sure your tires have adequate tread.  If you live where there are heavy snow conditions, it might be wise to carry a set of tire chains in your vehicle.Keep your gas tank full or half-full at all times, if possible.
  1. Carry a cell phone with you, as well as a list of emergency numbers.
  1. Consider using non-toxic de-icing substances such as clean cat litter, sand, fireplace ash to prevent hazardous waste.
  1. When warming up your car, let it idle normally.  Revving a cold engine won’t warm it up any faster.

Consumer Reports
NYSEMS

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

WINTER WATCH, WARNING AND ADVISORY

Do you know the difference?

During winter, we hear these terms on the weather forecast somewhere in the United States.  Do you really pay attention and understand what they mean?

If your answer is “No”, READ ON:

WATCHES:  According to weather professionals, there is a 50% chance that severe winter weather will materialize:

  • Winter Storm Watch:  Possibility of severe life-threatening winter weather conditions that include: heavy ice and/or near-blizzard conditions, or heavy snow.
  • Blizzard Watch:  Blizzard conditions may happen.
  • Lake-Effect Snow Watch:  Heavy lake effect snow likely.
  • Wind Chill Watch:  Potential of wind chills of -25°F or less, causing risk of hypothermia and rapid frostbite.

WARNINGS:

  • Winter Storm Warning:  Winter weather is expected to cause life-threatening public impact from winter hazards that include ice, near blizzard conditions, heavy snow, drifting snow and dangerous wind chills.
  • Heavy Snow Warning:  When 7 inches or more of snow is expected in 12 hours or less, or 9 inches or more is expected in 24 hours or less.
  • Ice Storm Warning:  Issued for ½ inch or more of ice accumulation, which can cause damage to trees and power lines.
  • Blizzard Warning:  When blizzard conditions are about to happen or expected in the next 12 to 24 hours.  These include frequent gusts of or above 35 mph and falling, blowing and drifting of snow, reducing visibility to ¼ mile.
  • Lake-Effect Snow Warning:  Potential of 7 inches or more of lake effect snow.
  • Wind Chill Warning: Issued when the wind chill is expected to be -25°F or less.  In less than 10 minutes, frostbite can happen.

ADVISORIES:

  • Winter Weather Advisory: Hazardous combination of ice and snow that exceeds warning criteria.  These may be significant and/or life-threatening if proper precautions are disregarded.
  • Snow Advisory: When forecasters are confident that the entire event will be snow and an average of 4-6 inches of snow is expected in 12 hours or less.
  • Freezing Rain Advisory: These advisories are issued only when there is a high probability that the whole event will be freezing rain, resulting in very slippery roads.
  • Snow and Blowing Wind Advisory:  Prediction of frequent gusts or sustained wind of 25 to 34 mph, accompanied by falling and blowing snow, which can occasionally reduce visibility to ¼ mile or less for three hours or more.
  • Wind Chill Advisory: Given for wind chills of -15°F to -24°F.

Source: NYSEMS