Category Archives: Weather Protection

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

HAPPY BIRTHDAY – U.S.A. – 2011!

By now,  most of us are getting ready to celebrate on Monday,  our nation’s birthday – July 4th – Independence Day!  I want to send greetings to all of you from our home, where the grand old flag will be flying, and wish everyone a safe holiday. (Sorry, the flag looks backwards, but the wind was blowing!)

We have already talked about fireworks, so we’ll give that subject a rest!  Many are packing their bags for trips, so let’s talk about travel first.  The main thing is to be packed and ready to get an early start, because you know your friendly State troopers will be there, watching to be sure you don’t speed, and that you are safe.  If you need assistance, you can count on them, as well, to be of help.  Please don’t carry on conversations on your cell phone while driving, and above all, don’t text or drink and drive!

There are many activities that families can plan right at home, and not have to be involved in the hustle and bustle of travel.  One of my favorite memories is going to our best friends’ home every Fourth of July for grilled hamburgers and home-made ice cream!  Now we live miles away, so we had to stop that tradition; however, we make up for it when we visit each other, which is quite often.  Moms and dads can find easy crafts for the kids with some red, white and blue items that they probably can find in the house.  Local parks will be full of folks of all ages, with volleyball games, croquet, barbecues, picnics, baseball games, and many activities.

If you plan to go boating, be sure to have life jackets in the boat for each passenger.  Obey the rules of boating, and do not drink while driving a boat, as the penalty is the same as for driving a car while drinking.  Watch for other boaters, swimmers, and those on jet skis.  Sometimes everyone thinks they own that particular spot on the water, and it just doesn’t work that way!

Swimmers should be prepared with lots of sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat and cover-up when they get out of the water.  Stay in pairs, just in case someone gets in water that is too deep.  Be sure if you are swimming on a beach or lake to check out the water quality for contamination.  There should be signs posted with some type of useful information.

If you are the outdoors type and want to take a hike, be sure you let someone know your plans and when you will be returning.  If you need to build a campfire, build it with sticks no larger than an adult wrist.  (Of course, first, be sure that you are not in an area where campfires are banned.)  Never leave that fire unattended and keep it small.  A fire that is not “dead out” can be rekindled by wind and start a wildfire.  Keep water handy and a shovel for throwing dirt on the fire in case it gets out of control.  Stir the remains and be sure all materials are cooled down.  Drown it with water, even move rocks to see there’s no fire beneath them. Feel all materials with bare hands to be sure that no wood is burning before leaving the campsite.

If you are cooking outdoors, beware of bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses.  Be sure all utensils are clean and that you have a good source of water.  Separate raw meat from cooked meat and poultry.  Keep cold food cold and hot food hot.  Don’t let food set out for more than 1 hour in hot weather.  Keep it in an ice chest once the meal is finished.

Have a great Fourth of July, but don’t overdo it when it comes to food, alcohol, sun, or exercise.  Take along the proper clothing, suncreeen, insect repellent, and other remedies that will make you feel better tomorrow!   Remember why some of us get to be off on this day, and why we observe it.  There are young men and women who don’t have the day off, and are in countries where they can’t celebrate the way we do.  When you see our flag, think of what it stands for, and the sacrifices they make every day.  May God Bless Each One of Them, their families, all of us, and the U.S.A.

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Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Weather Protection

TOO MUCH SUN, TOO LITTLE SUNSCREEN?

It seems that the U.S. is behind Canada and Europe when it comes to labeling sunscreen products.  In the past, manufacturers were not required to disclose how well their products protect against cancer-causing ultraviolet A, (UVA) rays.  Only the amount of protection against ultraviolet B was required to be on the label.  Both types of UV rays cause skin damage, including premature skin aging and skin cancer.  UVB primarily causes sunburn while UVA light is more damaging because it penetrates the skin farther, causing wrinkles and other problems. 

A beautiful tan is very attractive, but if the one who is working on that tan could only realize the results that might be caused later in life, they might forgo the tan and protect their skin.  A Sun Protection Factor (SPF) doesn’t offer insights into UVA protection.  

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.  Each year, 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed and treated.  According to the American Academy of Dermatology, almost 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.  While most skin cancers are curable, squamous cell carcenomas kill 2,500 Americans each year, and melanoma kills 8,700 Americans annually, according to the American Cancer Society. 

It is important that we protect our youngsters now, because these cancers are developing while they are young.  My best friend has had all three types of skin cancers, and she must consistently go for biopsies and treatment.  She is very fair, and has blue eyes;  her dermatologist told her that this all began when she was a child.  

The labeling of sunscreen as sun block implies inaccurate information that makes claims the protection will offer more than 2 hours of protection, or is water-proof or sweat-proof -without indicating the length of time of full protection.  Experts recommend using a sunscreen of at least 50 SPF.  Studies show that some of the sunscreens that are most protective are not necessarily the most expensive ones.  

Until the new labeling is available, it is recommended that you slather on a glob of sunscreen the size of a golf ball and do so very often.  (You’ll go through a tube quickly, but it’s worth it!) Having to deal with skin cancer is not something you want to face, or for your children to have to go through.  If you have to be outside, wear a hat, protective clothing, and even take along an umbrella.  When swimming, apply that protective lotion religiously.

Safety sunglasses are manufactured that offer 99.9% protection from UVA/UVB/UVC rays.  Our eyes must also be protected from the sun at all times; even small children need that protection.  Thankfully, glasses have been designed to take care of the risks of exposure to UV rays.  Maybe next year we will have full disclosure of the protection we can expect from sunscreens. 

Source:ABC News

General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Weather Protection

HEAT STRESS SAFETY – PART II

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Even though OSHA does not have a specific standard for heat stress, employees are protected under the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act because heat-related illnesses are a serious hazard.  The General Duty Clause states that employers are required to “provide a place of employment free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to its employees.”  Persons who work either outdoors, or indoors in hot buildings, seem to have accidents more often than in moderate temperatures.    If a person becomes overheated, the effect may be mental confusion, tiredness, and irritability.  These conditions can result in poor judgment and unsafe practices. 

Yesterdays’ installment discussed the causes of heat-related illness and symptoms to watch for.  These are ways that employers can protect their employees:

  • Train all employees to know the signs and symptoms and how to respond;
  • Schedule the hardest work during the coolest part of the day;
  • Encourage the buddy system; (working in pairs)
  • Furnish cool water and ask employees to drink one cup every 15 to 20 minutes; also encourage them to wear light-colored, loosing fitting clothing;
  • Reduce radiant heat by placing shields around hot machines or furnaces;
  • Discourage employees from eating large meals or consuming caffeine before and during work in hot environments;
  • Increase the amount of insulation on furnace walls;
  • Open windows and doors;
  • Use exhaust ventilators or air blowers;
  • Lower humidity levels by installing exhaust hoods over areas that release moisture; and
  • Provide tools and equipment that reduce physical demands on employees. 

Here are several ways to treat victims of heat exhaustion:

  • Provide cool water to drink;
  • Move them to a cool, shaded area;
  • Fan the person;
  • Cool the skin with a wet cloth;
  • Loosen and remove heavy clothing;
  • If he/she is dizzy, lay victim on his/her back and raise their legs 6” to 8”.
  • If she/he is nauseated, lay victim on his/her side.
  • Stay with the victim.
  • Call for emergency help if the victim doesn’t feel better in a short time.  If heat exhaustion is not treated, the illness may advance to heat stroke, the most serious heat-related illness.  Signs of a heat stroke are:
  • Dry pale skin (no sweating);
  • Hot red skin;
  • Mood change, (confused, irritable)
  • Collapse/unconsciousness;
  • Seizures, fits. 

Prompt first aid for someone suffering the symptoms of heat stroke should include the same first aid for heat exhaustion, plus:  Call for emergency help; lay victim on his/her back unless he/she is unconscious; remove any objects close by if victim has a seizure; provide cool water to drink if conscious; and place ice packs under armpits and in the groin area. 

Employees are at increased risk for heat-related illness when they:

  • Are dehydrated or fatigued.
  • Use improper work methods;
  • Have infrequent exposure to hot temperatures and high humidity;
  • Are over the age of 40;
  • Use certain medications (antihistamines, diuretics, and some tranquilizers)
  • Are in poor physical condition or overweight;
  • Have used drugs/alcohol within the past 24 hours prior to working in the heat;
  • Have heat rash or sunburn;
  • Have had prior heat-related illnesses;
  • Wear too much or restrictive clothing. 

If you happen to have a heat-related incident or if a co-worker experiences any of the symptoms we have described, this knowledge is invaluable.  For those supervisors who are fortunate to work in an air-conditioned atmosphere, do all you can to keep your employees as safe and comfortable as possible.  In a building, large fans will at least circulate the air. 

Source: OSHA, Texas Department of Insurance

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Weather Protection

HEAT STRESS SAFETY INFORMATION – PART I

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 Thousands of workers every year become sick from exposure to heat – some even die.  The thing we should understand is that these illnesses and deaths are preventable!  Each year, we strive to bring helpful information about how to survive seasonal weather, and the elements that workers and all of us are exposed to.  This spring has already brought extremely hot conditions to parts of the country, and several persons have  lost their lives. 

Today we are focusing on raising awareness of the risks of working in hot environments to both employers and employees, with the intent of reducing those risks.  Everyone should be able to recognize safety and health hazards of working in extreme heat, things that increase the risk of heat-related illness, signs and symptoms of illness, first aid, and preventive measures that decrease the risk of heat-related illness. 

When workers are exposed to air temperatures that are warm or warmer than our skin, sweating becomes the primary means of maintaining a constant body temperature.  If conditions of high humidity exist, however, the sweat is decreased and it makes it harder for the body temperature to adjust.   If employers will allow  workers a gradual time to adjust to this hot environment progressively, (about 5-7 days), there should be fewer heat-related illnesses.  Those who are not given time to adjust may be more likely to feel the effects of these illnesses.  In reality, most of the time, workers are exposed to the heat from Day One.   One of the most important things to remember when working in hot conditions is to stay hydrated by drinking water often.  Resting in a shady place and working earlier in the day will also improve work conditions.  Remember, drinking water on a regular basis puts less strain on the cardiovascular system. 

Excessive exposure to a hot environment can bring about a variety of heat-related health problems and illnesses, such as heat cramps, fainting, heat rash and heat exhaustion.  An employee that suffers from heat exhaustion may still sweat, but these other signs and symptoms may appear, such as:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Feeling sick to stomach, vomiting
  • Mood changes (confused or irritable)
  • Decreased and dark-colored urine
  • Light-headedness or fainting
  • Pale, clammy skin 

Employers must outline the proper personal protective equipment required for their employees to be able to handle the heat.  Polarized safety glasses are needed to protect the eyes from UV rays, and if hardhats are part of the PPE, there are cloth neck shields and sunshields  that attach to them.  Plenty of sunscreen should be used, an abundance of water should be available.  Some companies choose Gatorade to help their workers stay hydrated, also. 

Tomorrow, we will talk about other ways of preventing heat stress and how to treat a victim of heat exhaustion.  In the meantime, stay cool!

Source: Texas Department of Insurance, OSHA

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

IT’S “HURRICANE WATCHING” TIME AGAIN!

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Because Hurricane Season began June 1 and continues through November 30th, FEMA Administrator, Craig Fugate, says “The tornadoes that devastated the South and the large amount of flooding we’ve seen this spring should serve as a reminder that disasters can happen anytime and anywhere. As we move into this hurricane season it’s important to remember that FEMA is just part of an emergency management team that includes the entire federal family, state, local and tribal governments, the private sector and most importantly the public.”  Now is the time to get your plan together for what you and your family would do if disaster strikes.  Businesses and families should be ready for all types of emergencies:

Climate factors considered for this outlook are:

  • The continuing high activity era. Since 1995, the tropical multi-decadal signal has brought ocean and atmospheric conditions conducive for development in sync, leading to more active Atlantic hurricane seasons.
  • Warm Atlantic Ocean water. Sea surface temperatures where storms often develop and move across the Atlantic are up to two degrees Fahrenheit warmer-than-average.
  • La Niña, which continues to weaken in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, is expected to dissipate in June, but its impacts such as reduced wind shear are expected to continue into the hurricane season.

NOAA expects that there will be twelve to eighteen named storms, six to ten could become hurricanes, three to six becoming major hurricanes.  Categories of hurricanes are as follow:

  • Category 1 – maximum sustained wind speed of 74-95 mph.  Damage category – minimal. 
  • Category 2 – Maximum sustained wind speed of 96-110 mph, with moderate damage category. 
  • Category 3 – maximum sustained wind speed of 111-130 mph,  with extensive damage category. 
  • Category 4 – maximum sustained wind speed of 131-155 mph, with extreme damage category. 
  • Category 5 – maximum sustained wind speed above 155, catastrophic damage category.  There have been only three Category 5 hurricanes in the United States since records were kept: Labor Day Hurricane (1935) in the Florida Keyes; Hurricane Camille (1969), near the mouth of the Mississippi River, and Hurricane Andrew (1992) in Florida.

Have you ever wondered who decides on the names of the Hurricanes?  A pre-approved list of Atlantic Ocean tropical storm/hurricane names is decided by the National Hurricane Center.  Beginning in 1953, the NHC’s list consisted of only female  names.  Since 1979, the lists alternate between male and female; however, no names beginning with a “Q” or “U” are used.  Six lists are rotated but when a hurricane is so devastating, the name is retired and given a new one.  This year’s list is from the 2005 one; however, four of them have been retired. Here are the names for 2011; let’s hope they run out of storms before they run out of names!

Arlene; Bret; Cindy; Don (replaces Dennis); Emily; Franklin; Gert; Harvey; Irene; Jose; Katia (replaces Katrina); Lee; Maria; Nate; Ophelia; Philippe; Rina (replaces Rita); Sean (Replaces Stan); Tammy; Vince; Whitney (replaces Wilma). 

When warned, already have your plans underway:

  • Secure your home;
  • Have your papers in order;
  • Have a first aid kit, flashlight, batteries and cellphone;
  • Have all medicines ready;
  • Notify next of kin or friends you may need to stay with them;
  • Plan for any elderly members of your family and your pets;
  • Have adequate supplies of water and non-perishable foods;
  • Do not return to your town until authorities give permission; downed power lines could cause injuries.

For those who have already gone through floods and tornadoes, as well as everyone else, let’s hope and pray the tropical storms will just disappear into the air – they aren’t welcome ashore!

Sources: FEMA, NOAA, National Weather Service

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

IT’S JUNE, AND THAT MEANS IT’S NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH!

It is hard to believe that another month of June has rolled around, meaning it is National Safety Month – time to focus on round-the-clock safety and health.  The National Safety Council emphasizes that June is the time to stress the urgent need to reduce unintentional deaths and injuries on the road, in the workplace and at home.  Week One’s focus is on “Summertime Safety” (June 1-4). “Preventing Overexertion” is the theme for Week Two (June 5 – 11).  A subject that is very important to parents and teens during Week Three – “Teen Driver Safety,” (June 12-18.) Week Four, (June 19 – 25), we will emphasize safety ideas for “Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls.”  Finally, “ON the Road – OFF the Phone,” is the topic of discussion for the end of the month, (June 26 – 30.)  These are all subjects that affect most all of us in one way or another.  

Accidents happen every day of the year, regardless of whether it is at work, traveling, or at home.  It seems that summertime does bring some unusual accidents, and one reason may be because there are so many more outdoor activities going on.  Summer is the time for boating, fishing, waterskiing, canoeing, bicycling, skateboarding, swimming, and many other fun actions that may cause injuries if we aren’t careful.  (For the past two weekends, we heard of two different boating incidents where young persons drowned.  None of them were wearing life jackets.)  Playgrounds are inviting to little ones, so there should always be adult supervision when they play on the different types of equipment.    

Heat is a threat to workers who must become acclimated to the change in temperatures; many times, it is a drastic change from what they are used to.  They must stay hydrated and get some rest breaks in the shade during long work shifts.  Teens new to working in the outdoors should be sure to drink plenty of water orpowdered drink mix, and everyone should wear sunscreen and light colored clothing.  Student athletes should also stay hydrated while working out for sports. 

Those who work in agriculture always face extreme weather conditions – dry, hot, windy, and sunny.  Farm children need to be supervised by adults, especially while they are around water, such as ponds or tanks, and animals.  There are lots of ATV riders in summer weather, as well as motorcyclists, who should know the safety rules regarding their vehicles, and wear the right gear for protection.  

We hope this summer brings everything you are planning for: vacation time, relaxation, fun in the sun (don’t forget the sunscreen and sunglasses), safe trips, and the other things that many families plan for during summer months when they have school-age children.  It seems there are always some types of accidents, associated with hot-weather activities, that we can’t encourage everyone enough to be extremely careful when planning vacations, trips, and yes, even work.  For most of us, work marches on, so we need to make the necessary accommodations to stay cool and safe during each workday, too. 

One way for young people to be safe is to have a “buddy” system.  It is always better to have a friend along just in case there is a problem.  One extra important reminder about summer: there will be more children playing in their front yards (and possibly the streets).  So keep a watch out for them when you are driving in neighborhoods. 

Have a fun and safe summer!

Back Safety, Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing, Weather Protection

WORKING WITH SANDBAGS IS HARD WORK

The Mighty Mississippi is on the move!  Many persons in areas along the Mississippi River have already seen their homes flooded over the past several days.  Friday, Memphis authorities urged citizens to leave their homes that are located in low-lying areas.  The Mississippi is expected to crest by late today (Monday), or early Tuesday morning in the Memphis area.  The Mississippi crested at 48’7” in 1937.  Floods from northern Iowa to the Gulf of Mexico may cause heavy damage to farmlands, as well as homes.  In Arkansas, Interstate 40 closed this weekend because of rising waters of the White River.  This latest threat brings to mind the time when persons in the heart of the Delta were victims of the Great Flood of April 21, 1927 – the great Mississippi broke through a levee, crushing homes, destroying sharecroppers’ farms, trapping thousands on their rooftops for days, and hundreds of people died.

We know we are probably “preaching to the choir,” about filling, moving and placing sandbags in getting ready for floods, because that part of the work may already be done by now.  However, we want to pass on some safety tips for this physically demanding work.  Repetitious lifting and carrying heavy loads, and working in awkward positions can cause back and other injuries.  For those who will be doing this work, please follow this advice from OSHA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: 

General rules:

  • Three-person teams work best: bagger: holds open and closes sandbags; shoveler: shovels sand into sandbags. (use a short handled, #2 rounded point shovel with straight shaft and D grip, bagger scoop or funnel to fill sandbags; and mover: carries and places sandbags.
  • Do not overfill sandbags – fill them ½ to 2/3 full.  Overfilled bags can leave gaps in levees.
  • Keep the load in front of and close to body, both when filling, and later carrying.
  • Do not reach out, bend over or twist when lifting.
  • Lift with legs, not back.
  • Take frequent rest breaks.
  • Alternate positions every 20 to 30 minutes.
  • If using automated filling, put the bag on a support (pallet) to reduce the stress on hands, shoulders, and lower back.
  • Fold the bag opening closed; tie only if necessary.
  • Use pallets when available when moving them to staging area.
  • A brigade team should be used when passing bags to areas that are further away.  The line should be staggered and workers should face each other to avoid twisting and turning.
  • Never throw sandbags, as this stresses the shoulders and back.
  • Straddle drop point with the bag between your ankles as you place it. 

Working around floodwater is hazardous because of debris and bacteria in the water.  Please heed these general safety and health warnings:

  • Wear gloves to protect hands from chemically-treated sandbags and contaminants in sand and floodwater.
  • Do not touch your eyes and mouth.
  • Wash your hands and face before eating or drinking.
  • Wear safety glasses, especially on dry and windy days, and when working with automated equipment.
  • Waterproof gear is necessary when working in floodwater or rain.
  • Use protective clothing if exposed to polluted floodwater.
  • Wear reflective clothing when working at night.
  • Use a personal floatation device when working near floodwater.
  • Wear work boots (waterproofed if working in floodwater.)
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Keep several first-aid kits handy. 

Tomorrow we will share more information regarding other safety measures that should be taken when working in flooded areas.  We appreciate all those who work in rescue and recovery following natural disasters, such as floods and tornadoes.  They should take every precaution to stay healthy and safe, as many hazardous situations exist.

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

MORE DEADLY TORNADOES RIP THROUGH THE SOUTHERN UNITED STATES

Friday, April 29th, this week’s death toll from storms totaled 341, across seven states.  In Alabama, 249 deaths were included in that total, which makes it the deadliest U.S. tornado outbreak since March of 1932.  In Tuscaloosa, hundreds of persons remain missing.  Watching news coverage of the devastation gives us a glimpse of what citizens there are facing.  We can only imagine the heartbreak of losing family members who were with them only a few minutes prior to the storms. Personal belongings have been found hundreds of miles from their homes, in other states.  One of Wednesday’s tornadoes was a 205 mph monster that took the lives of 13 people.  This tornado was categorized as an EF-5, the most violent.   The most recent figures from the Associated Press report death tolls by states, as: Alabama -249; Mississippi – 35; Tennessee – 34; Georgia -15; Virginia – 5; Louisiana -2; and Kentucky – 1, as of Sunday, May 1st. 

Now, weather scientists are putting on their “detective hats” to retrace the paths of the monstrous tornadoes and try to prepare a meteorological autopsy report, determining how many twisters developed and the power they contained.  Researchers from the National Weather Service and the national Storm Prediction Center are concerned with the types of structures that were destroyed, what type of foundations they were built upon, and the kinds of roofs they had.  Then they will combine this data with atmospheric conditions and see how the storms were affected by factors such as moisture levels.  According to an Associated Press report, this information will help forecasters better understand how killer systems develop.  The final details on the disaster will be part of the National Climate Database.  Russell Schneider, director of the SPC in Norman, Oklahoma, said “to have an event of this magnitude with a modern integrated observing system like we have now is unique in the history of meteorology for a tornado forecaster.” 

We know that by paying attention to warnings from forecasters, many lives are saved.  We also know that we should be prepared in several ways.  These folks had some warning, but when it comes to the killers  they were facing, they only had a short time to decide what they were going to do, or where they were going for protection.  As we can see by the pictures, these tornadoes had very little mercy on so many people, and everything that meant the world to them.  Municipal buildings used for helping citizens are gone.  It was reported that the Emergency Medical Services personnel have been going strong since it happened, with little rest so far.  Recovery workers were on the scene quickly to look for survivors. One major item that authorities have asked for is flashlights, so persons won’t use candles that could ignite what is left of their homes. 

Keep these folks in your thoughts and prayers, as they struggle to bury loved ones and carry on – thanks to their determination and the help they are receiving from volunteers, organizations and the government.  As one citizen who had lost her home stated: “If you don’t have any bad times, how are you going to appreciate the good times?”  If there is anything we can do to help out, let’s do it.  Please stay safe through the stormy season.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

HAS THE MONTH OF APRIL BEEN CONFUSED?

The old saying, “March comes in like a lion, and out like a lamb,” really didn’t come true this year!  It went out the same way it came in!  Just because that happened, the month of April didn’t have to carry on the “lion” tradition; however, for some reason, this month didn’t get the message!    The week of April 14th  through 16th  brought the largest single system of tornado outbreaks in United States history – 153 confirmed twisters.  These wind funnels danced through at least 14 states, killing an estimated 43 persons.  St. Louis, Missouri’s Lambert Airport was hit Sunday, April 24th,  by the most powerful tornado that had happened in their area in forty-four years.  Miraculously, no one was seriously hurt or killed, but more than 100 homes were destroyed.  News that tornadoes are continuing this week makes us even more aware that we must be prepared.  

The Weather Channel has reported the confirmation of 292 tornadoes in the United States so far this month, beating the previous April record of 267 in 1974.  Storm survey teams continue to assess the damage from this month’s storms and could change the number of confirmed tornadoes. The average for April is only 116, according to the nation’s Storm Prediction Center, in Norman, Oklahoma.  With a few days left in April, one can only wonder how many more will touch down somewhere.

Last week, my husband and I decided to subscribe to a weather prediction service offered through one of  Dallas’ television stations, as tornado season seems to have hit with a vengence.    On Saturday and Sunday night, we received several phone calls from this service, warning of either severe thunderstorms in our immediate area or tornado warnings for our area.  (I believe we got our money’s worth for a year’s subscription to this service in those two nights.) Local sirens also sounded, adding to the warnings.  We were relying on these  types of warnings, as our television satellite usually fails during storms.  A NOAA battery-operated radio is also very helpful.  By checking the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service website, you can obtain just about any kind of warning, forecast, or information needed for your location.  Images of tornado tracks in the United States look as though a line was drawn down the center of the U.S., making it much more colorful from the center to the eastern border.  Frankly, it would be just as well to live on the less colorful side of the line during storm season! 

Flooding is another very serious threat during this time of the year, too.  We never know when a natural disaster may happen, so we should take the warnings seriously and be prepared.  As previously suggested, disaster kits should be filled with staples and supplies that will last several days.  A first aid kit should be available at all times, both in the home and vehicle.   And keep that cell phone charged up! 

Early warnings, good timing, and common sense are credited with saving many lives.  Don’t ignore those weather watches and warnings – weather professionals are doing a good job by forecasting upcoming changes that pose threats.  Pay attention and be ready!  Taking a CPR class is a good idea, too.  You never know when you may be able to help a neighbor or family member that gets injured during storms.  Let’s hope that  May showers will bring spring flowers, and nothing else!  Both May and June are still months for thunderstorms and tornadoes, but maybe we will get a break this year.  If not, records will be set for 2011.

For those who have been affected by fires, tornadoes, or floods, we wish you a safe recovery and that things can someday soon return to normal.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

PREPARING FOR EMERGENCIES

Do you have a plan for emergencies, such as the ones we have seen over the past few weeks – wildfires, tornadoes, floods, and other disasters?  We think we are ready, but if the time comes that you are ordered to evacuate your home, what would be the first thing you would grab?  Do you have an emergency kit in your vehicle or in your home, ready to pick up? Every family, school, business and facility such as a nursing home or hospital should have an emergency plan.  Develop a plan for you and your family, just in case.  There should also be policies in place at work and school.  Frequent drills should be held.  Be familiar with the area where you live, and keep a highway map nearby to follow storm movement from weather bulletins. 

First, develop a Family Disaster Plan.  Here are some suggestions:

  • Learn the safest places to seek shelter, regardless of your location – at work, school, or in the car. 
  • Understand basic weather terms and danger signs related to weather conditions.
  • Practice the plan you have developed with your family often.  Find out what type of disasters could occur from your local National Weather Service, and how you should respond.
  • Learn your community’s warning signals and evacuation plans.
  • Pick two places for your family to meet – (1) a spot outside your home for an emergency, such as fire, and (2) a place away from your neighborhood in case you can’t return home.
  • Choose an “out of area”  friend as your “family check-in contact” for everyone to call in case the family gets separated. 
  • Plan what to do if you are told to evacuate.
  • Have safety features in your house, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
  • Have your family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR and first aid.
  • Teach them how to use a fire extinguisher.
  • Teach children how and when to call 911.
  • Keep your disaster supplies ready. 
  • Store important family documents in a waterproof container. 
  • Keep a smaller disaster kit  in the trunk of your car. 

A disaster kit should contain the following items:

  • One blanket or sleeping bag for each person;
  • Prescription medications;
  • A battery-powered NOAA radio;
  • Flashlight;
  • Extra batteries;
  • Change of clothing and footwear for each person;
  • Extra set of keys for your vehicle;
  • Credit card or cash;
  • Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members;
  • Non-perishable food;
  • A 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day.)
  • Food for pets;
  • Bottled water in the kit, which should be replaced every six months. 

Learn your children’s school emergency policies.  The school should be inspected and tornado shelter areas designated by a registered engineer or architect.  Basements are the best place for protection; however, if there is no basement, schools should use interior rooms and hallways on the lowest floor and away from windows.  Special provisions for disabled students and those in portable classrooms should be made.  Children should be kept at school beyond regular hours if threatening weather is expected.  They will be safer at the school than in a bus or car.  They should not be sent home early if severe weather is expected.  

Hospitals and nursing homes should have similar plans.  Patients should be moved away from windows into hallways.  Special generators should be available to take the place of electricity in case of power failure.  Schools, hospitals, and nursing homes should conduct drills frequently in order for all staff to be fully prepared. 

In case of a warning or threatening weather approaches:

  • Tune in to your weather radio for information;
  • Stay away from windows;
  • Do not open windows;
  • Get into a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement or storm cellar;
  • Get out of automobiles;
  • Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; leave it immediately;
  • Do not remain in your mobile home; even if they are tied down, they offer little protection from tornadoes and high winds. 

We can never predict when a situation may arise that causes us to suddenly leave our homes.  Being prepared can possibly help save the lives of your family. 

Source: NOAA