Tag Archives: aid

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT?

One can never be completely prepared for what Mother Nature may do. This past Thursday, the people of Iceland felt her power when a volcano erupted under Eyjafjallajokull glacier.  Citizens of Iceland are dealing with rising floodwaters, as well as smoke and ash.  Approximately one-third of the glacial ice has melted and has caused a nearby river to flood.  Around 850 persons in the area have been evacuated and several acres of land are completely covered by ash.
The result of this eruption has caused the largest global disruption of airline traffic since 9-11.  Air travel on six continents has been affected to some degree.  A scientist in Iceland has said that it is possible that ash will continue to be distributed in the air for weeks.  Air travel is dangerous under these conditions, as ash and smoke cause a lack of visibility, in addition to the threat of microscopic debris getting sucked into the engines, causing them to shut down.
Airports are full of stranded passengers due to cancellations of flights.  Delivery of materials, business meetings and persons planning vacations may all experience delays.
This brings to mind a very important word: preparation.  One never knows when a natural event will happen, possibly taking away the things we take for granted.  Hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, and other disasters can happen.  It’s a good idea for everyone to be ready for such an event by having extra supplies on hand.  Fresh water, canned foods, (food and water for three days), can opener, flashlight, candles, blankets, pet food, cell phone, first aid kit, and NOAA weather radio, are items that should be kept together in a safe place in case of an emergency.  Folks in Iceland will probably need respirators, because of the condition of the air they will breathe for sometime.
Our world has already had several earthquakes this year – it is hard to predict or imagine where the next natural disaster may happen.  Be ready to protect yourself and your family as well as possible, and also watch out for your fellow man, as well.
One can never be completely prepared for what Mother Nature may do. This past Thursday, the people of Iceland felt her power when a volcano erupted under Eyjafjallajokull glacier.  Citizens of Iceland are dealing with rising floodwaters, as well as smoke and ash.  Approximately one-third of the glacial ice has melted and has caused a nearby river to flood.  Around 850 persons in the area have been evacuated and several acres of land are completely covered by ash.
The result of this eruption has caused the largest global disruption of airline traffic since 9-11.  Air travel on six continents has been affected to some degree.  A scientist in Iceland has said that it is possible that ash will continue to be distributed in the air for weeks.  Air travel is dangerous under these conditions, as ash and smoke cause a lack of visibility, in addition to the threat of microscopic debris getting sucked into the engines, causing them to shut down.
Airports are full of stranded passengers due to cancellations of flights.  Delivery of materials, business meetings and persons planning vacations may all experience delays.
This brings to mind a very important word: preparation.  One never knows when a natural event will happen, possibly taking away the things we take for granted.  Hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, and other disasters can happen.  It’s a good idea for everyone to be ready for such an event by having extra supplies on hand.  Fresh water, canned foods, (food and water for three days), can opener, flashlight, candles, blankets, pet food, cell phone, first aid kit, and NOAA weather radio, are items that should be kept together in a safe place in case of an emergency.  Folks in Iceland will probably need respirators, because of the condition of the air they will breathe for sometime.
Our world has already had several earthquakes this year – it is hard to predict or imagine where the next natural disaster may happen.  Be ready to protect yourself and your family as well as possible, and also watch out for your fellow man, as well.
General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

WHO’LL STOP THE RAIN?

Many parts of the United States have had more than their share of heavy rain this spring.  Residents of Nashville, Tennessee, are still cleaning up after the devastating storm that hit their city and surrounding area, May 1st through May 2nd.

On June 11, a flash flood killed twenty campers and injured more in the Albert Pike Recreation Area, in Arkansas.  Located in a secluded valley where the Caddo and Little Missouri Rivers meet, heavy rains caused the waters to rise 8’ per hour.  By the time most of the people realized what was happening, it was too late for many to escape.  Forecasters had issued a flash flood warning for that vicinity; however, there was little chance of any type of cell phone or other method of communication in this remote location that could have warned them.

June 14th brought 10” of rain to parts of Oklahoma City, and several counties in Oklahoma.  Several persons were rescued from vehicles when rains swept them off the road.  A cab driver was drowned while trying to push his stalled cab out of floodwaters.  Officials said the car was in two feet of water; however, the current was so swift, it swept him away.  Many roads and bridges are heavily damaged and will take months to return to service.
Having known someone who was rescued after being stranded in their car during heavy rains, their first-hand advice, of course, is to try to get to high ground.  It was raining so hard during their experience it was difficult to know exactly where they were.  By the time the rescue team arrived, water was well inside their car, and they had to be taken out through the windows of the car.  A physician who was trapped in his vehicle in the recent Oklahoma City incident, reported that he was advised to roll down the windows because once the water got high enough to short out the electrical system, he would not be able to do so.  Events such as this remind us that sometimes things really are out of our control.

We want to repeat some earlier guidelines to protect those involved in flood clean-up:

  • Take precaution from insect and mosquito bites.
  • Extreme caution should be used with possible chemical and electric hazards; the fire or police department are better equipped to decide what should be done.
  • Be sure tetanus shot is current (within 10 years).
  • Maintain good hygiene during cleanup operations, wash hands with soap and running water as often as possible during the day.
  • Do not allow children to play in floodwaters, or with toys that have been in floodwaters.
  • Wear eyewear and head protection.  Sunscreen needs to be worn, as well.

These safety items, such as disposable clothes, respirators, goggles, gloves, and insect repellents can aid in protecting those who are involved in this or any other clean up operations.  Take precautionary measures, not chances on becoming ill.