Tag Archives: warnings

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

PAY ATTENTION TO TORNADO WARNINGS!

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As residents recover from the damage caused by the recent storms in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration urges recovery workers, employers and the public to exercise caution during cleanup efforts. OSHA will be providing on-site compliance assistance to workers and the public about the hazards they may encounter, as well as the steps they should take to stay safe. Hazards involved in cleanup work may include exposure to contaminated water or food; heat exhaustion; downed electrical wires; carbon monoxide poisoning and electrical shock from portable generators, and dangers while tree-trimming or working at heights. 

According to the NOAA Satellite and Information Systems, here are the classifications of wind speeds: 

  •        EF-1 =   86-110 mph
  •        EF-2 =  111-135 mph
  •        EF-3 =  136-165 mph
  •        EF-4 =  166-200 mph
  •        EF-5 =  over 200 mph 

It is hard to imagine how anything remains standing in winds that strong. According to experts, there’s no wind on earth stronger than winds inside a tornado.  It’s amazing that more people escaped injury; they had advance notice that allowed them to be better prepared, due to correct weather warnings.  This serves as a reminder to all of us to do the following: 

  1.       Know the hazards of dangerous weather.
  2.       Pay attention to forecasts.
  3.       Have a plan to stay safe.  Think about what you will do in case of a natural disaster and be prepared. 

The storms that produced several tornadoes Sunday in Oklahoma and Kansas prompted an unusually blunt warning from the central region of the National Weather Service, which covers 14 states: 

“You could be killed if not underground or in a tornado shelter,” it said. “Complete destruction of neighborhoods, businesses and vehicles will occur. Flying debris will be deadly to people and animals.”   

Pat Slattery, National Weather Service spokesman for the U.S. Central region, said the advisory was part of a new warning system being tested after a violent tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri on May 22, 2011, killing 158 people and injuring hundreds. 

Slattery said the new advisory was reserved for severe tornadoes with the potential to form into “supercell” storms, which produce powerful winds and flash flooding. Supercells are considered to be the most dangerous of four categories of storms because of the extreme weather they generate. 

A recent National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration assessment of the Joplin storm found that “when people heard the first tornado warning, they did not immediately seek shelter. They looked for a secondary source to confirm the tornado,” Slattery said. “That got some people killed.” 

For those emergency response workers and volunteers, be sure that you are wearing the appropriate safety equipment, for the hazards involved.  Have a good supply of fresh drinking water, hand sanitizer, and first aid supplies in case of cuts or scratches.  May Mother Nature slow down a little bit on introducing us to spring tornadoes.  We would prefer that they stay away completely.  It is doubtful that this will happen, so be prepared, and pay attention to warnings from your weather system.  They know what they are talking about!

Please note: I prepared this article yesterday, probably during the same time that the horrible tornado was rumbling toward Moore, Oklahoma.  Search and rescue workers and volunteers were scrambling to try to locate school children, as the tornado devastated two elementary schools.  Work continued through the night. The County Medical Examiner has released the number of dead, and then revised it, so through the day, we will have more accurate figures.  My article was  intended to help us pay attention to weather warnings.  Our county was in a tornado warning for several hours last night, but we escaped any damage in our small town. I don’t know about the other part of the county.

This is a very frightening season for those who live in areas prone to develop tornadoes.  Please pray for the parents, grandparents, children and all citizens of Moore, Oklahoma, many who have lost loved ones, and their possessions.  pb

 

Department of Labor; Reuters News Service

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing

BE ON THE WATCH FOR WINTER STORMS!

Do you know the difference between Winter Storm Watch, Winter Storm Warnings, and Winter Weather Advisories?  Chances are, most of us don’t; only those who must be out in those conditions to work or get to work pay attention to the forecast.  If you don’t understand, please 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. 

WARNING:

  •       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.  

Brrrrrr!  For those of you who must work in these conditions, there are all types of warm weather gear you can layer to be more comfortable!  From winter liners for wearing  under hardhats or hoodies, tube style helmet liners, rainsuits, raincoats, cold weather work gloves, to Kevlar fiber heat sleeves that furnish insulation, check out Texas America Safety Company!  We are your winter warmth headquarters!

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

HURRICANES, 2012!!!

First, this note:  All Americans know that today, Monday,  is Memorial Day; a day of solemn remembrance to honor those who have served our country and died in the line of duty.  We wish for their families to be aware of the respect that their loved ones deserve, now and forever.  Flags are flying all over towns and cities as reminders of the flag they so loved.  May we never forget them, or fail to support our troops who are serving in this country and foreign lands.  May someday we all see our world become more peaceful.

This week, May 27-June 2, is national Hurricane Preparedness Week. To help prepare residents of hurricane-prone areas, NOAA is unveiling a new set of video and audio public service announcements featuring NOAA hurricane experts and the FEMA administrator that are available in both English and Spanish. These are available at http://www.hurricanes.gov/prepare. 

NOAA’s seasonal hurricane outlook does not predict where and when any of these storms may hit. Landfall is dictated by weather patterns in place at the time the storm approaches. For each storm, NOAA’s National Hurricane Center forecasts how these weather patterns affect the storm track, intensity and landfall potential. 

Earlier this week, The Weather Channel updated its forecast for the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season.  The Weather Channel outlook calls for 11 named storms, including six hurricanes and two major hurricanes. Pay attention to your NOAA radio or television Weather Channel for the most current updates, so you can ” batten down the hatches! ”

NOAA’s outlook predicts a less active season compared to recent years,” said NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D. “But regardless of the outlook, it’s vital for anyone living or vacationing in hurricane-prone locations to be prepared. We have a stark reminder this year with the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew.” Andrew, the Category 5 hurricane that devastated South Florida on August 24, 1992, was the first storm in a late-starting season that produced only six named storms. 

Hurricane impacts are not limited to the coastline; strong winds and flooding rainfall often pose a threat across inland areas along with the risk for tornadoes.  The National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. It operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy. Visit them online at weather.gov and on Facebook. 

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Visit them on Facebook.  Listed below are suggestions to help you be prepared: 

  •        Secure your home;
  •        Have a plan that includes your family, elderly, and pets;
  •        Be sure your insurance papers are in order;
  •        You need to have a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water for each individual;
  •        Have a emergency first aid kit and flashlight;
  •        Be sure you have all medicines;
  •        Notify next of kin or friends that you may be needing to stay with them until the all-clear; 

In the event of a hurricane hitting your town, do not go back until the authorities give permission.  Many times, downed power lines or other hazards cause injuries.  Let’s hope that this will be a mild season for those who live on coastlines, or inward communities that can be affected by this type of devastation.

General Safety Issues

UNDERSTANDING RED FLAG WARNINGS

Since October is Fire Prevention Month, we thought it would be fitting to close the month with information regarding Red Flag Warnings.  A Red Flag Warning is a term used by fire-weather forecasters to call attention to limited weather conditions of particular importance that may result in extreme burning conditions.  It is issued when it is an on-going event or the fire-weather forecaster has a high degree of confidence that Red Flag criteria will occur within 24 hours of issuance.  Red Flag criteria occurs whenever a geographical area has been in a dry spell for a week or two, or for a shorter period, if before spring green-up or after fall color.  It also happens when the National Fire Danger Rating System is high to extreme and the following forecast weather parameters are predicted:

  1. A sustained wind average 15 mph or greater
  2. Relative humidity less than or equal to 25 per cent
  3. A temperature of greater than 75 degrees F.

In some states, dry lightning and unstable air are criteria.  A Fire Weather Watch may be issued prior to the Red Flag Warning.  Several states have experienced extreme drought conditions this year, resulting in fires that destroyed homes, property, and animals.  For rural families, precautions should be taken long before a fire threatens property, in order to minimize costly damages after a fire.  All rural families, farmers and ranchers should be able to identify potential fire hazards and understand the basic fire response techniques to eliminate or minimize personal and property damage.  This should also apply to those who have chosen to build their homes in high locations, surrounded by many trees. 

Practice farm-specific fire safety.  Listed are basic suggestions:

  • Avoid fire hazards in the initial construction.
  • Have emergency numbers posted in a central location.
  • Your farm or ranch should have adequate water supply, such as an irrigation ditch, a water tank, a cistern, or pond.
  • Keep irrigation sources clear of combustible material.
  • Place fire extinguishers in all barns, vehicles, and tractors.  Check extinguishers periodically for charge.  Discard damaged or used fire extinguishers.
  • Keep barns and buildings clean of trash and other combustible materials, such as hay, lumber, logs and empty feed sacks.
  • Park tractors and implements away from combustible materials such as hay stacks and fuel storage containers.
  • Obtain fire insurance for livestock, buildings, and equipment. 
  • Develop an escape or evacuation plan, and practice it.  This plan should also include how to transport animals and livestock that may be in danger.
  • If you have time to evacuate animals, proceed with caution.  Some animals may be so frightened that they would even run back into a burning barn.  Make sure to close gates prohibiting access to dangerous areas. 
  •  Remove fuels, pesticides, medicines and other chemicals away from heat sources and combustible materials.  These types of fuels, etc., should be stored in a fire-retardant enclosure or secure location.
  • Ask your local fire department to conduct occasional fire drills and inspections, in order to avoid confusion in the event of an actual fire.

If you are traveling in an area that has Burn Ban notices or Red Flag Warnings, do not take a chance on throwing out a cigarette, building a campfire, or doing anything that could cause a fire.  It only takes one spark to create devastation that may cause loss of life, both human and animal, as well as destroying homes.  Houses can be rebuilt, but the memories and special treasures, such as pictures, possibly may not be replaced.

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

IT’S A WAITING GAME…………

As of this writing, Saturday, August 27th, the Northeast coast of the U.S. is ready and waiting to see what Hurrican Irene does.  Many precautions have been taken, and people seem to be paying attention to the warnings that the authorities have given them to evacuate.  As early as Friday, New York City hospitals were transferring patients to other hospitals or home, if they were able to go,  as long as they are out of harm’s way.

The United States has seen its share of weather abnormalties this year – excessive rain in some parts, and extreme drought in the Southern and Midwestern states.  There’s too much rain in places, and too little in others.  As they say, “feast or famine.”  Last spring, there were tornadoes that devastated communities, and residents are just now beginning to rebuild.  Flooding occurred as a result of heavy snows melting from the mountains.  Another unusual type of disaster – the wildfires that ravaged thousands of acres in Texas and California.  Then, what about the “dust bowl” in Arizona?  Believe me, if you’ve ever lived in a desert area, you know what those dust storms are all about.   So, Mother Nature, what goes?

These are seasonal storms that make their way out of the Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico and leave paths of destruction.  TODAY: MONDAY, AUGUST 29TH:  Irene has passed by the Northeastern coast, leaving approximately 21 dead;  and damage estimated at $7 billion.  Irene turned into a tropical storm late Sunday, leaving flooding behindd and possible spawning of tornadoes.  New Yorkers were relieved that it was not like the nightmare authorities feared.  According to today’s Ft Worth Star-Telegram, causes of deaths included water, falling trees, and electricity.  There will be many homes and businesses that must be repaired or rebuilt, but another big challenge is restoring power to the 4.5 million homes and businesses without power.  Travelers have been inconvenienced by delayed flights and other means of transportation.  The light at the end of the tunnel is that most of those involved in this area paid attention to the weather warnings and heeded their advice.

As the news and weather personnel instruct everyone, be prepared.  They are doing their job to warn us in the event of a natural occurrence.  We must do our part to be ready.  As advised, have a plan for your family, where you can go to escape the threat, and have your emergency supplies packed and ready.

  • A 3-day supply of fresh water.
  • Non-perishable food.
  • Important papers.
  • Cell phone and battery charger.
  • Flashlight, and candles in case of power outage.
  • Arrangements for your pets. Take them with you if possible.
  • Extra clothing.
  • Keep your car filled up with gas during threatening weather.

Here we go, complaining (naturally) about the terrible weather conditions that our nation has gone through this past spring and summer.  Then, I think about what our young men and women are going through, wearing all that heavy gear, as they fight their way in hot, dusty, dirty countries.  I feel sure they would love to be in the good old U.S.A., regardless of the threat of storms.  The kind of storm they battle every day is more fierce  than anything we can imagine.

This also brings to mind the horrible earthquake in Japan, and the struggle their citizens are coping with to rebuild parts of their country.  Haiti, another country that had a devastating earthquake, is still coping with the disaster that hit their land.  Again, what is going on with Mother Nature? How about giving Mother Earth a break?

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.

General Safety Issues

WE WISH EVERYONE A SAFE SPRING BREAK!

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One of the things that students look forward to the most, and parents probably worry about the most – Spring Break!  It’s a time when students are ready to let their hair down, and can hardly wait to break free from the routine of daily college life.  It’s no secret that kids are looking for places that offer warm weather, water, cheap booze, and bargains.  We don’t want to rain on their parade, but feel that we should join others in warning them about some of the risks involved when traveling, especially if they choose to go to out of the United States. 

The Texas Department of Public Safety issued a very blunt statement on March 1st, stating  “Avoid Mexico travel during Spring Break and Stay Alive!”  The northern border cities were the most dangerous at one time; however, authorities have warned travelers that the drug-related violence is rapidly growing worse, and violence and other crimes have moved from the border to other parts of the country, even the resort areas in southern Mexico, as well as Mexico City.  This is the third warning in three months that the agency has advised totally staying out of Mexico.  Boaters are warned to stay on the U.S. side of Falcon Lake, where several Americans have been robbed and one young man killed in recent months.  Ted Poe, R- Humble, Texas, in his appearance on CBS’ Early Show on March 1st, said Americans or Mexican nationals are not safe in Mexico where the drug cartels are operating in different portions of the country.  A profound escalation of cartel-related conflicts in Mexico has created an environment in which deadly violence can happen anywhere, regardless of bystanders, their nationality or status.  He recommended that students go somewhere in the United States for their spring break. 

There are many places in Texas, Louisana, Florida, and other southern states that offer plenty of water and sunshine.  Because of the economy, it would keep more dollars at home.  Wherever your destination is, here’s a few tips:

  • The sun will maximize the effects of alcohol, and cause a hangover to be worse. 
  • Be sure to take along lots of sunscreen,  if you going to a beach area. 
  • Plan ahead, and think about the consequences of taking risks. 
  • Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
  • Drink responsibly. 
  • Have a designated driver, and check out the laws of the area.  

Family groups will be traveling during this time, too, and all of these tips can be helpful.  The “buddy system” applies to travel anytime, anywhere.  Never get separated from your group, nor leave with strangers.  There are predators who will try to steal or commit worse crimes on unsuspecting persons.  Water safety is another thing to understand.  Do not swim where there is no lifeguard on duty.  Know the flags for water safety:

  • Red – Stay out of water, strong undertow or riptides.
  • Yellow –Undertow and riptides possible.
  • Blue – Calm water; Swim safely!

Wherever you choose to travel this spring, please do this:

  1. Have an emergency plan: designate meeting  places in case of getting separated from your group, and know the evacuation plans of the hotel you are staying in.
  2. Pack a disaster kit (just in case): water, non-perishable food, battery-operated radio, cell phone, first aid kit,and flashlight.
  3. Stay informed. 

Here are also a few tips for all travelers to follow that will help everyone stay well while on vacation: take some hand sanitizer and wipes to keep down germs in your hotel room.  Use paper cups that are provided rather than glass ones, which may not have been washed properly.  Move the bedspread away and wipe down the remote control, phone, and bathroom handles.  It pays to be “germ-conscious” when staying away from home. 

Persons who are planning to vacation outside the U.S.  should always check the U.S. State Department website for up-to-date information related to security issues in the country they plan to travel.  Have fun, but use common sense, and stay safe.  Mom and Dad will sleep a lot better when you are back home.

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

WILDFIRE WEATHER

The old saying “when it rains, it pours,” infers that there’s usually been too much of a bad thing.  Australia has certainly experienced more than their share of weather-related happenings: a cyclone on the eastern coast, and flooding from drenching rains in Queensland and southern Victoria.  Now, in Perth, in Western Australia, wildfires are destroying homes, forcing many to evacuate.  February is the last month of summer in that country, bringing the height of monsoon season, in addition to being the riskiest time for wildfires. 

The United States has already begun to experience wildfires in several areas of the country:  from California, eastern New Mexico, western Texas and the panhandle of Texas, to the Carolinas and the east Coast.   Because brisk winds accompany warmer days, red flag warnings and fire danger warnings are commonplace, as some areas are beginning to see a gradual warmup.  Spring and warmer temperatures cause an earlier snowmelt in the mountainous areas, leaving the vicinities dryer overall, creating a longer season in which a fire can start.  Don’t let your home and property become fuel for a wildfire.  We want to share these suggestions from the Texas Forest Service about steps you can take to reduce your risk for damage from wildfire:

  • Keep leaves and other debris cleared from gutters, eaves, roof, porches and decks.  They can cause embers that can ignite your home.
  • Clear vegetation around your home at least 30 to 100 feet, depending on your area’s wildfire risk.
  • Landscape with native and less-flammable plants.  Check with your state forestry agency for information.
  • Dispose of debris and lawn cuttings quickly.
  • Remove fuel within 3-5 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including sheds and garages.  If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck, or porch.
  • Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire; keep your lawn hydrated and maintained.
  • Remove branches from trees to a height of 15’ or more.  Wildfire can spread to tree-tops.  Be sure the lowest branches are 6’ to 10’ high.
  • LPG tanks should be far enough from buildings for valves to be shut off in case of fire.  Keep area around tank clear of flammable vegetation.
  • Store gasoline in an approved safety can away from occupied buildings.
  • Establish fuel breaks along roadways and buildings and fields or woodlands, if you live in a rural area.
  • Any combustibles – firewood, wooden picnic tables, boats, and stacked lumber should be kept away from all structures.
  • Have fire tools handy, such as:  shovel, rake and buckets for water, as well as a ladder tall enough to reach your roof.
  • Keep water hoses connected on all sides of your home for emergency use.
  • Be certain that you and your family know all emergency exits from your home and neighborhood.

These are excellent ideas to help keep the exteriors of our homes less susceptible,  in case of any type of fire;  even those who don’t live in an area of a possible wildfire.  

I have seen first-hand the devastation wildfires can cause.  A few years ago, a small community and its’ surrounding area were almost totally wiped out because of a wildfire.  Persons lost their homes and everything in them.  Because of extremely dry, windy conditions, wildfires were happening in many parts of Texas, all around the same time, (in the spring), causing not only the loss of homes, but churches and businesses.  Cattle and wild animals were trapped inside fenced pastures, with no way to get out.  

If additional senseless and potentially deadly wildfires are to be avoided, everyone must exercise extreme caution with all potential sources of wildfire ignition.  Careless debris burning is one of the major causes of wildfires.   First, and foremost, stay informed about wildfire danger levels and heed warnings and bans on outdoor burning.  Check to see if weather changes are expected.  Postpone outdoor burning until your area greens up, and check with your local fire department to determine if bans on outdoor burning have been lifted.  If you decide to burn, have a water hose ready, and stay with all outdoor fires until they are completely out. 

Source: Texas Forest Service

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

CONCERNS ABOUT DRUGGED DRIVERS

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We worry about drunk drivers, drowsy drivers, and other risk-takers on the highways, such as drugged drivers.  Driving under the influence of prescription drugs can be deadly.  Medications act on systems in the brain that impair driving ability.  Warnings against the operation of machinery (including motor vehicles) for a specific time after use are included with the medications.  How many pay attention to those warnings?  If prescription drugs are taken without medical supervision (i.e., when abused), impaired driving and other harmful outcomes can happen.

Drugs acting on the brain can alter perception, cognition, attention, balance, coordination, reaction time, and other faculties required for safe driving. The effects of specific drugs of abuse differ depending on their mechanisms of action, the amount consumed, and the history of the user. The principal concern regarding drugged driving is that driving under the influence of any drug that acts on the brain could impair one’s motor skills, reaction time, and judgment.

Behavioral effects of these medications vary widely, depending not only on the drug, but on the person taking it.  Anti-anxiety drugs can dull alertness and slow reaction time.  Others, like stimulants, can encourage risk-taking and alter the ability to judge distances.  Mixing prescriptions or taking them with alcohol can worsen impairment and sharply increase the risk of crashing.

One example of a tragedy caused by a drugged driver is of a young lady riding her bicycle who was hit and killed by a drugged driver.  Police thought the driver had been drinking, as her speech was slow and slurred.  Rather than drinking, she told police that she had taken several prescription medications, including a sedative and muscle relaxant.  Police also said she did not stop after hitting the girl, until later when she crashed into another vehicle down the road.  She was charged with vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence of drugs.

Many states recognize drivers may be driving under the influence, but not from alcohol.  They consider any drug that causes one to fail a field sobriety test to be cause for getting a DUI arrest.  Unlike alcohol, there is no agreement on what level of drugs in the blood impairs driving.  Setting a limit for prescription medications is more difficult, because the chemistry of drugs’ effects are harder to predict that alcohol’s.  Some drugs may linger in the body for days.  Anyone who is taking prescription medications and knows how the particular medication affects them, should stay off the roads.

It is now time that we recognize and address the dangers that can occur with drugged driving, a dangerous activity that puts us all at risk.  Drugged driving is a public health concern because it puts not only the driver at risk, but also passengers and others who share the road.