Weather Workshop 2012 Information and Registration
Please join us for another great Weather Workshop February 24-25th at the Holiday Inn University Plaza in Bowling Green! We have packed two days full of weather related training - everything from spotter training, technology and science to weather safety. Keynote speakers include Mike Hudson, Tim Samaras, Chris Novy and Stu Ostro. Additionally, our vendor focus this Workshop will be for weather equipment and technology.
The Weather Workshop 2012 is designed to provide an informative overview of the detailed and technical processes used for understanding weather forecasting and modeling.
-Agricultural Specialist
-Aviators
-Citizens
-Educators
-HAM Radio Operators
-Local Emergency Management Personnel
-Media
-Meteorologists
ONLINE REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16.
Check/MO made payable to: Kentucky State Treasurer
Att: Tonya Coleman,
Events Coordinator,
KYEM
Boone National Guard Center
100 Minuteman Parkway
Frankfort, KY 40601
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Public Service Announcement
Citizen’s Guide to Radon
Provided by your
Local Emergency Management Office
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Citizen's Guide to Radon:
The Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Radon
Overview
Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas. You can't see radon. And you can't smell it or taste it. But it may be a problem in your home. Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of deaths each year. That's because when you breathe air containing radon, you can get lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.
Radon can be found all over the U.S.
Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breath. Radon can be found all over the U.S. It can get into any type of building - homes, offices, and schools - and result in a high indoor radon level. But you and your family are most likely to get your greatest exposure at home, where you spend most of your time.
You should test for radon.
Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. EPA also recommends testing in schools.
Testing is inexpensive and easy - it should only take a few minutes of your time. Millions of Americans have already tested their homes for radon.
You can fix a radon problem.
Radon reduction systems work and they are not too costly. Some radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99%. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.
New homes can be built with radon-resistant features.
Radon-resistant construction techniques can be effective in preventing radon entry. When installed properly and completely, these simple and inexpensive techniques can help reduce indoor radon levels in homes. In addition, installing them at the time of construction makes it easier and less expensive to reduce radon levels. Every new home should be tested after occupancy, even if it was built radon-resistant. If radon levels are still present, having a qualified mitigator install a vent fan should activate the passive system.
How Does Radon Get Into Your Home?
Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.
Radon from soil gas is the main cause of radon problems. Sometimes radon enters the home through well water. In a small number of homes, the building materials can give off radon, too. However, building materials rarely cause radon problems by themselves.
RADON GETS IN THROUGH:
v Cracks in solid floors
v Construction joints
v Cracks in walls
v Gaps in suspended floors
v Gaps around service pipes
v Cavities inside walls
v The water supply
Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated radon levels. Elevated levels of radon gas have been found in homes in your state. Contact your state radon office for general information about radon in your area. While radon problems may be more common in some areas, any home may have a problem. The only way to know about your home is to test.
Radon can also be a problem in schools and workplaces. Ask your state radon office about radon problems in schools, daycare and childcare facilities, and workplaces in your area.
What to Do Before an Earthquake
Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling, and following local seismic building standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes.
Six Ways to Plan Ahead
Check for Hazards in the Home
Ÿ Fasten shelves securely to walls.
Ÿ Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
Ÿ Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
Ÿ Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
Ÿ Brace overhead light fixtures.
Ÿ Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
Ÿ Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
Ÿ Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
Ÿ Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors
Ÿ Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
Ÿ Against an inside wall.
Ÿ Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
Ÿ In the open, away from buildings, trees, and telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.
Educate Yourself and Family Members
Contact your local emergency management office for more information on earthquakes. Teach children how and when to call 911, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information. Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
Have Disaster Supplies on Hand
Ÿ Flashlight and extra batteries.
Ÿ Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
Ÿ First aid kit and manual.
Ÿ Emergency food and water.
Ÿ Non-electric can opener.
Ÿ Essential medicines.
Ÿ Cash and credit cards.
Ÿ Sturdy shoes.
Develop an Emergency Communication Plan
In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school); develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and telephone number of the contact person.
Tornado Safety: Be Prepared
One of the most alarming aspects of tornadoes is their randomness. Your best defense is to be alert and prepared. The time to begin is now.
Be Informed
Determine your insurance eligibility now. In addition to high winds, rain and floods are sometimes associated with tornadoes. However, damage caused by flooding is not usually covered in regular homeowners' insurance. The federal government insures against flood damage.
Find out more from:
Learn how your town handles emergencies by contacting:
Be Prepared
- Pay attention to local weather reports.
- Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio and sign up for The Weather Channel's free alerts on your mobile phone or by e-mail.
- Develop a Family Preparedness Plan
- Decide where to go if at home, school, work or in a car when a tornado warning is issued. Update these plans every school year.
- Compile a family emergency supply kit.
- Make certain everything you need is in one specific, easy-to-access location.
- These contents can be assembled over a five-month period on a weekly basis
- Perishable items should be changed or replaced every six months
What to Do Now, Before a Storm
The best way to protect your family against potential weather disasters and emergency situations is to be prepared. Here's what you can do.
- Compile a disaster supply kit.
- Discuss with your family:
- Where your "safe room" is. (basement or interior room)
- Where you will meet if separated.
- Who your out of town contact is.
- Where your Disaster Supply Kit is located.
- Take pictures or videos of your home contents for insurance purposes and store at a friend's or relative's house.
- Locate gas and water shut-off valves.
- Get cash (without power, credit cards are unusable).
- Fill up the gas tank in your vehicle.
- Plan for your pets:
- Contact emergency shelters to find out if they accept pets.
- Make sure vaccinations are up-to-date.
- Listen to emergency announcements and follow directions.
What to Do After a Storm
- Call your out-of-town contact or other family members to let them know you are OK.
- Listen to emergency announcements:
- Wait for "all clear" to know it is safe to return home.
- Check for damage in your home.
- Contact your insurance provider to report any damages.
- Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasolines, and other flammable liquids immediately.
- If you have pets:
- Confine your pets during the clean-up period.
- Walk pets on a leash until they become re-oriented to their home.
- If pets cannot be found, contact local animal control office.
- Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons.
- Repair or block access to anything in your home that is damaged and could cause injuries.
- Stay away from downed power lines.
Preparedness
A message from Brig. Gen. John W. Heltzel, director of Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM).
“Although the state and local governments are expected to assist the public during times of emergencies and disasters, preparedness starts at home. In the event of large scale disasters the government may be unable to respond immediately."
"Be prepared! You should have at least a three day supply of food and water for each member of your family, along with essentials such as: medicines, flash lights, radio, extra batteries, matches, candles, first aid supplies, etc.”
"Have a plan and practice it. Share your plan with relatives, friends and someone you know living in another state."
 
http://www.weather.gov/os/water/XWATER/PAM/VIDEOS/30SEC/30SEC.MPG
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Lightning: What You Need to Know
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• NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area!!
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• If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.
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• When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter.
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• Safe shelter is a substantial building or inside an enclosed, metal-topped
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vehicle.
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• Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of
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thunder.
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Indoor Lightning Safety Tips
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• Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put
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you in direct contact with electricity.
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• Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths, and faucets.
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• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
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• Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls.
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Last Resort Outdoor Risk Reduction Tips
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NO PLACE outside is safe when lightning is in the area, but if you are caught
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outside with no safe shelter anywhere nearby the following actions may reduce your risk:
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• Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks
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• NEVER lie flat on the ground
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• NEVER use a tree for shelter
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• NEVER use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter
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• Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of
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water
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• Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power
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lines, windmills, etc.)
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• UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should ANY of the above actions be
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taken if a building or an all-metal vehicle is nearby
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If Someone Is Struck
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• Victims do not carry an electrical charge and may need immediate medical
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attention.
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• Monitor the victim and begin CPR or AED, if necessary.
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• Call 911 for help.
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For more information about lightning safety, visit
Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling, and following local seismic building standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes.
Six Ways to Plan Ahead
Check for Hazards in the Home
Ÿ Fasten shelves securely to walls.
Ÿ Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
Ÿ Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
Ÿ Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
Ÿ Brace overhead light fixtures.
Ÿ Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
Ÿ Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
Ÿ Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
Ÿ Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors
Ÿ Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
Ÿ Against an inside wall.
Ÿ Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
Ÿ In the open, away from buildings, trees, and telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.
Educate Yourself and Family Members
Contact your local emergency management office for more information on earthquakes. Teach children how and when to call 911, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information. Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
Have Disaster Supplies on Hand
Ÿ Flashlight and extra batteries.
Ÿ Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
Ÿ First aid kit and manual.
Ÿ Emergency food and water.
Ÿ Non-electric can opener.
Ÿ Essential medicines.
Ÿ Cash and credit cards.
Ÿ Sturdy shoes.
Develop an Emergency Communication Plan
In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school); develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and telephone number of the contact person.
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