2009 Tier II Reports were due on March 1.
Please click the LEPC box on the left for more info.
REMEMBER DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS SUNDAY 3/14
Severe Weather Preparedness
March has been designated as Severe Storms Preparedness Month across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The National Weather Service offices that serve the state of Kentucky along with the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management and the Kentucky Weather Preparedness Committee have designated this month as a time for severe weather preparedness.
The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management and Kentucky Weather Preparedness Committee urge you and your family to review these safety tips as we enter the peak severe weather season in Kentucky:
Flash Flooding Safety Rules
Flash floods and floods are the #1 storm related killer in Kentucky and across the United States.
o If Driving, DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED AREAS! Even if it looks shallow enough to cross. The majority of deaths due to flooding are due to people driving through flooded areas. Water only one foot deep and displace 1500 pounds! Two feet of water can easily carry most vehicles. Roadways concealed by floodwaters may not be intact.
o If caught outside, go to higher ground immediately! Avoid small rivers or streams, low spots, culverts, or ravines. Do not try to walk through flowing water more than ankle deep, as it only takes six inches of water to knock you off your feet. Do not allow children to play around streams, drainage ditches, or viaducts, storm drains, or other flooded areas.
o If ordered to evacuate or if rising water is threatening, leave immediately and get to higher ground.
Lightning Safety Rules
Lightning is the number two storm related killer. In Kentucky, more people are killed by lightning in an average year than tornadoes. Although severe thunderstorm warnings are NOT issued for lightning, you should move to shelter when thunder is heard as lightning can strike 10 to 15 miles away from where the rain is falling.
o If outside, go to a safe shelter immediately, such as inside a sturdy building. A hard top automobile with the windows up can also offer fair protection.
o If you are boating or swimming, get out of the water immediately and move to a safe shelter away from the water!
o If you are in a wooded area, seek shelter under a thick growth of relatively small trees.
o If you feel you hair standing on end, squat with your head between your knees. Do not lie flat!
o Avoid: Isolated trees or other tall objects, bodies of water, sheds, fences, convertible automobiles, tractors, and motorcycles.
o If inside, avoid using the telephone (except for emergencies) or other electrical appliances.
o Do not take a bath or shower during a thunderstorm.
Tornado/Severe Thunderstorm Safety Rules
o In a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement.
o If an underground shelter is not available, move to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outdoors.
o Stay away from windows.
o Get out of automobiles.
o Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately for safe shelter. Do not seek shelter in an underpass.
o If caught outside or in a vehicle, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.
o Be aware of flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes and high winds causes most fatalities and injuries.
o Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes or high winds. You should leave a mobile home and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy building or storm shelter.
ARE YOU READY!
The South Central Kentucky Red Cross chapter has put together a calendar for 21 weeks that you would need to add to the basic disaster kit.
You'll find attached a list of items you'll need to assemble your family's disaster kit. To start, assemble what you have and make sure you have enough food and water for a few days, then add a few items to your shopping list each week and at the end of 21 weeks you'll have your kit assembled.
Please check out the link below to obtain the 21 week calendar.
yourfirstdue.com/manager/data/1238430001/File/calendar_pdf.pdf
Winter Weather Safety Tips
Everyone is potentially at risk during winter storms. Most fatalities are indirectly related to the storm. People die from traffic accidents on icy roads, heart attacks while shoveling snow, and hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold.
Be prepared for winter weather! Listen to NOAA weather radio or commercial radio/television to stay informed about winter storm watches, warnings and advisories.
At home and work, plan ahead for winter storms by having these in hand:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery-powered NOAA weather Radio
- Extra food and water - high energy food such as dried fruit, nuts and granola bars, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration
- Can opener
- Extra medicine and baby supplies
- First aid kit
- Heating fuel
- Emergency heat source
- Fire extinguisher
- Smoke alarm
- Make sure pets have plenty of food, water, and shelter
If you are already indoors during hazardous winter weather:
- Stay inside!
- When using alternate heat from a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc., use fire safeguards and proper ventilation
- Close off unneeded rooms
- Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors
- Cover windows at night
- Eat and drink - food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing
The best advice for traveling during forecasted winter conditions is; “simply stay at home”. Only travel if necessary. However, if you must:
Before starting out in a vehicle:
- Plan your travel
- Check the weather
- Have road condition phone numbers handy
- Carry a Winter Storm Survival Kit
- Keep the gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines
- Avoid traveling alone
- Let someone know your timetable and route
If you are stranded in your vehicle during hazardous winter weather:
- Stay with your vehicle
- Take turns sleeping
- Run the motor every hour for 10 minutes to keep warm
- Keep windows open a little to prevent carbon monoxide buildup
- Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked
- Tie a bright cloth to the antenna
- Exercise periodically by vigorously moving your arms, legs, toes and fingers
- Turn on the dome light while the engine is running to aid rescuers at night
- After the snow stops falling, raise the car hood to indicate you need help
A good automobile Winter Safety Kit includes: cell phone and charger, blankets, flashlight and extra batteries, first-aid kit, knife, high-calorie non-perishable food, bottled water, extra clothing to keep dry, large empty can to use as emergency toilet, tissues and paper towels, small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water, sack of sand or cat litter for traction, shovel, windshield scraper and brush, tool kit, tow rope, battery booster cables, water container, compass and road maps.
Dress for the storm if you must be outdoors during severe winter weather:
- Wear loose, lightweight, warm clothes in layers
- Remove layers to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill
- Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded.
- Wear a hat --half your body heat loss can be from the head.
- Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
- Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.
- Try to stay dry
If you are caught outdoors during hazardous winter weather:
- DO NOT PANIC
- Find shelter
- Try to stay dry
- Cover all exposed body parts
- Build shelter: a lean-to, windbreak or snow cave for protection from the wind
- Build a fire for heat and to attract attention
- Place rocks around fire to absorb and reflect heat
- Melt snow for drinking water -- eating snow will lower your body temperature
- Avoid overexertion - especially when shoveling or freeing stuck vehicles
Being prepared for winter weather (just like all weather) starts at home:
"BE AWARE - BE PREPARED – MAKE A KIT”
H1N1
The H1N1 vaccine is now available please make your appointment today.
Barren River District Health Department are scheduling the H1N1 vaccine clinics for people that are in a priority group.
All clinics will be appointments only. The vaccine will be available at no cost to you.
H1N1 Priority Group includes:
· Health care and emergency medical services workers (including law enforcement and fire fighters)
· Pregnant women
· Children and young adults 6 months to 24 years old
· People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months old
· People 25 to 64 years old with chronic health problems
http://www.barrenriverhealth.org/
Prevention & Treatment
Stay Healthy
These steps may help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses such as the
flu:
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or
sneeze-throw the tissue away immediately after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough
or sneeze. If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based (60-95%) hand cleaner.
* Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep
your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
* If you get the flu, stay home from work, school, and social
gatherings. In this way you will help prevent others from catching your illness.
* Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this
way.
Stay Informed
* Knowing the facts is the best preparation. Identify sources you can
count on for reliable information. If a pandemic occurs, having accurate and reliable information will be critical.
* Reliable, accurate, and timely information is available at
* Another source for information on pandemic influenza is the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hotline at: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636). This line is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Warren County Emergency Management
429 1/2 East 10th Ave Suite B
Bowling Green, KY 42101
270-781-8776
Fax 270-780-9550
In October 2005, Warren County became Storm Ready.
We were the 8th county in central KY to be recognized as Storm Ready.
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