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Emergency Management, Emergency Services, & Disaster Spox

Bad weather + toxic chemical spill – How are your preparedness kits?

Posted on January 10, 2014 by rusnivek

If there was ever a time that having your emergency preparedness kit fully stocked, this is the time.

Hardly any water at the grocery store…Photo credit M. Vielhaber

Now, over 10,000 West Virginia households were just informed of a tainted water supply due to a dangerous chemical 4-Methylcyclohexane Methanol.
At this time, there are nine counties affected by this contaminated water supply.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation, but miscellaneous reports of fighting over bottled water have been reported via the twittersphere.
Let’s not get out of hand….I expect erroneous stories and outlandish behavior, but please listen to your local authorities so they can help you during this challenging time.

The West Virginia National Guard and Office of Emergency Services are already been activated to mitigate efforts for Boone County, Cabell County, Clay County, Jackson County, Kanawha County, Lincoln County, Logan County, Putnam County, and Roane County.

People in the affected areas in West Virginia = DO NOT DRINK OR USE THE WATER.
*Only use for toilet flushing.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/09/us/west-virginia-contaminated-water/index.html

The weather alone this week (#PolarVortex) should have showcased the importance and value of your preparedness kits stocked full of food, water, flashlights, gloves, whistles, cell phone chargers, hand sanitizer, etc….This chemical spill should solidify your efforts to be vigilant in your preparedness efforts.

Stay safe everyone.

@rusnivek

Free safety tips for today’s severe weather inbound #OHWX

Posted on November 17, 2013 by rusnivek

Got some bad weather heading to North East Ohio today.

Here’s a few free tips you can use to prepare for today severe weather:

Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
Consider postponing outdoor activities.
Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
Break out your emergency preparedness kit and see if all flashlights are working. If not, get them in working order.
Charge all of your mobile devices including your cell phone now before the power goes out.

To get up to the minute updates during the Thunderstorm:

Use your battery operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from the National Weather Service.
Cordless and wireless phones not connected to wall outlets are safe to use.

And after the storm passes, take these precautions as you survey the damage around your house:

Do NOT touch downed power lines. Assume all lines are charged and dangerous. Call your emergency services to handle safe removal of lines.
Wear log sleeved shirts and long pants with gloves and boots. Debris from storms are usually sharp and dangerous.
Power out? Check the power company’s website to see who else doesn’t have power here.
Never drive through a flooded roadway. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown! #TADD

Feel free to share these tips with your neighbors too.

@rusnivek

Free tips and reminders for dealing with snow today

Posted on October 24, 2013 by rusnivek

Hello snow!

NE Ohio had its first dose of snow last night. Started at about midnight, various reports have 2-8 inches on the ground.

At this time, the National Weather Service Cleveland Office has issued a lake effect snow advisory in effect until 1300 EST (aka 1:00pm EST). Snow will be heavy with high water content. This can cause damage to trees and power lines.

There are some dangers associated with wintry weather. Here are a few free tips to keep in mind while dealing with snow.

Walk carefully on snowy, icy walkways.
Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on heart attack – a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothes loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
Heavy snow will bring down trees and power lines. NEVER touch any downed power lines…even if you think they are safe, they are usually not. Keep everyone far away from downed lines.
Heavy snow will make trees sag and collapse. Be careful with trees are old or frail, they tend to collapse under the weight of the snow and have killed unknowing children.
Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.
And of course, don’t eat yellow snow.