Good morning Simpson County residents.  I am Robert Palmer.  Director of the Simpson County Office of Emergency Management here with my February Preparedness message to discuss earthquakes
To prepare for an earthquake we continue to encourage the development of a disaster kit.  This kit should have items you must have available for your survival and comfort after any disaster has struck.  Main items will include medications, water, non-perishable food, cash, battery operated radio for news reports, clothing and a communications plan.  Each person in a home should have their own kit and it should be located where it can be accessed in a hurry as your family evacuates.   For assistance in disaster kit development you may contact our office.
An earthquake is the sudden, quick shaking of the earth.  It is caused by rock breaking and moving under the ground.  Additional earthquakes, known as aftershocks, can occur for hours, days, or even months after an earthquake.  These are usually smaller than the first earthquake.  However, they could cause more damage to structures weakened by the first earthquake.
So how should we respond to an earthquake?  If you are outside, STAY THERE!!  Move away from buildings, streetlights and wires and remain there until shaking stops.  Be very cautious before reentry to any building ensuring it is safe to do so.  If you are inside, remember to DROP, COVER and HOLD ON.  Pretty easy huh?  DROP to the ground, COVER your head and neck with your arms, a pillow, a book or whatever is available.  Then HOLD ON and maintain your position with your head and neck covered until the shaking stops.
That is all the time I have for this month’s message.  I want to remind you that at noon today we will activate the community outdoor warning sirens to test and exercise them as we do each month.  If the siren in your neighborhood does not activate, please call my office at 270 586 1800 and report it.  
My next preparedness message will be on March 2nd.   Thank you and please have a safe month!
 
Resources: 
https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes

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 and unsafe residential conditions.
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 on hand:

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery-backup powered NOAA weather Radio
• AM/FM 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 indoor during hazardous winter weather:

• Stay inside!
• When using alternate heat from a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc., use fire safeguards and properly ventilate
• 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 or sleeping bags, flashlight and extra batteries, first-aid kit, knife, whistle, 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. If stranded, a deck of cards can help keep both children and adults occupied until help arrives. Most of these items can be stored in a duffle bag and placed in the vehicle’s truck.
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
• Experts suggest staying put and allow rescuers to locate you.

STAY SAFE: Being prepared for winter weather (just like all weather) starts at home. "BE AWARE – BE PREPARED”.
​

​1/7/18
Good morning Simpson County residents and Happy New Year.  This is Robert Palmer from the Simpson County Office of Emergency Management with my monthly preparedness message.
Today at noon we will activate the Community Outdoor Warning Sirens for our monthly test.  If one does not activate, please report it to our office.
Today’s preparedness message will be about Winter Weather Safety.
Everyone, but especially the elderly and very young, are potentially at risk during Cold, winter weather.  This is even more critical during winter storm events.  The interesting statistics are that most winter fatalities are actually indirectly related to a storm.  Most of the activities that cause people to be killed are: Traffic accidents on icy roads. Heart attacks while shoveling snow.  And, hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold or while living in unsafe residential conditions are more causes of death from winter time weather.
So whether you are at work, at home or traveling, here are just a few items to have on hand for your safety and comfort.
Always have a flashlight with extra batteries available wherever you are.  At home and at work a battery backed up NOAA weather radio, and non-perishable food and water, including a can opener are staples to becoming prepared.  Having an alternative heat source for comfort as well as for cooking is good to have, but for safety sake, please remember to be sure it is properly vented and ALWAYS keep flammable materials such as fuel and clothes at least three feet away from it. And, if it is portable, keep it at least three feet away from walls and furniture. 
More winter weather safety tips that can be found at www.ready.gov and you can contact me at 270-586-1800 for more information.
I hope everyone has a safe January.  My next AlertSense preparedness message will be on February 4th. 
Thank You and Be Safe!!!

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 and unsafe residential conditions.
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 on hand:

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery-backup powered NOAA weather Radio
• AM/FM 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 indoor during hazardous winter weather:

• Stay inside!
• When using alternate heat from a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc., use fire safeguards and properly ventilate
• 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 or sleeping bags, flashlight and extra batteries, first-aid kit, knife, whistle, 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. If stranded, a deck of cards can help keep both children and adults occupied until help arrives. Most of these items can be stored in a duffle bag and placed in the vehicle’s truck.
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
• Experts suggest staying put and allow rescuers to locate you.

STAY SAFE: Being prepared for winter weather (just like all weather) starts at home. "BE AWARE – BE PREPARED”.