http://www.tamatoledonews.com/page/content.detail/id/512894/Tama-county-burn-ban-is-lifted.html
A majority vote of teh Tama County Fire Chiefs has lifted the Burn Ban in Tama County.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Monday, June 4, 2012
July is National Fireworks Safety month
July is National Fireworks Safety month, the Tama County Emergency Management Agency would like to pass along the following fireworks safety tips.
Fireworks Safety Tips:
Use fireworks outdoors only.
Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
Always have water handy. (A hose or bucket).
Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them or combine them.
Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated shooter."
Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
The State of Iowa’s Heat Awareness Day for 2012 is June14.
The State of Iowa
June 9, 2011
One of the most deadly weather phenomena to hit our region each summer is heat. Many people do not realize how deadly heat can be. In contrast to the visible, destructive, and violent nature of thunderstorms, tornadoes, and floods, heat is a silent killer. Heat kills by taxing the human body beyond its abilities.
In a normal year, about 175 Americans succumb to the demands of summer heat. In fact, in a 40-year period from 1936-1975 nearly 20,000 people were killed in the United States Chicago , IL
Cities pose special hazards when it comes to heat. The stagnant atmosphere traps pollutants in urban areas, which adds to the stresses of hot weather. In addition, concrete, asphalt and other industrial materials common in cities trap heat during the day, and keep the air temperature warmer at night.
Heat Advisory:
Heat Index values are expected to reach or exceed 105 degrees or an absolute maximum temperature of 100 degrees is expected in the next 24 hours.
Excessive Heat Watch:
Conditions are favorable for temperatures to reach
excessive heat criteria in the next 12 to 48 hours.
Excessive Heat Warning:
Heat Index values are expected to reach or exceed 110 degrees, and not fall below 75 degrees, for at least a 48 hour period beginning in the next 24 hours.
WHAT TO LISTEN IFOR:
The Heat Index (HI) is also sometimes referred to as the “apparent temperature” and is a measure of how hot it feels outside. The HI includes the influence of relative humidity and, in general, as the relative humidity increases, the apparent temperature also in-creases. To figure out the HI you can look at the Heat Index Chart (top right) and find the intersection of the air temperature and relative humidity. The shaded zones on the chart correspond to increased probabilities of developing heat related disorders. It is important to note that the HI values were devised for shady, light wind conditions, and therefore, exposure to full sunshine can increase HI values up to 15°F.
Lightning Safety Week: June 24-30, 2012
On the Calendar:
Observed the last full week of June, National Lightning Safety Awareness Week not only helps get safety messages out in time for the Fourth of July, but also signals summer as lightning season. Outside is the most dangerous place to be during a lightning or thunderstorm, and more people are outside during the summer. According to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, lightning strikes and high winds associated with thunderstorms also increase the risk of wildfires.
"Summer is wildfire season in thePacific Northwest , and those of us who live in urban interface areas, wooded lots, or near heavily-grassed and dry rangeland should create fire-safe perimeters and update family disaster plans," said Murphy. "Lightning can strike up to ten miles away from any rainfall and can create hotspots that smolder for days, bursting into flame when conditions are right."
Lightning accounts for more average deaths per year than tornados. "The safest place to be during lightning activity is a large enclosed building, not a picnic shelter or shed," said Murphy. "The second safest location is an enclosed metal vehicle, car, van, etc., but not a convertible, bike or other topless or soft top vehicle. If caught outdoors and no shelter is nearby, stay away from tall trees. If there is no shelter, crouch in the open, keeping twice as far away from a tree as it is tall."
Lightning safety tips for inside the home include:
Or for more information on any emergency preparedness topic contact the Tama County Emergency Management Agency at: (641) 484-6261, http://www.tamacounty.org/ or rcurrens@ema.tamacounty.org
June National Safety Month, National Home Safety Month, National CPR & AED Awareness Week (1-7), Heat Awareness Day - Iowa (14) and Lightning Safety Awareness Week (24-30)
July National Fireworks Safety month
Information on lightning safety:
When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!Lightning Safety Week: June 24-30, 2012
"Summer is wildfire season in the
Lightning accounts for more average deaths per year than tornados. "The safest place to be during lightning activity is a large enclosed building, not a picnic shelter or shed," said Murphy. "The second safest location is an enclosed metal vehicle, car, van, etc., but not a convertible, bike or other topless or soft top vehicle. If caught outdoors and no shelter is nearby, stay away from tall trees. If there is no shelter, crouch in the open, keeping twice as far away from a tree as it is tall."
Lightning safety tips for inside the home include:
- Avoid contact with corded phones.
- Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. If you plan to unplug any electronic equipment, do so well before the storm arrives.
- Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands; do not take a shower; do not wash dishes; and do not do laundry.
- Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
- Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls.
Or for more information on any emergency preparedness topic contact the Tama County Emergency Management Agency at: (641) 484-6261, http://www.tamacounty.org/ or rcurrens@ema.tamacounty.org
Thursday, April 26, 2012
911 in local news
http://www.tamatoledonews.com/page/content.detail/id/512280/Tama-County-emergency-radio--communications-set-for-change.html?nav=5006
Tama County emergency radio communications set for change
April 25, 2012
, Toledo Chronicle, Tama News-Herald
Will a federal change ordered for radio communications affect Tama County emergency and law enforcement systems?
According to Federal Communications Commission information, "narrowbanding" of radio frequencies was ordered in 2004 by the end of 2012.
What that means is changes need to be made to most two-way radios currently used by fire departments, ambulance services and law officers by the end of this year to comply.
Ryan Currens, Tama County Emergency Management coordinator and E911 Communications director, said last week they will find out this summer.
"There's no firm information, yet," Currens said, because the changes await actually being done.
That's not to say officials are not on top of it.
The Tama County E911 Board recently approved a $108,000 contract with RC Systems, Waterloo. It will pay for re-programming much of the radio equipment. Currens said. Fortunately a lot of the radios are new enough to be adapted to the requirements he said.
Unanswered is whether the change will provide "the punch," Currens said.
"We all know 99.9 percent of our fire (department) and ambulance service members are volunteers," Currens said. Will the new signals reach through to activate radio pagers "without a loss of signal" is the question, he said. There are 12 volunteer fire departments, seven ambulance services and two first responder units serving the county.
Out-of-doors, the pagers likely will work well according to Currens. Indoors, will the signals carry the strength to penetrate walls is yet to be fully determined.
Currens said it is known a paging link for Dysart is needed. That has been provided for already at a cost of about $7,000.
The rest of the existing transmission system, which includes towers at the Courthouse in Toledo, Tama County Shop north of Toledo and at Gladbrook, Traer, Vining and Montour, will continue to provide the basis for the radios as it does now.
Once the narrowbanding is done, the system can actually be put to the test, Currens said. Then, if more links are needed, they can be added, he said.
It is now planned to make the changes in August, work which will take at least a couple of days. Currens said the initial plan was to make the switch in July.
However, with RAGBRAI (Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) crossing the Tama County in late July with up to 20,000 bicyclists and support people, it was decided to delay the change in case the system proved unreliable, Currens said.
In addition to the fire and ambulance services, the Tama County Sheriff's Office and police in Toledo, Tama, Meskwaki Settlement and Dysart, the Tama County Highway Department and Conservation Service and city radios systems are among those affected by the change, Currens said.
According to Federal Communications Commission information, "narrowbanding" of radio frequencies was ordered in 2004 by the end of 2012.
What that means is changes need to be made to most two-way radios currently used by fire departments, ambulance services and law officers by the end of this year to comply.
Ryan Currens, Tama County Emergency Management coordinator and E911 Communications director, said last week they will find out this summer.
"There's no firm information, yet," Currens said, because the changes await actually being done.
That's not to say officials are not on top of it.
The Tama County E911 Board recently approved a $108,000 contract with RC Systems, Waterloo. It will pay for re-programming much of the radio equipment. Currens said. Fortunately a lot of the radios are new enough to be adapted to the requirements he said.
Unanswered is whether the change will provide "the punch," Currens said.
"We all know 99.9 percent of our fire (department) and ambulance service members are volunteers," Currens said. Will the new signals reach through to activate radio pagers "without a loss of signal" is the question, he said. There are 12 volunteer fire departments, seven ambulance services and two first responder units serving the county.
Out-of-doors, the pagers likely will work well according to Currens. Indoors, will the signals carry the strength to penetrate walls is yet to be fully determined.
Currens said it is known a paging link for Dysart is needed. That has been provided for already at a cost of about $7,000.
The rest of the existing transmission system, which includes towers at the Courthouse in Toledo, Tama County Shop north of Toledo and at Gladbrook, Traer, Vining and Montour, will continue to provide the basis for the radios as it does now.
Once the narrowbanding is done, the system can actually be put to the test, Currens said. Then, if more links are needed, they can be added, he said.
It is now planned to make the changes in August, work which will take at least a couple of days. Currens said the initial plan was to make the switch in July.
However, with RAGBRAI (Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) crossing the Tama County in late July with up to 20,000 bicyclists and support people, it was decided to delay the change in case the system proved unreliable, Currens said.
In addition to the fire and ambulance services, the Tama County Sheriff's Office and police in Toledo, Tama, Meskwaki Settlement and Dysart, the Tama County Highway Department and Conservation Service and city radios systems are among those affected by the change, Currens said.
911 in local news
http://www.tamatoledonews.com/page/content.detail/id/512285/-10-4--is--10-42---Emergency-radio-speak-changes.html?nav=5006
“10-4” is “10-42”- Emergency radio speak changes
April 25, 2012
, Toledo Chronicle, Tama News-Herald
If you're old enough to remember Broderick Crawford on 1950s television "Highway Patrol" (hey, it now airs on This TV at 5 a.m. most days, and 11:30 a.m. on Sundays) you know the "10 Code." Or, if you've ever touched a CB radio you know some "10-Code." Same for listening to police scanners- you know the "10 Code."
If you've listened to the latter lately in Tama County, you know the 10-Code is becoming a thing of the past.
I asked Ryan Currens, Tama County Emergency Management coordinator and E911 Communications Communications director "Why?" while getting information for the radio frequency change story.
He said not only is Tama County dispatch following a trend away from the old way of communicating on the radio, Homeland Security is mandating it.
Currens said communication with other agencies can become confusing if a code is used which carries a different meaning in another jurisdiction.
Currens said it is not a strict requirement for all agencies in Tama County to change and some communication can still be heard using the 10 code.
If you've listened to the latter lately in Tama County, you know the 10-Code is becoming a thing of the past.
I asked Ryan Currens, Tama County Emergency Management coordinator and E911 Communications Communications director "Why?" while getting information for the radio frequency change story.
He said not only is Tama County dispatch following a trend away from the old way of communicating on the radio, Homeland Security is mandating it.
Currens said communication with other agencies can become confusing if a code is used which carries a different meaning in another jurisdiction.
Currens said it is not a strict requirement for all agencies in Tama County to change and some communication can still be heard using the 10 code.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
New Release on NOAA / FEMA
http://www.tamatoledonews.com/page/content.detail/id/512278/FEMA--NOAA-launches-first-National-Severe-Weather-Preparedness-Week-April-22---28.html?nav=5044
FEMA, NOAA launches first National Severe Weather Preparedness Week April 22 – 28
April 24, 2012
As the nation marks the first anniversary of one of the largest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are teaming up this week to save lives from severe weather.
The two agencies encourage the public to "know your risk, take action, and be a force of nature" by taking proactive preparedness measures and inspiring others to do the same.
Last April, tornadoes raked the central and southern United States, spawning more than 300 tornadoes and claiming hundreds of lives. That devastating, historic outbreak was only one of many weather-related tragedies in 2011, which now holds the record for the greatest number of multi-billion dollar weather disasters in the nation's history.
The country has already experienced early and destructive tornado outbreaks in the Midwest and South this year over the last two months, including a significant number of tornadoes last weekend. May is the peak season for tornadoes, so it is important to take action now.
"The damaging tornadoes that struck this year, causing widespread devastation as well as loss of life, also spurred many amazing and heroic survival stories," said NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D. "In every one of these stories, people heard the warning, understood a weather hazard was imminent and took immediate action. We can build a Weather-Ready Nation by empowering people with the information they need to take preparedness actions across the country."
"One of the lessons we can take away from the recent tornado outbreaks is that severe weather can happen anytime, anywhere," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "While we can't control where or when it might hit, we can take steps in advance to prepare and that's why we are asking people to pledge to prepare, and share with others so they will do the same."
To "be a force of nature," FEMA and NOAA encourage citizens to prepare for extreme weather by following these guidelines:
Know your risk: The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly and sign up for alerts from your local emergency management officials. Severe weather comes in many forms and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazards.
Take action: Pledge to develop an emergency plan based on your local weather hazards and practice how and where to take shelter. Create or refresh an emergency kit for needed food, supplies and medication. Post your plan where visitors can see it. Learn what you can do to strengthen your home or business against severe weather. Obtain a NOAA Weather Radio. Download FEMA's mobile app so you can access important safety tips on what to do before and during severe weather. Understand the weather warning system and become a certified storm spotter through the National Weather Service.
Be a force of nature: Once you have taken action, tell your family, friends, school staff and co-workers about how they can prepare. Share the resources and alert systems you discovered with your social media network. Studies show individuals need to receive messages a number of ways before acting - and you can be one of those sources. When you go to shelter during a warning, send a text, tweet or post a status update so your friends and family know. You might just save their lives, too. For more information on how you can participate, visit www.ready.gov/severeweather
About FEMA
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Take the pledge and learn more information at www.ready.gov/severeweather-- and encourage the rest of your community to join.
About NOAA
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. Join us on Facebook, Twitter and our other social media channels
The two agencies encourage the public to "know your risk, take action, and be a force of nature" by taking proactive preparedness measures and inspiring others to do the same.
Last April, tornadoes raked the central and southern United States, spawning more than 300 tornadoes and claiming hundreds of lives. That devastating, historic outbreak was only one of many weather-related tragedies in 2011, which now holds the record for the greatest number of multi-billion dollar weather disasters in the nation's history.
The country has already experienced early and destructive tornado outbreaks in the Midwest and South this year over the last two months, including a significant number of tornadoes last weekend. May is the peak season for tornadoes, so it is important to take action now.
"The damaging tornadoes that struck this year, causing widespread devastation as well as loss of life, also spurred many amazing and heroic survival stories," said NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D. "In every one of these stories, people heard the warning, understood a weather hazard was imminent and took immediate action. We can build a Weather-Ready Nation by empowering people with the information they need to take preparedness actions across the country."
"One of the lessons we can take away from the recent tornado outbreaks is that severe weather can happen anytime, anywhere," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "While we can't control where or when it might hit, we can take steps in advance to prepare and that's why we are asking people to pledge to prepare, and share with others so they will do the same."
To "be a force of nature," FEMA and NOAA encourage citizens to prepare for extreme weather by following these guidelines:
Know your risk: The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly and sign up for alerts from your local emergency management officials. Severe weather comes in many forms and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazards.
Take action: Pledge to develop an emergency plan based on your local weather hazards and practice how and where to take shelter. Create or refresh an emergency kit for needed food, supplies and medication. Post your plan where visitors can see it. Learn what you can do to strengthen your home or business against severe weather. Obtain a NOAA Weather Radio. Download FEMA's mobile app so you can access important safety tips on what to do before and during severe weather. Understand the weather warning system and become a certified storm spotter through the National Weather Service.
Be a force of nature: Once you have taken action, tell your family, friends, school staff and co-workers about how they can prepare. Share the resources and alert systems you discovered with your social media network. Studies show individuals need to receive messages a number of ways before acting - and you can be one of those sources. When you go to shelter during a warning, send a text, tweet or post a status update so your friends and family know. You might just save their lives, too. For more information on how you can participate, visit www.ready.gov/severeweather
About FEMA
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Take the pledge and learn more information at www.ready.gov/severeweather-- and encourage the rest of your community to join.
About NOAA
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. Join us on Facebook, Twitter and our other social media channels
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