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
Kwwl Coverage of the exercise
Tama County first responders train for summer storms
TAMA COUNTY (KWWL) -
Eastern Iowa emergency responders are sharpening their skills as we enter into summer storm season.
Last July, crews from Tama and Toledo were challenged by a massive wind storm -- which swept through Tama and Benton Counties. Now, nine months later, firefighters, law enforcement, and emergency management teams are working together to be better prepared for future storms.
"We've had a storm go through here, we had a group of boy scouts out camping," said Tama County Public Information Officer Bruce McEltree when KWWL crews arrived at Otter Creek Park Saturday morning.
A massive storm, four kids missing, and a team of men and women working to bring them to safety. It's a drill, but for Assistant Fire Chief Kendall Jordan -- who also happens to be a parent himself -- the scenario is closer to reality than he'd like to think.
"It hits home a little. It makes you want to search... because we come camping out here. My kids could be up in the timber too," he said.
Tama County Emergency Management developed this drill after July's windstorm. Crews realized there were things they needed to work on -- more importantly, things they needed to work on together.
"We learned that it takes a lot of manpower to cover the towns and county to make sure everyone is safe and everyone's okay," said Jordan.
In Saturday's drill, some things went right, although it was clear to Jordan more people are needed if this emergency was a reality.
"We called in people from a number of different towns and we could have probably used more. And that's what we're going to critique the most -- is who to call in, and how many people we have to have to do something like this," said Jordan.
The chances of this exact scenario happening are slim. But when another emergency does happen, Tama County crews will know, and trust, the person on the other end of the radio.
"You have to have a practice like this, so that when the real thing comes along you're not completely confused, and they go smoothly and things get done," said McEltree.
Toledo firefighters say they've conducted several search and rescue efforts in the past -- in those cases, just one child was missing.
Search and Rescue Drill at Otter Creek Park on 4-21-2012
Present at the exercise Saturday were:
Tama County Emergency Management Agency
Tama County Sheriff’s Office
Tama Fire & EMS
Clutier First Responders
Clutier Fire Department
Traer Fire Department
Garwin Fire Department
Boy Scout Troop 304 of Traer (Victims)
Poweshiek County Emergency Management Agency
We had 47 participants (7 victims) total.
This full scale exercise was a great success. We had a great day for the exercise and we had several departments from all over the county participate, making for a very lifelike drill.
We go a lot of great positive feedback on the exercise from our participants, everyone present learned something, had a safe time and many had fun doing it. We really appreciate all our rescuers, victims and evaluators giving up their Saturday to be a part of this voluntary full scale exercise. A special thanks to the Otter Creek Park
Monday, April 23, 2012
Part Time Public Safety Dispatcher
Part Time Public Safety Dispatcher
Tama County 911 is looking for a part time public safety dispatcher. Applicants must be able to remain calm and focused under emergency response conditions, multi–tasking, excellent communication skills; written and oral, are a must. Normal hearing and clear speech required. Applicants must be at least 18 yrs of age. Minimum educational requirement: of High School Diploma. Applicants will be required to pass a background check and drug screening. Applicants must be able to work all shifts; including nights, weekends, and holidays, or need not apply. Excellent starting wage, all training and certification will be provided. Pick up application packet at the Tama County Auditor’s Office located at 104 W State St, Toledo, IA 52342. Completed applications accompanied with a resume and cover letter will be accepted until 4PM on May 14, 2012 at the Tama County Auditor’s Office.
This is a second and different position.
Tama County 911 is looking for a part time public safety dispatcher. Applicants must be able to remain calm and focused under emergency response conditions, multi–tasking, excellent communication skills; written and oral, are a must. Normal hearing and clear speech required. Applicants must be at least 18 yrs of age. Minimum educational requirement: of High School Diploma. Applicants will be required to pass a background check and drug screening. Applicants must be able to work all shifts; including nights, weekends, and holidays, or need not apply. Excellent starting wage, all training and certification will be provided. Pick up application packet at the Tama County Auditor’s Office located at 104 W State St, Toledo, IA 52342. Completed applications accompanied with a resume and cover letter will be accepted until 4PM on May 14, 2012 at the Tama County Auditor’s Office.
This is a second and different position.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Job posting - On-Call Part Time Public Safety Dispatcher
On-Call Part Time Public Safety Dispatcher
Tama County 911 is looking for a part time public safety dispatcher. Applicants must be able to remain calm and focused under emergency response conditions, multi–tasking, excellent communication skills; written and oral, are a must. Normal hearing and clear speech required. Applicants must be at least 18 yrs of age. Minimum educational requirement: of High School Diploma. Applicants will be required to pass a background check and drug screening. Applicants must be able to work all shifts; including nights, weekends, and holidays, or need not apply. Excellent starting wage, all training and certification preferred but can be will be provided. Pick up application packet at the Tama County 104 W State St , Toledo , IA 52342
. Completed applications accompanied with a resume and cover letter will be accepted until 4PM on May 14, 2012 at the Tama County Auditor’s Office.
Monday, April 16, 2012
BART
Tama County EMA was lucky enough to have 3 staff in this class, lots of great information.
Volunteers teach basic animal rescue course in Coralville
Posted: Apr 14, 2012 6:08 PM CDT
IOWA CITY (KWWL) -
First responders like Margaret Crain of Coralville devote countless hours of training in helping keep people safe.
But nothing in Crain's training has ever prepared her for getting a family's pet out of harm's way. She's discovering, it can be an important part of her job.
"I thought it'd be a good thing to know to have that knowledge and be able to help out if need arises," Crain said.
Volunteers from a non-profit group in Minneapolis called BART are in Iowa teaching a basic animal rescue course.
The veterinarian-based training is unlike any other first responders have ever experienced.
The course teaches animal first aid and CPR, but the focus is to give first responders the equipment and techniques to get a scared animal out of an emergency situation.
The organization's founder, Janet Olson, says a scared animal in a fire for example can keep a firefighter from getting to the pet's trapped owner.
"Where there are disasters, emergencies there are pets, and pets can pose direct hazards and complicate emergency situations," Olson said.
Olson says people are more likely to go back in to a burning building to save their pets or refuse to evacuate.
That's where trained emergency personnel can act quickly in getting everybody out safely.
For Crain, she sees value in a pet rescue course becoming a part of every first responder's training.
"Most households have pets and if a family is trying to get out of a fire situation quickly, they may be left behind, and if we're able to save them, we'd like to be able to," Crain said.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Spring issue of the NWS Des Moines Weather Whisper
Spring issue of the NWS Des Moines Weather Whisper
See this link: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/images/dmx/DMXNewsletter/2012SpringNewsletter.pdf
See this link: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/images/dmx/DMXNewsletter/2012SpringNewsletter.pdf
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
Weather Safety 2012
The following dates have been designated for weather awareness in the United States or the state of Iowa:
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/dmx/?n=preparedness
- Flood Safety Week: March 12-16, 2012
- Severe Weather Awareness Week: April 2-6, 2012
- Statewide Tornado Drill: April 4, 2012
- Heat Awareness Day: June 12, 2012
- Lightning Awareness Week: June 24-30, 2012
- Winter Weather Awareness Day: November 8, 2012
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/dmx/?n=preparedness
Weather Week
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DES MOINES IA
800 AM CDT MON APR 2 2011
...TODAY BEGINS SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK IN IOWA...
GOVERNOR TERRY BRANSTAD...THE IOWA HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT DIVISION...AND THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAVE
DESIGNATED THE WEEK OF APRIL 2 TO APRIL 6 AS SEVERE WEATHER
AWARENESS WEEK IN IOWA. EACH MORNING THIS WEEK...THE NATIONAL
WEATHER SERVICE IN DES MOINES WILL ISSUE A PUBLIC INFORMATION
STATEMENT FOCUSING ON A DIFFERENT ITEM EACH DAY. TOPICS THIS YEAR
INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING...
MONDAY...FLASH FLOODING
TUESDAY...WARNING RECEPTION
WEDNESDAY...TORNADOES
THURSDAY...SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS
FRIDAY...FAMILY PREPAREDNESS
ATTENTION MEDIA...IN ORDER FOR SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK TO BE
EFFECTIVE...MEDIA COVERAGE IS CRITICAL. PLEASE USE THE INFORMATION
IN THE PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENTS IN YOUR NEWS PROGRAMS TO HELP
PROMOTE SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY. WE ALSO ENCOURAGE MEDIA INTERVIEWS.
PLEASE CONTACT JEFF JOHNSON OR THE SENIOR METEOROGIST IF YOU ARE
INTERESTED.
CHECK OUT THE NEW NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DES MOINES PREPAREDNESS
PAGE. IT IS FULL OF NEW SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION AND
IT CAN BE FOUND ON THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DES MOINES
WEBSITE...UNDER PREPAREDNESS ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE.
TODAY/S TOPIC IS FLASH FLOODING.
EACH YEAR...MORE DEATHS OCCUR DUE TO FLOODING THAN FROM ANY OTHER
THUNDERSTORM RELATED HAZARD...RESULTING IN MORE THAN 140 FATALITIES
EACH YEAR. MOST FLASH FLOODS ARE CAUSED BY SLOW MOVING
THUNDERSTORMS...THUNDERSTORMS THAT REDEVELOP OVER THE SAME AREA...OR
HEAVY RAINS FROM TROPICAL STORMS AND HURRICANES. THESE FLOODS CAN
DEVELOP WITHIN MINUTES OR HOURS DEPENDING ON THE INTENSITY AND
DURATION OF THE RAIN...THE TOPOGRAPHY...SOIL CONDITIONS...AND GROUND
COVER.
A FLASH FLOOD IS A RAPID RISE OF WATER ALONG A STREAM OR LOW-LYING
URBAN AREA. FLASH FLOODS CAN ROLL BOULDERS...TEAR OUT
TREES...DESTROY BUILDINGS AND BRIDGES... AND SCOUR OUT NEW CHANNELS.
RAPIDLY RISING WATER CAN REACH HEIGHTS OF 30 FEET OR MORE.
A FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TO
INDICATE CURRENT OR DEVELOPING HYDROLOGIC CONDITIONS THAT ARE
FAVORABLE FOR FLASH FLOODING IN AND CLOSE TO THE WATCH AREA. THE
OCCURRENCE OF FLOODING IS NEITHER CERTAIN NOR IMMINENT. THOSE IN THE
WATCH AREA SHOULD BE ALERT FOR FLOODING.
A FLASH FLOOD WARNING MEANS NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE METEOROLOGISTS
HAVE DETERMINED THAT FLASH FLOODING IS OCCURRING OR IMMINENT. THOSE
IN THE WARNING AREA SHOULD TAKE THE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS AT ONCE.
ALMOST HALF OF ALL FLASH FLOOD FATALITIES OCCUR IN VEHICLES. MANY
PEOPLE DO NOT REALIZE TWO FEET OF WATER ON A BRIDGE OR HIGHWAY CAN
FLOAT MOST VEHICLES. IF THE WATER IS MOVING RAPIDLY...THE CAR OR
TRUCK CAN BE SWEPT OFF THE BRIDGE AND INTO THE CREEK OR DOWNSTREAM
WITH THE FLOWING WATER. WATER CAN ERODE THE ROAD BED...CREATING
UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS. UNDERPASSES CAN FILL RAPIDLY WITH
WATER...WHILE THE ADJACENT ROADWAY REMAINS CLEAR. DRIVING INTO A
FLOODED UNDERPASS CAN QUICKLY PUT YOU IN FIVE TO SIX FEET OF WATER.
MANY FLASH FLOODS OCCUR AT NIGHT WHEN FLOODED ROADS ARE DIFFICULT TO
SEE.
WHEN YOU APPROACH A FLOODED ROAD...TURN AROUND...DON/T DROWN!
FLASH FLOOD MYTH VS. FACT...
MYTH...FLASH FLOODS ONLY OCCUR IN THE EASTERN UNITED STATES.
FACT...FLASH FLOODS HAVE AND CAN OCCUR IN ALL 50 STATES...INCLUDING
ALASKA AND HAWAII.
MYTH...FLASH FLOODS OCCUR ONLY ALONG FLOWING STREAMS.
FACT...FLASH FLOODS CAN OCCUR IN DRY CREEK BEDS AND URBAN AREAS
WHERE NO STREAMS ARE PRESENT.
MYTH...FLASH FLOODS OCCUR MAINLY IN THE LATE AFTERNOON AND EVENING.
FACT...FLASH FLOODS CAN OCCUR AT ANY TIME OF DAY... MANY FLASH
FLOODS OCCUR AT NIGHT...TOO.
MYTH...LARGER VEHICLES...SUCH AS SUVS AND PICKUPS...ARE SAFE TO
DRIVE THROUGH FLOOD WATERS.
FACT...TWO FEET OF RUSHING WATER CAN CARRY AWAY MOST VEHICLES...
INCLUDING SUVS AND PICKUPS.
MYTH...HOMEOWNER INSURANCE POLICIES COVER FLOODING.
FACT...UNFORTUNATELY...MANY HOMEOWNERS DO NOT FIND OUT UNTIL IT IS
TOO LATE THAT THEIR POLICES DO NOT COVER FLOODING. CONTACT YOUR
INSURANCE COMPANY OR AGENT ABOUT FLOOD INSURANCE.
HERE ARE SOME FLOOD SAFETY TIPS:
BEFORE A FLOOD...
KNOW THE COUNTY IN WHICH YOU LIVE AND THE NAMES OF NEARBY MAJOR
CITIES. CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST BEFORE LEAVING TO BE OUTDOORS FOR
EXTENDED PERIODS. WATCH FOR SIGNS OF APPROACHING STORMS.
MONITOR THE NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR YOUR FAVORITE NEWS SOURCE FOR
VITAL WEATHER RELATED INFORMATION. DO NOT CAMP OR PARK YOUR VEHICLE
ALONG STREAMS AND WASHES... PARTICULARLY DURING THREATENING
CONDITIONS.
IF FLOODING OCCURS...
GET TO HIGHER GROUND.
GET OUT OF AREAS SUBJECT TO FLOODING. THIS INCLUDES DIPS...LOW
SPOTS...CANYONS... WASHES...ETC. AVOID AREAS ALREADY FLOODED...
ESPECIALLY IF THE WATER IS FLOWING FAST. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS
FLOWING STREAMS.
ROAD BEDS MAY BE WASHED OUT UNDER FLOOD WATERS. NEVER DRIVE THROUGH
FLOODED ROADWAYS. DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO PLAY NEAR HIGH WATER...
STORM DRAINS OR DITCHES. HIDDEN DANGERS COULD LIE BENEATH THE WATER.
BE ESPECIALLY CAUTIOUS AT NIGHT WHEN IT IS HARDER TO RECOGNIZE FLOOD
DANGERS.
JEFF JOHNSON
WARNING AND COORDINATION METEOROLOGIST
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DES MOINES IA
WWW.WEATHER.GOV/DESMOINES
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DES MOINES IA
800 AM CDT MON APR 2 2011
...TODAY BEGINS SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK IN IOWA...
GOVERNOR TERRY BRANSTAD...THE IOWA HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT DIVISION...AND THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAVE
DESIGNATED THE WEEK OF APRIL 2 TO APRIL 6 AS SEVERE WEATHER
AWARENESS WEEK IN IOWA. EACH MORNING THIS WEEK...THE NATIONAL
WEATHER SERVICE IN DES MOINES WILL ISSUE A PUBLIC INFORMATION
STATEMENT FOCUSING ON A DIFFERENT ITEM EACH DAY. TOPICS THIS YEAR
INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING...
MONDAY...FLASH FLOODING
TUESDAY...WARNING RECEPTION
WEDNESDAY...TORNADOES
THURSDAY...SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS
FRIDAY...FAMILY PREPAREDNESS
ATTENTION MEDIA...IN ORDER FOR SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK TO BE
EFFECTIVE...MEDIA COVERAGE IS CRITICAL. PLEASE USE THE INFORMATION
IN THE PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENTS IN YOUR NEWS PROGRAMS TO HELP
PROMOTE SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY. WE ALSO ENCOURAGE MEDIA INTERVIEWS.
PLEASE CONTACT JEFF JOHNSON OR THE SENIOR METEOROGIST IF YOU ARE
INTERESTED.
CHECK OUT THE NEW NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DES MOINES PREPAREDNESS
PAGE. IT IS FULL OF NEW SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION AND
IT CAN BE FOUND ON THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DES MOINES
WEBSITE...UNDER PREPAREDNESS ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE.
TODAY/S TOPIC IS FLASH FLOODING.
EACH YEAR...MORE DEATHS OCCUR DUE TO FLOODING THAN FROM ANY OTHER
THUNDERSTORM RELATED HAZARD...RESULTING IN MORE THAN 140 FATALITIES
EACH YEAR. MOST FLASH FLOODS ARE CAUSED BY SLOW MOVING
THUNDERSTORMS...THUNDERSTORMS THAT REDEVELOP OVER THE SAME AREA...OR
HEAVY RAINS FROM TROPICAL STORMS AND HURRICANES. THESE FLOODS CAN
DEVELOP WITHIN MINUTES OR HOURS DEPENDING ON THE INTENSITY AND
DURATION OF THE RAIN...THE TOPOGRAPHY...SOIL CONDITIONS...AND GROUND
COVER.
A FLASH FLOOD IS A RAPID RISE OF WATER ALONG A STREAM OR LOW-LYING
URBAN AREA. FLASH FLOODS CAN ROLL BOULDERS...TEAR OUT
TREES...DESTROY BUILDINGS AND BRIDGES... AND SCOUR OUT NEW CHANNELS.
RAPIDLY RISING WATER CAN REACH HEIGHTS OF 30 FEET OR MORE.
A FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TO
INDICATE CURRENT OR DEVELOPING HYDROLOGIC CONDITIONS THAT ARE
FAVORABLE FOR FLASH FLOODING IN AND CLOSE TO THE WATCH AREA. THE
OCCURRENCE OF FLOODING IS NEITHER CERTAIN NOR IMMINENT. THOSE IN THE
WATCH AREA SHOULD BE ALERT FOR FLOODING.
A FLASH FLOOD WARNING MEANS NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE METEOROLOGISTS
HAVE DETERMINED THAT FLASH FLOODING IS OCCURRING OR IMMINENT. THOSE
IN THE WARNING AREA SHOULD TAKE THE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS AT ONCE.
ALMOST HALF OF ALL FLASH FLOOD FATALITIES OCCUR IN VEHICLES. MANY
PEOPLE DO NOT REALIZE TWO FEET OF WATER ON A BRIDGE OR HIGHWAY CAN
FLOAT MOST VEHICLES. IF THE WATER IS MOVING RAPIDLY...THE CAR OR
TRUCK CAN BE SWEPT OFF THE BRIDGE AND INTO THE CREEK OR DOWNSTREAM
WITH THE FLOWING WATER. WATER CAN ERODE THE ROAD BED...CREATING
UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS. UNDERPASSES CAN FILL RAPIDLY WITH
WATER...WHILE THE ADJACENT ROADWAY REMAINS CLEAR. DRIVING INTO A
FLOODED UNDERPASS CAN QUICKLY PUT YOU IN FIVE TO SIX FEET OF WATER.
MANY FLASH FLOODS OCCUR AT NIGHT WHEN FLOODED ROADS ARE DIFFICULT TO
SEE.
WHEN YOU APPROACH A FLOODED ROAD...TURN AROUND...DON/T DROWN!
FLASH FLOOD MYTH VS. FACT...
MYTH...FLASH FLOODS ONLY OCCUR IN THE EASTERN UNITED STATES.
FACT...FLASH FLOODS HAVE AND CAN OCCUR IN ALL 50 STATES...INCLUDING
ALASKA AND HAWAII.
MYTH...FLASH FLOODS OCCUR ONLY ALONG FLOWING STREAMS.
FACT...FLASH FLOODS CAN OCCUR IN DRY CREEK BEDS AND URBAN AREAS
WHERE NO STREAMS ARE PRESENT.
MYTH...FLASH FLOODS OCCUR MAINLY IN THE LATE AFTERNOON AND EVENING.
FACT...FLASH FLOODS CAN OCCUR AT ANY TIME OF DAY... MANY FLASH
FLOODS OCCUR AT NIGHT...TOO.
MYTH...LARGER VEHICLES...SUCH AS SUVS AND PICKUPS...ARE SAFE TO
DRIVE THROUGH FLOOD WATERS.
FACT...TWO FEET OF RUSHING WATER CAN CARRY AWAY MOST VEHICLES...
INCLUDING SUVS AND PICKUPS.
MYTH...HOMEOWNER INSURANCE POLICIES COVER FLOODING.
FACT...UNFORTUNATELY...MANY HOMEOWNERS DO NOT FIND OUT UNTIL IT IS
TOO LATE THAT THEIR POLICES DO NOT COVER FLOODING. CONTACT YOUR
INSURANCE COMPANY OR AGENT ABOUT FLOOD INSURANCE.
HERE ARE SOME FLOOD SAFETY TIPS:
BEFORE A FLOOD...
KNOW THE COUNTY IN WHICH YOU LIVE AND THE NAMES OF NEARBY MAJOR
CITIES. CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST BEFORE LEAVING TO BE OUTDOORS FOR
EXTENDED PERIODS. WATCH FOR SIGNS OF APPROACHING STORMS.
MONITOR THE NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR YOUR FAVORITE NEWS SOURCE FOR
VITAL WEATHER RELATED INFORMATION. DO NOT CAMP OR PARK YOUR VEHICLE
ALONG STREAMS AND WASHES... PARTICULARLY DURING THREATENING
CONDITIONS.
IF FLOODING OCCURS...
GET TO HIGHER GROUND.
GET OUT OF AREAS SUBJECT TO FLOODING. THIS INCLUDES DIPS...LOW
SPOTS...CANYONS... WASHES...ETC. AVOID AREAS ALREADY FLOODED...
ESPECIALLY IF THE WATER IS FLOWING FAST. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS
FLOWING STREAMS.
ROAD BEDS MAY BE WASHED OUT UNDER FLOOD WATERS. NEVER DRIVE THROUGH
FLOODED ROADWAYS. DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO PLAY NEAR HIGH WATER...
STORM DRAINS OR DITCHES. HIDDEN DANGERS COULD LIE BENEATH THE WATER.
BE ESPECIALLY CAUTIOUS AT NIGHT WHEN IT IS HARDER TO RECOGNIZE FLOOD
DANGERS.
JEFF JOHNSON
WARNING AND COORDINATION METEOROLOGIST
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DES MOINES IA
WWW.WEATHER.GOV/DESMOINES
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Spring 2012 Tama County Emergency Management Agency & Tama County 911 Services newsletter
Newsletter
Spring 2012
Issue 7
In this edition:
Page 2 – Upcoming Trainings
Page 3 – Narrowbanding
Page 4 – Grants
Page 5 – Emergency Response Agency Asset Surveys
Page 6 – NIMS Compliance for New Government Officials
Page 7 – Dispatcher in the spotlight
Page 8 – CodeRED Phone App
Page 9 – Search and Rescue Drill
Page 10 – Statewide Tornado Drill
Contact Information
Tama County Emergency Management Agency
Ryan Currens or Julie Vokoun
Office: (641) 484 – 6261
24 hour dispatch number: (641) 484 – 3760
Webpage: http://www.tamacounty.org/
Tama County Emergency Management Agency Blog:
Where we put upcoming trainings and other valuable information.
Upcoming Training Opportunities
April 4- Iowa
April 10- ICS402 at 1730 hours at the Tama County Board of Supervisors Chambers.
April 12- Haz Mat Recertification at 6pm at Toledo
April 21 – Search and Rescue Drill at Otter Creek Park at 9am, muster at Nature Center
May 4 - Terrorism issues in Iowa at 0800 hours at the Otter Creek Nature Center
May 14- Haz Mat Awareness at 1600 hours at the Tama County Emergency Management Agency office.
May 19 – 20 – Live Fire Skills at the Fire Service Training Bureau
September 22 – 23 – CITA Fire school at Kirkwood in Cedar Rapids
November 3 – 4 – NATA Training Academy
Contact: Jim Kenkel, Special Programs Coordinator - kenkel@dps.state.ia.us
Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Specialist I
April 12-13, 2012 (Ames
Incident Command for High-Rise Operations
May 3-4, 2012 (Des Moines)
Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Specialist II
May 17-18, 2012 (Ames
Fire and Life Safety Plans Review
June 4-9, 2012 (Regional Delivery in Ames
The Tama County E911 Board recently approved the bid of RC Systems for the County’s 911 narrowbanding contract. Part of that bid includes the programming of the twelve municipalities’ emergency response radios (Fire, EMS , and Law).
A representative from RC Systems should be contacting each city Fire Chief (who will serve as the primary City point of contact for them) in the very near future. They will set up a time to perform the programming.
It will be the responsibility of each agency to have their equipment on hand when the technicians are available. Only equipment present at the time of programming can be programmed and paid for by the County.
The narrowbanding conversion / programming is scheduled for July 2012. This should give all municipalities time to budget according to their equipment needs (as only programming will be covered by the county).
Note - Narrowbanding will only affect the perceived volume of radio signals. Agencies will still be able to communicate with non-narrowband agencies during the transition.
Second Note – RC Systems has advised that they WILL have a representative present at the April Tama County Firefighters Association meeting in Dysart to answer technical questions on the Narrowband conversion.
2012 Grants
With narrowbanding rapidly approaching we have received several requests for grant options that may be available to local departments to aid in their compliance with the FCC’s unfunded mandate; here are a few:
* Alliant Energy Foundation Grants at: 608-458-4483
*Dysart Community Grant at: 319-478-2148
*Gladbrook Community Grant at: PO Box 373 Gladbrook , IA 50635
*Traer Community Grant at: 319-478-2200
*Tama County Community Grant at: 641-484-3108
*John Deere Community Grant at: 309-765-4137
*Casey’s General Store Community Grant at: 515-965-6100
*Alliant Energy Community Development Grant at: 319-786-7255
*Black Hawk County
*Community Grants Program at: 515-725-0431
*Young Foundation Grant at: 319-235-5346
*Hometown Challenge Grant at: www.alliantenergy.com/community
*Pioneer Hi-Bred Community Foundation Grant at: local plant manager
*Project MainStreet at: 888 – 9th St .Des Moines , IA 50309
Please contact the Tama County Emergency Management Agency if you know of a relevant grant that might be of use or if you have any questions.
Asset / Resource Surveys
County wide asset surveys have been mailed out to each municipal and emergency response agency. If you did not get yours or have questions please contact the Tama County Emergency Management Agency as soon as possible. We would like to have all of the surveys in so we can redistribute the information back out to the rest of the county response agencies as soon as possible.
This information will only be transmitted to other emergency response agencies and can be greatly useful to neighboring agencies in the event of a major incident.
These surveys are being sent for Civil, Fire, EMS and Law Enforcement agencies.
Surveys are also available online at http://www.tamacounty.org/
NIMS Compliance for New Government Officials
In an effort to update our Homeland Security records please complete the previously sent NIMS compliance documentation. The NIMS training is a federal requirement that the county and each city need to keep record of. Please complete the NIMS compliance documentation and return to our office (we recommend making a copy for your records as well) as soon as possible. If you need a new copy of the NIMS compliance documentation please let us know.
Training details:
IS-700.a NIMS An Introduction
Course Overview
This online course introduces and overviews the National Incident Management System (NIMS). NIMS provides a consistent nationwide template to enable all government, private-sector, and nongovernmental organizations to work together during domestic incidents.
Primary Audience - Individuals with emergency management responsibilities including prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation.
Course Length - The overall length of the course will vary for each individual. IS 700.a takes approximately 3 hours.
Typical Questions about NIMS/ICS answered:
Q: Who should take NIMS and ICS training?
A: Everyone involved in emergency management (to include emergency operation center personnel in support of the field), regardless of discipline or level of government, should take the NIMS baseline curriculum courses (Independent Study-700 and ICS-100). Incident command occurs in the field; therefore, the NIC recommends that only individuals with a command and general staff role take advanced ICS courses. Fulfilling the training associated with this plan helps emergency management organizations, departments, and agencies to develop preparedness capabilities for effective and efficient incident management. As a result, trained emergency responders are available as mutual aid to support incident management in other jurisdictions, if requested. The NIMS Training Program should sustain a personnel qualification system that is coordinated, maintained, and meets the needs of the emergency management community.
Q: Which courses are recommended for Elected and appointed officials?
A: Elected and appointed officials should have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities for successful emergency management and incident response. To that end, it is vital that elected and appointed officials understand and receive NIMS training (Independent Study-700 and ICS-100, listed as above). Therefore, FEMA recommends the following training for senior elected and appointed officials:
· G-402 Incident Command System (ICS) Overview for Executives/Senior Officials
· G-191 Incident Command System/Emergency Operations Center Interface
Dispatcher in the spotlight
“I have been married for 19 years to my husband Chris. We have 2 children, Molly 18 and Garrett 16. In July I will have 5 years of service. Of that time I have worked both second and third shift. In my spare time I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with family and friends.”
Pictured above –
Julie at station 1 in the Tama County Communications Center
CodeRED Phone App
The CodeRED Mobile Alert App is a sophisticated answer to the question asked by Emergency Managers nationwide, how do we communicate with citizens in our jurisdiction who do not reside there? The App tracks a subscriber’s position and sends a push notification if an alert is issued for the area.
CodeRED Mobile Alert App subscribers have the ability to manage their alert preferences and the App adjusts based on their direct instructions.
With communities nationwide subscribing to the CodeRED Emergency Notification System, citizens traveling through these areas will join the 50 million citizens already covered by CodeRED and will receive notifications directly on their mobile devices. This expands the reach of messages sent by CodeRED clients to travelers entering their jurisdictions and also protects citizens when traveling outside their local area.
National organizations used by public safety officials and police departments may use the system to send messages to targeted geographic areas.
Future uses of the CodeRED Mobile Alert App could include augmenting IPAWS as an additional Alert Disseminator to deliver Presidential Alerts, Imminent Threat Alerts and AMBER Alerts in support of the FEMA program.
Subscribers may upgrade their accounts to receive customized weather alerts based on NOAA’s National Weather Service bulletins. Dozens of selectable warnings are available within the CodeRED Mobile Alert App.
If interested contact CodeRED for more details:
866-939-0911 or ecnetwork.com
Statewide Tornado Drill
As you are aware the statewide severe weather / tornado drill this year is April 4th at 10am. We will need to do the following:
*Countywide test page
*Countywide CodeRED test message
*CAD text of the test to several non-frequent use groups
*City siren activation in Traer, Garwin and Toledo
The Tama County Emergency Management Agency would like to encourage all Tama County
Please contact the Tama County Emergency Management Agency with any questions.
For additional information you may also enjoy looking at the National Weather Service of Des Moines web page at: http://forecast.weather.gov/hazards/dmx
Full Scale Search and Rescue Drill
There will be a Full Scale Search and Rescue Drill at Otter Creek County Park (2283 Park Road, Toledo
All emergency responders and volunteers can sign in at the Tama County Emergency Management Agency Mobile Command Unit trailer. The Mobile Command Unit will be set-up outside the Otter Creek Nature Center (148 Nature Center Road , Otter Creek Park , Toledo , IA
This exercise will involve searching for several volunteers simulating victims who are lost in the woods.
All Tama County
This drill is anticipated to last several hours (exact time subject to speed of exercise completion).
Gear & Weather reminder – Please remember to bring appropriate emergency response gear and weather appropriate clothing.
The Tama County Emergency Management Agency will provide a meal for active participants who pre-registered.
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