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.

For more information on fireworks or any emergency preparedness topic contact the Tama County Emergency Management Agency at: (641) 484-6261, http://www.tamacounty.org/ or rcurrens@ema.tamacounty.org

The State of Iowa’s Heat Awareness Day for 2012 is June14.

The State of Iowa’s Heat Awareness Day for 2012 is June14.

Iowa Heat Awareness Day

June 9, 2011

Iowa Heat Awareness Day

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 by the effects of heat and solar radiation. In a 1995 heat wave, more than 700 deaths in Chicago, IL were attributed to the heat. And these are the direct casualties. No one can know how many more deaths are advanced by heat-wave weather.

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.

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

Lightning Safety Week: June 24-30, 2012

On the Calendar:

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

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 the Pacific 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:

• 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.

For more information on lightning safety, visit: www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov.
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