Ohio County Emergency Management

03/03/2017

Weather Spotter Class
March 21st 6:00 PM
Location: Ohio County Community Center Auditorium
130 E Washington St. Hartford, KY 42347

Instructed by:
Wayne Hart- Chief Meterologist Eyewitness News
Joe Sullivan- Warning Coordination Meterologist @ National Weather Service

PLEASE SHARE

02/28/2017

Please be aware of a Moderate Risk for Severe Weather between the hours of 10pm - 4am.

There are possibilites for large hail, damaging winds and super cell tornadic activity.

It is imperative for everyone to have their weather alert radios on, or other weather warning active and ready for overnight hours.

Nightime tornadoes are extremely dangerous as most people will be asleep during the time that these tornadoes are possible.

Prayers for safety and please SHARE!

02/28/2017

The Statewide Tornado Drill scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed due to the possibility of severe weather tomorrow and Wednesday. The drill has been rescheduled for Friday, March 3 at 10:07 EST / 9:07 CST.

02/15/2017

Forest Fire Hazard Seasons - KRS 149.400

*During fire seasons, it is illegal to burn anything within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland between the hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
*Spring Forest Fire Hazard Season: Feb. 15 - April 30.
*Fall Forest Fire Hazard Season: Oct. 1 - Dec. 15.

Open Burning Regulation - 401 KAR 63:005

Open burning regulations are enforced by the Division for Air Quality. It is illegal to burn garbage or any other materials, except natural plant matter, such as brush and woody debris. Visit the Division for Air Quality Web site for more information.

Before conducting any outdoor burning, citizens should check with their local fire department and county government to find out about restrictions and local ordinances.

01/12/2017

Winter Weather Tips

More fires happen in the winter months than any other time of the year. During the cold months, we spend more time indoors and use different methods to heat our homes.

It is important to keep fire safety in mind when you are heating your home.

If you are using a portable heater:
•Make sure the heater has an automatic shut-off so if it tips over, it shuts off.
•Keep anything that can burn such bedding, clothing and curtains at least 3 feet from the heater.
•Plug portable heaters directly into wall outlets. Never use an extension cord or power strip.
•Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.

If you are using a fireplace:
•Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out and starting a fire.
•Do not burn paper in your fireplace.
•Before you go to sleep or leave your home put the fire out completely.
•Put ashes in a metal container with a lid. Store the container outside at least 3 feet from your home.

If you are using a wood stove:
•Have your chimney inspected and cleaned each year by a professional.
•Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from the stove.
•Do not burn paper in your wood stove.
•Before you go to sleep or leave your home, put the fire out completely.



When heating your home, you need to be aware of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is called the “invisible killer” because it’s a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas. More than 150 people in the U.S. die each year due to accidental CO poisoning from generators or fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters and fire places. Breathing CO at high levels can kill you.

Put CO alarms inside your home to provide an early warning of increasing CO levels. These alarms should be placed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.

As always, make sure you have a smoke alarm on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Test your alarms every month. Have a home fire escape plan and practice your plan at least twice a year. Make sure everyone knows how to escape your home if there is a fire.

For more information on heating fire safety, go to the U.S. Fire Administration.

01/06/2017

Bob Spears will be teaching an Amateur Radio Class for those interested in obtaining an Amateur Radio license at the Daviess County Courthouse, 212 St. Ann Street, Owensboro, KY, on the following dates:



Saturday, January 14, 2017 - 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.



Saturday, January 21, 2017 - 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.



Saturday, January 28, 2017 - 8 - Noon

TESTING WILL BEGIN AT 1:00 P.M.





The class is free, but there is a $15 charge for taking the test. Anyone wishing to just test can show up for the testing session on Saturday, January 28th. Enter at the St. Ann Street entrance to the Courthouse. To register for the class, call Daviess County EMA at 270-685-8448 and leave your name, phone number and e-mail. If you have any questions, ask for Jeff Horton.

01/06/2017

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”.

01/05/2017

Ohio County Emergency Management Agency
Office of the Director
“Building a Disaster Resistant Community”
130 E Washington St Suite 200
Hartford, Kentucky 42347
Office Phone (270 298-4412
Charlie Shields, Director
Cell Phone (270) 363-0861
[email protected]
FAX (270) 298-449


!PSA!

(Fall – Public Service Announcement)
from your OHIO COUNTY EMA 1-5-16

“Create a Digital Home in the Cloud”

Safety Measures:

When it’s time to evacuate, you might forget your computer or portable hard drives, which likely contain photos and important documents. One way to ensure you don’t lose these is to store copies in the cloud.

“One key preparation step for any natural disaster is to have a digital home inventory of your home and the contents inside it stored in a place not in the home, such as a cloud platform, “said John Bodrozic, co-founder of HomeZada (http://www.homezada.com), a digital home platform. Storing information in the cloud gives you access to photos of items, text inventories and other documents you need for insurance purposes.

In the cloud, keep close-up photos of all the contents in your home, including photos of the home itself and its materials and equipment, said Bodrozic. You should also keep copies of receipts, warranties and appraisals supporting the value of collectibles.

Preparedness is the answer;

STAY CALM and follow your emergency plans.
"BE AWARE - BE PREPARED – MAKE A KIT”
“Don’t Be Scared… Be Prepared”
Remember: Being prepared starts at home:
Don’t fall into the false sense of security that when bad things happen - it will always happen to the “other guy” or, “that will never happen to me”! BE PREPARED, some day YOU may be the “OTHER GUY”!!

This has been another Public Service Announcement from your Ohio County Emergency Management Agency where “We Care About Your Safety”.

HomeZada is a digital home platform that provides home management and real estate listing software to manage your home. Get started today!

12/20/2016

12/02/2016

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPmWS1TkaEk&feature=youtu.be

Officials with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Kentucky State Police discuss the measures taken by the state to prepare for winter weather events. Th...

12/02/2016

Ohio County Emergency Management Agency
Office of the Director
“Building a Disaster Resistant Community”
130 East Washington St Suite 200
Hartford, Kentucky 43247
Office Phone (270) 298-4412
Charlie Shields, Director
Cell Phone (270) 363-0861
[email protected]
FAX (270) 298-4491


!PSA!

(Fall – Public Service Announcement)
from your Ohio County EMA 12-3-16

“Warning Signs of Hypothermia”

Safety Measures:

While hypothermia generally occurs at very cold temperatures, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that it can happen even at cool temperatures (above 40 F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.

As winter approaches, it’s important to know the warning signs of hypothermia and what to do if you notice those signs.

Warnings Signs of Hypothermia

Adults:

 Body temperature below 95 degrees

 Uncontrollable shivering

 Exhaustion

 Confusion, fumbling hands

 Memory loss, disorientation

 Incoherence, slurred speech

 Drowsiness

Infants:

 Bright red, cold skin

 Very low energy

If someone is suffering from hypothermia, get medical attention immediately and begin warming the person until help arrives. Find several ways to warm a person on the CDC’s Hypothermia page.

If you must go outside, prevent hypothermia by:

 Wearing several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.

 Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.

 Cover all of your body. Wear a hat and a scarf, covering your mouth to protect your face and to help prevent loss of body heat.

For more information on how to prepare for the winter, visit the America’s PrepareAthon! Winter Storm section.

Preparedness is the answer;

STAY CALM and follow your emergency plans.
"BE AWARE - BE PREPARED – MAKE A KIT”
“Don’t Be Scared… Be Prepared”
Remember: Being prepared starts at home:
Don’t fall into the false sense of security that when bad things happen - it will always happen to the “other guy” or, “that will never happen to me”! BE PREPARED, some day YOU may be the “OTHER GUY”!!

This has been another Public Service Announcement from your Ohio County Emergency Management Agency where “We Care About Your Safety”.