January weather information for #AltusOK from @OKMesonet

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Periods of Record Temps #1904-2011 Precip #1904-2013 Snow #1904-2013 # - large gaps in record	Key * - Record since tied Highlight = Jan record All Temps in deg F All Precip in inches Sig Prcp Freq = Pct of days with >= 0.1" precip	Jan. Averages High Temp 53 F Low Temp 27 F Avg Temp 40 F Precip 0.93" Snow 1.8"	1 T Avgs: 52/27 Sig Prcp Freq: 3% Extremes: High T 75* (1965) Low T 4 (1928) Precip 0.37 (1993) Snow 1.0 (2010)	2 T Avgs: 52/27 Sig Prcp Freq: 7% Extremes: High T 83 (1997) Low T 4 (1979) Precip 0.78 (1975) Snow 8.0 (1947)	3 T Avgs: 52/26 Sig Prcp Freq: 5% Extremes: High T 88 (2006) Low T 5 (1947) Precip 0.98 (1973) Snow 4.0 (1973)	4 T Avgs: 52/27 Sig Prcp Freq: 3% Extremes: High T 79 (2009) Low T -11 (1947) Precip 0.64 (1932) Snow 1.5 (1942)
5 T Avgs: 51/26 Sig Prcp Freq: 6% Extremes: High T 80 (1927) Low T -11 (1947) Precip 1.28 (2005) Snow 0.3 (1960)	6 T Avgs: 52/26 Sig Prcp Freq: 4% Extremes: High T 79 (2008) Low T 5 (2004) Precip 0.70 (1940) Snow 7.0 (1940)	7 T Avgs: 50/25 Sig Prcp Freq: 8% Extremes: High T 82 (2006) Low T 3 (1940) Precip 1.00 (1988) Snow 7.0 (1973)	8 T Avgs: 53/25 Sig Prcp Freq: 7% Extremes: High T 80 (1969) Low T -7 (1988) Precip 2.46 (1939) Snow 6.0 (1944)	9 T Avgs: 53/25 Sig Prcp Freq: 5% Extremes: High T 77 (1957) Low T 3 (1973) Precip 0.83 (1987) Snow 7.0 (1930)	10 T Avgs: 51/25 Sig Prcp Freq: 6% Extremes: High T 81 (2009) Low T -3 (1977) Precip 0.95 (1991) Snow 6.0 (1955)	11 T Avgs: 51/25 Sig Prcp Freq: 8% Extremes: High T 84 (1995) Low T -3 (1918) Precip 0.43 (1949) Snow 2.0* (1920)
12 T Avgs: 52/26 Sig Prcp Freq: 7% Extremes: High T 77 (1935) Low T -7 (1973) Precip 1.16 (1927) Snow 2.0* (1930)	13 T Avgs: 53/25 Sig Prcp Freq: 7% Extremes: High T 77* (1952) Low T -2 (1963) Precip 0.70 (1992) Snow 1.0 (1993)	14 T Avgs: 52/26 Sig Prcp Freq: 3% Extremes: High T 77 (1990) Low T 4* (1963) Precip 0.31 (1960) Snow 1.0 (1917)	15 T Avgs: 53/27 Sig Prcp Freq: 6% Extremes: High T 79 (1914) Low T 4 (1972) Precip 1.22 (1946) Snow 2.0* (1917)	16 T Avgs: 52/27 Sig Prcp Freq: 2% Extremes: High T 80 (1938) Low T -3 (1930) Precip 0.42 (2004) Snow trace* (1916)	17 T Avgs: 51/26 Sig Prcp Freq: 7% Extremes: High T 77 (1923) Low T -9 (1930) Precip 2.12 (2004) Snow 1.5 (1925)	18 T Avgs: 52/26 Sig Prcp Freq: 10% Extremes: High T 77 (1964) Low T -2 (1930) Precip 1.60 (1945) Snow 4.0 (1936)
19 T Avgs: 51/26 Sig Prcp Freq: 12% Extremes: High T 79 (1951) Low T -1 (1943) Precip 1.60 (1980) Snow 4.0 (1966)	20 T Avgs: 52/26 Sig Prcp Freq: 8% Extremes: High T 85 (1986) Low T 4 (1962) Precip 0.80 (1980) Snow 2.0 (2007)	21 T Avgs: 52/27 Sig Prcp Freq: 9% Extremes: High T 79 (1986) Low T 5 (1930) Precip 0.73 (2007) Snow 6.4 (1966)	22 T Avgs: 53/27 Sig Prcp Freq: 8% Extremes: High T 86 (1967) Low T -9 (1930) Precip 2.05 (1973) Snow 5.7 (1966)	23 T Avgs: 54/26 Sig Prcp Freq: 5% Extremes: High T 85 (1943) Low T -8 (1966) Precip 1.05 (1949) Snow 1.0 (1983)	24 T Avgs: 55/27 Sig Prcp Freq: 2% Extremes: High T 79 (1970) Low T 3 (1963) Precip 0.21 (1921) Snow 2.0 (1926)	25 T Avgs: 56/27 Sig Prcp Freq: 5% Extremes: High T 85 (1950) Low T 7 (1940) Precip 0.70 (1989) Snow 2.0 (1978)
26 T Avgs: 55/27 Sig Prcp Freq: 6% Extremes: High T 83 (1914) Low T 3 (1966) Precip 0.89 (1949) Snow 2.0 (1949)	27 T Avgs: 54/26 Sig Prcp Freq: 8% Extremes: High T 82 (1982) Low T 4 (1963) Precip 0.54 (1944) Snow 0.5* (2000)	28 T Avgs: 54/27 Sig Prcp Freq: 8% Extremes: High T 80 (2002) Low T 6 (2009) Precip 0.75* (1989) Snow 2.0 (1961)	29 T Avgs: 55/28 Sig Prcp Freq: 7% Extremes: High T 78 (1917) Low T 4 (1966) Precip 1.49 (2010) Snow 3.0 (1948)	30 T Avgs: 53/27 Sig Prcp Freq: 8% Extremes: High T 79 (1917) Low T 4* (1948) Precip 1.11 (1982) Snow trace* (1942)	31 T Avgs: 53/27 Sig Prcp Freq: 12% Extremes: High T 80 (1989) Low T 3* (1918) Precip 1.03 (2002) Snow 3.0 (1994)

Is your car #OKready? #AltusOK

So you’ve prepared your home for winter weather but what about your car? You can avoid many dangerous winter travel problems by planning ahead. Before you hit the road, have a mechanic check the following items on your vehicle:

• Antifreeze levels – ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing;
• Battery and ignition system – terminal should be clean;
• Brakes – check for wear and fluid level; and
• Tires – make sure they have adequate tread.

Changes in weather call for changes in your emergency supply kit. For winter weather, update the emergency kits in your vehicle with:

• Matches;
• Booster cables;
• Tow chain or rope; and
• A fluorescent distress flag.

Need a quick and easy way to remember what items to check on your car each winter? Download the car maintenance checklist from the Centers for Disease Control today!

Disclaimer: The reader recognizes that the Federal government does not endorse any non-Federal entities, organizations, services, or products.

Give the gift of preparedness, #AltusOK

Still looking for holiday gift ideas? What better way to say happy holidays than to give the gift of preparedness to your family and friends? The onset of winter is a critical time for safety preparation. Several items that are critical in emergencies also make good gifts to store in a disaster supply kit. Download FEMA’s “Preparedness on a Shoestring” activity module for cost-effective ways to create disaster kits on a budget.  Many of the items may be found around your home including:

• Adhesive bandages of various sizes;
• Two pairs of sterile gloves; and
• Antibiotic ointment.

The gift of preparedness can mean more than the basic supply kit! If it becomes necessary to boil water during an emergency, consider giving a tea kettle as a gift.  Tea kettles are better at boiling water than pots and pans because they are enclosed and the metal interiors allow for more even heating.  A solar charging unit for charging and powering electronic devices would also make a good stocking stuffer.  They range in size from pocket-size to fold-out panel and are powered by the sun, making them useful on clear days when electricity is unavailable.

For more preparedness gift-giving ideas this holiday, visit FEMA.gov.

Disclaimer: The reader recognizes that the Federal government does not endorse any non-Federal entities, organizations, services, or products.

Are you prepared?  What is your most interesting item?

Free Android and IOS apps available #AltusOK

Thanks to help from a variety of sources, Altus Emergency Management has developed applications for both the Android and IPhone systems.

Click the links for IOS and Android or use the QR code the right.  Also IOS users may get the HTML5 version directly

The apps are free.

Do you have suggestions for development?

How did this happen, #AltusOK

"A 77-year-old woman from Altus died from hypothermia."

How did this happen?

Was there a neighbor?  Did anyone call her?  Did she have meals on wheels?

Know your neighbor, Altus.  Check on them once in a while. In an emergency, your first, first responder may live next door.

Tips from #RedCross for #AltusOK folks

With potential winter storms approaching our state, the American Red Cross has begun preparing our volunteers and partners for response activities if needed. And urge you to take steps now to stay safe when severe weather threatens.

     “By preparing together for winter storms, we can make our families safer and our communities stronger,” Janienne Bella, Regional CEO said. “We can help you and your family create a disaster preparedness plan now, before our community is threatened by dangerously low temperatures, snow, ice and strong winds.”

     As with any disaster, preparation can be the difference between life and death. The Red Cross recommends that individuals and families prepare for winter storms by:

• Assembling an Emergency Preparedness Kit: Pack a winter-specific supply kit that includes a warm coat, hat, mittens or gloves, and water-resistant boots, along with extra blankets and extra warm clothing. Sand or non-clumping kitty litter is good to have on hand to help make walkways or steps less slippery. Additionally, make sure you have a first aid kit and essential medications, canned food and can opener, bottled water, flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries in your home in the event of a power outage.

• Heeding Storm Warnings: A winter storm WATCH means winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions via NOAA Weather radio, or local radio or television stations. A winter storm WARNING means that life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. Individuals in a warning area should take precautions immediately.

• Preparing Your Home and Car: Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full, which will help to keep the fuel line from freezing. Make sure your home is properly insulated by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to help keep cold air out. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year. Running water, even at a trickle, helps to prevent pipes from freezing.

     Here at the American Red Cross, disaster preparedness and response are our top priority. Volunteers and partners are on standby, prepared to open shelters and facilitate any necessary response activities.

     Take the time now to be prepared for the potential winter weather! Click here for more safety tips on Winter Weather Preparedness: http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/winter-storm

What are you doing to prepare?

Weather Calendar from @OKMesonet for #AltusOK

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
1 T Avgs: 60/33 Sig Prcp Freq: 8% Extremes: High T 81 (1950) Low T 7 (2006) Precip 0.98 (1933) Snow 2.5 (2006)	2 T Avgs: 60/32 Sig Prcp Freq: 6% Extremes: High T 83 (1995) Low T 8* (1985) Precip 2.33 (1913) Snow trace (1919)	3 T Avgs: 59/33 Sig Prcp Freq: 11% Extremes: High T 80 (1995) Low T 17 (1967) Precip 0.65 (1993)	4 T Avgs: 59/32 Sig Prcp Freq: 11% Extremes: High T 88 (1954) Low T 18 (2009) Precip 1.47 (1947)	5 T Avgs: 59/33 Sig Prcp Freq: 13% Extremes: High T 84 (1956) Low T 18* (1950) Precip 0.81 (1935) Snow trace* (1950)	6 T Avgs: 56/32 Sig Prcp Freq: 7% Extremes: High T 80 (1939) Low T 6 (1950) Precip 1.82 (1926) Snow 1.6 (1942)	7 T Avgs: 57/30 Sig Prcp Freq: 6% Extremes: High T 83 (1966) Low T 8 (1950) Precip 0.51 (1942) Snow 7.5 (1942)
8 T Avgs: 54/30 Sig Prcp Freq: 6% Extremes: High T 77 (1970) Low T 2 (2005) Precip 1.65 (1980) Snow trace* (1921)	9 T Avgs: 54/29 Sig Prcp Freq: 8% Extremes: High T 75* (1957) Low T 4 (2005) Precip 1.42 (1999) Snow 2.0 (1932)	10 T Avgs: 54/30 Sig Prcp Freq: 9% Extremes: High T 83 (1939) Low T 7 (1919) Precip 1.07 (1999) Snow trace (1997)	11 T Avgs: 54/29 Sig Prcp Freq: 9% Extremes: High T 81 (1939) Low T 8 (1917) Precip 0.95 (1960) Snow 0.5 (1972)	12 T Avgs: 54/29 Sig Prcp Freq: 11% Extremes: High T 79 (1921) Low T 5 (1989) Precip 0.96 (2007) Snow 0.5 (1972)	13 T Avgs: 52/29 Sig Prcp Freq: 8% Extremes: High T 84 (1921) Low T 6 (1917) Precip 0.53 (2000) Snow 2.0 (1985)	14 T Avgs: 53/28 Sig Prcp Freq: 5% Extremes: High T 79 (1921) Low T 8* (1914) Precip 0.70 (1992)
15 T Avgs: 52/27 Sig Prcp Freq: 10% Extremes: High T 79 (1977) Low T 8 (1987) Precip 0.99 (1984) Snow 5.0 (1932)	16 T Avgs: 54/28 Sig Prcp Freq: 9% Extremes: High T 78 (2006) Low T 8 (1987) Precip 1.54 (1931) Snow trace* (1965)	17 T Avgs: 53/27 Sig Prcp Freq: 6% Extremes: High T 77 (1939) Low T 0 (1932) Precip 0.80 (1959) Snow 2.5 (1924)	18 T Avgs: 52/28 Sig Prcp Freq: 5% Extremes: High T 76 (1977) Low T 8* (1964) Precip 0.70 (1995) Snow 1.0 (1924)	19 T Avgs: 54/28 Sig Prcp Freq: 8% Extremes: High T 76 (1978) Low T 0 (1924) Precip 1.41 (1918) Snow 0.5 (1995)	20 T Avgs: 52/28 Sig Prcp Freq: 8% Extremes: High T 77 (2004) Low T 6 (1983) Precip 1.59 (2006) Snow trace* (1951)	21 T Avgs: 52/27 Sig Prcp Freq: 8% Extremes: High T 78 (1981) Low T 5 (1983) Precip 1.24 (1997) Snow 1.0 (1916)
22 T Avgs: 53/27 Sig Prcp Freq: 9% Extremes: High T 74* (1982) Low T 0* (1983) Precip 1.20 (2002) Snow 3.0 (1913)	23 T Avgs: 52/27 Sig Prcp Freq: 7% Extremes: High T 76 (1964) Low T -10 (1989) Precip 2.79 (1932) Snow 10.5 (1918)	24 T Avgs: 51/26 Sig Prcp Freq: 7% Extremes: High T 88 (1955) Low T 4 (1983) Precip 1.29 (1965) Snow 2.5 (2009)	25 T Avgs: 51/26 Sig Prcp Freq: 6% Extremes: High T 75 (1950) Low T 5 (1983) Precip 0.85 (2009) Snow 5.0 (1939)	26 T Avgs: 52/27 Sig Prcp Freq: 4% Extremes: High T 77 (2005) Low T 7 (1914) Precip 1.75 (1987) Snow 1.3 (2000)	27 T Avgs: 51/27 Sig Prcp Freq: 7% Extremes: High T 78 (1923) Low T 7 (1924) Precip 1.18 (1927) Snow 1.3 (2000)	28 T Avgs: 52/27 Sig Prcp Freq: 6% Extremes: High T 80 (1923) Low T -1 (1924) Precip 0.34 (1943) Snow 2.0 (1944)
29 T Avgs: 53/27 Sig Prcp Freq: 6% Extremes: High T 80* (1923) Low T 1 (1983) Precip 0.64 (1979) Snow 3.5 (1954)	30 T Avgs: 53/28 Sig Prcp Freq: 2% Extremes: High T 82 (1921) Low T 8 (1990) Precip 0.64 (2006) Snow 2.0 (2009)	31 T Avgs: 52/28 Sig Prcp Freq: 9% Extremes: High T 81 (1951) Low T 6 (1968) Precip 1.78 (1984) Snow 1.5 (1918)	Periods of Record Temps #1903-2010 Precip #1903-2012 Snow #1903-2012 # - large gaps in record	Key * - Record since tied Highlight = Dec record All Temps in deg F All Precip in inches Sig Prcp Freq = Pct of days with >= 0.1" precip	Dec. Averages High Temp 55 F Low Temp 29 F Avg Temp 42 F Precip 1.18" Snow 1.0"

Road Rules from our friends @FEMA #AltusOK

Hitting the road this holiday? In some areas winter weather means snow, sleet and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions and unseen dangers. Are you prepared? According to a recent FEMA survey, 52 percent of people reported having supplies set aside for use in a disaster.

If your travel needs call for driving in wintry weather, prepare your car for the trip by updating your vehicle emergency kit with:

• Booster cables;
• Blankets, hats, socks, and mittens;
• Road salt or sand; and
• A fluorescent distress flag.

While on the road, follow these driving techniques to ensure you reach your destination safely:

• Decrease your speed and leave plenty of room to stop;
• Break gently to avoid skidding;
• Do not use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads; and
• Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to others.

Road conditions can change quickly! Should disaster strike when traveling, use the Disaster Reporter feature on the FEMA app to send photos of your location for first responders and response teams to view. You can also keep up with weather forecasts using your NOAA weather radio to plan ahead! Remember safety first. If weather conditions are too severe, it’s best not to drive.

Also, have a fully charged Cell phone in hand before leaving.  Tell people on both ends of the trip when you leave and your route.

As always, Ham Radio can be a lifesaver in an emergency when the Cell Phone is dead.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Important Information for #OKfire

Fire & Life Safety Practices for Assisted Living/Residential Care Facilities & Memory Care Units

FIRE/EVACUATION DRILLS

Policy
Emergency evacuation drills shall be conducted on each shift to familiarize facility staff and residents with the signals and emergency action required under varied conditions.

Assisted living/residential care & memory care unit residents have, in large part, varied degrees of disability and their evacuation from the facility may require various levels of staff assistance. Recognizing that there might be certain operational necessities to the contrary, fire exit drills may be disturbing or cause resident’s anxiety. Fire exit drills are required and all residents are required to participate in accordance with their individual capabilities. NOTE: Allowing or encouraging residents to ignore or otherwise not participate during fire exit drills is inconsistent with these requirements.
1. Fire drills in assisted living/residential care facilities & memory care units shall include the transmission of a fire alarm signal and simulation of emergency fire conditions.
a. Drills shall be conducted not less than two times per year on each shift to familiarize facility staff and residents with the signals and emergency action required under varied conditions.
b. Fire drills and fire drill critiques shall not be considered as employee in-service training.
2. Resident Participation Emergency evacuation drills shall involve the actual evacuation of residents to a selected assembly point and shall provide residents with experience exiting through approved required exits. Within each year all required exits shall be used during drills.
3. Records shall be maintained of required fire/evacuation drills and include the following information
a. Identity of the person conducting the drill.
b. Date and time of the drills.
c. Notification method used.
d. Staff members on duty and participating.
e. Number of occupants relocated/evacuated or simulated.
f. Special conditions simulated.
g. Problems encountered.
h. Weather conditions when occupants were evacuated.
i. Time required to accomplish complete relocation/evacuation.
j. All residents and other building occupants shall be accounted for during fire/evacuation drills.
4. Fire drill/evacuation procedures.
a. The purpose of the fire drill is to test facility staff and residents in the following:
(1) Efficiency
(2) Knowledge
(3) Response to Fire Emergencies
b. Fire drill procedures are the same as for a real fire.
c. Fire drills shall be held at unexpected times and on a random basis. Fire drills shall be conducted under varying circumstances, simulating actual fire conditions.
d. The person conducting the fire drill shall notify the fire alarm monitoring company PRIOR to the fire drill and again at COMPLETION of the fire drill.
e. A simulated fire (cloth, sign, etc.) with written description of fire problem shall be placed at a predetermined location.
f. Emphasize orderly action under proper discipline, rather than speed.
g. Drills shall include transmission of fire alarm signals throughout the facility (unless otherwise approved by the fire code official).
h Written procedures shall require that all staff and residents participate during fire drills in accordance with emergency preparedness plan. Testing and fire drills require separate documentation.

Thanks to 

DEATHERAGE ASSOCIATES, LLC
                                                                                   6969 South 310th East Avenue
                                                                                Broken Arrow, OK  74014-5479
(918) 357-2215                                                                                      bill@tdcsafety.com
Billy (918) 639-9342                    www.tdcsafety.com                        Bill (918) 230-3851
Safety Depends On Us

for this information.