August Climate information from @OKMesonet

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Periods of Record Temps #1903-2010 Precip #1903-2012 Snow #1903-2012 # - large gaps in record	Key * - Record since tied Highlight = Aug record All Temps in deg F All Precip in inches Sig Prcp Freq = Pct of days with >= 0.1" precip	Aug. Averages High Temp 97 F Low Temp 70 F Avg Temp 83 F Precip 2.48" Snow 0.0"			1 T Avgs: 98/70 Sig Prcp Freq: 13% Extremes: High T 108* (1966) Low T 58* (1925) Precip 1.27 (1977)	2 T Avgs: 98/70 Sig Prcp Freq: 9% Extremes: High T 114 (1944) Low T 55 (1936) Precip 3.74 (1995)
3 T Avgs: 98/70 Sig Prcp Freq: 9% Extremes: High T 118 (1943) Low T 60* (1936) Precip 1.89 (1993)	4 T Avgs: 98/71 Sig Prcp Freq: 13% Extremes: High T 116 (1943) Low T 61* (1915) Precip 1.20 (1925)	5 T Avgs: 98/71 Sig Prcp Freq: 5% Extremes: High T 112 (1962) Low T 58 (1948) Precip 1.57 (1920)	6 T Avgs: 99/70 Sig Prcp Freq: 9% Extremes: High T 112 (1962) Low T 58 (1936) Precip 1.24 (1942)	7 T Avgs: 98/70 Sig Prcp Freq: 12% Extremes: High T 110* (1962) Low T 60 (1997) Precip 1.63 (1966)	8 T Avgs: 98/70 Sig Prcp Freq: 14% Extremes: High T 110 (1962) Low T 54 (1989) Precip 0.98 (1942)	9 T Avgs: 97/70 Sig Prcp Freq: 11% Extremes: High T 112 (1943) Low T 56 (1989) Precip 2.42 (1972)
10 T Avgs: 97/70 Sig Prcp Freq: 16% Extremes: High T 115 (1936) Low T 62* (1974) Precip 3.22 (1974)	11 T Avgs: 96/70 Sig Prcp Freq: 12% Extremes: High T 116 (1936) Low T 60 (1915) Precip 2.47 (1997)	12 T Avgs: 96/69 Sig Prcp Freq: 15% Extremes: High T 120 (1936) Low T 56 (1979) Precip 1.26 (1924)	13 T Avgs: 97/70 Sig Prcp Freq: 7% Extremes: High T 115 (1936) Low T 54 (1967) Precip 3.31 (1968)	14 T Avgs: 96/70 Sig Prcp Freq: 12% Extremes: High T 110 (1930) Low T 58 (2002) Precip 1.04 (1926)	15 T Avgs: 96/69 Sig Prcp Freq: 17% Extremes: High T 110 (1952) Low T 58 (1992) Precip 2.70 (1926)	16 T Avgs: 96/70 Sig Prcp Freq: 10% Extremes: High T 110 (1943) Low T 57* (1992) Precip 0.72 (1996)
17 T Avgs: 96/70 Sig Prcp Freq: 16% Extremes: High T 108 (1951) Low T 59 (1948) Precip 1.73 (1944)	18 T Avgs: 96/69 Sig Prcp Freq: 19% Extremes: High T 109 (1945) Low T 55 (1943) Precip 2.08 (1920)	19 T Avgs: 95/69 Sig Prcp Freq: 15% Extremes: High T 108 (1930) Low T 58 (1948) Precip 3.75 (1990)	20 T Avgs: 96/69 Sig Prcp Freq: 10% Extremes: High T 108 (1943) Low T 55 (1992) Precip 1.55 (1937)	21 T Avgs: 96/68 Sig Prcp Freq: 12% Extremes: High T 108 (1984) Low T 55 (1956) Precip 0.92 (1941)	22 T Avgs: 95/68 Sig Prcp Freq: 13% Extremes: High T 108 (1930) Low T 58 (1956) Precip 1.47 (1923)	23 T Avgs: 95/68 Sig Prcp Freq: 9% Extremes: High T 110 (1936) Low T 56* (1920) Precip 0.98 (1937)
24 T Avgs: 95/68 Sig Prcp Freq: 12% Extremes: High T 110 (1936) Low T 54* (1961) Precip 2.30 (1966)	25 T Avgs: 95/68 Sig Prcp Freq: 6% Extremes: High T 110 (1936) Low T 53 (1945) Precip 0.56 (1996)	26 T Avgs: 95/67 Sig Prcp Freq: 14% Extremes: High T 107* (1943) Low T 54* (1928) Precip 3.50 (1992)	27 T Avgs: 94/68 Sig Prcp Freq: 15% Extremes: High T 108* (1943) Low T 55 (1962) Precip 4.44 (1979)	28 T Avgs: 94/67 Sig Prcp Freq: 17% Extremes: High T 106 (1982) Low T 56 (1992) Precip 1.38 (1914)	29 T Avgs: 93/67 Sig Prcp Freq: 16% Extremes: High T 109 (1943) Low T 50 (1917) Precip 1.63 (1960)	30 T Avgs: 94/67 Sig Prcp Freq: 13% Extremes: High T 108 (1943) Low T 51* (1915) Precip 1.84 (1924)
31 T Avgs: 93/67 Sig Prcp Freq: 12% Extremes: High T 108 (1952) Low T 49 (1915) Precip 2.40 (1986)

Rain Barrels FREE #AltusOK

Free rain barrels are coming to Altus July 29 at 6 p.m., according to Lloyd Colston, Altus Emergency Management Director.

In a partnership with the Coca-Cola Company in Wichita Falls, 100 of the free barrels will be at the Southwest Technology Center, 711 W Tamarack here.  They will be available to Jackson County residents.

While the rain barrels are free, the quantity is limited, according to Colston.  Area residents are encouraged to bring a pickup and an item to show they reside in the County.  A utility bill, a driving license, or a government document, ex. tax or correspondence will be adequate.

Jackson County remains in a severe drought.  While this is an improvement from previous weeks and extreme to severe drought designations, Altus residents have been encouraged to conserve water for months.

"The partnership with the Coca-Cola Company is greatly appreciated," said Colston.  Area stores such as Atwoods and  Fox's Building Supply carry the barrels but the demand has been great.

The entire community ... businesses, residents, and government ... is in this drought together.  "The cooperation is outstanding,"  said Colston

For more information about Emergency Management, persons may call Wayne Cain, Jackson County Emergency Management at 580.482.0229 while Colston may be called using the Call Me form located at the right..

NRT/CDC PROTECT EMERGENCY WORKERS #OKfire #AltusOK

Dear Emergency Management Directors,

We would like to introduce the U.S. National Response Team (NRT) Emergency Responders Health Monitoring and Surveillance (ERHMS) system, coordinated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). We are sending this to you because we know you share our mission to protect American workers. The ERHMS system provides guidelines for protecting emergency responders involved in various types of emergencies and settings and can be used by anyone involved with the deployment and protection of emergency workers.

The attached Portable Document Format (PDF) flyer provides information pertaining to ERHMS and FREE training courses that are now available online. ERHMS training courses include the following:

·         Emergency Responder Health Monitoring and Surveillance (ERHMS) System

o   Provides the necessary tools for implementing health monitoring and surveillance of emergency response workers.

o   Outlines important procedures for pre-deployment, deployment, and post-deployment.

o   Offers continuing education credits for those who complete the course. Credits include: CEU/CE; CHES; CME; CNE Contact Hours; Pharmacist Contact Hours; and AAVSB/RACE.

o   All emergency response coordinators are encouraged to take this course.

·         Emergency Responder Health Monitoring and Surveillance (ERHMS) System: Leadership Training

o   Introduces the ERHMS system to leaders in organizations responsible for planning and executing incident response activities.

o   Optimizes the health and safety of response, remediation, recovery, and volunteer workers.

o   The intended audience includes local, regional, state, tribal, and federal personnel who are responsible for the occupational safety and health of responders.

o   Offers 0.1 continuing education units for completing the course. 

We hope that you take advantage of the valuable information provided and participate in the training course offerings. We encourage you to visit the ERHMS website at: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/erhms/.

Please pass this information on to others you know aiding in emergency preparedness and response.

Thank you for your service.

Sincerely,

Michelle Martin

Michelle R. Martin

Public Health Advisor

Field Studies Branch

Division of Respiratory Disease Studies

NIOSH/CDC

1095 Willowdale Road

Morgantown WV  26505 MS-2800

304-285-5734 / FX 304-285-5796

mrmartin1@cdc.gov

AmeriCorps Opportunities with the Red Cross- Extended Deadline! #RedCross

The American Red Cross of Central & Western Oklahoma has 4 open AmeriCorps NPRC (National Preparedness & Response Corps) positions for which we are seeking applicants. Two of these positions will focus on Community Disaster Preparedness, one on Disaster Volunteer Development, and one on Youth/College Volunteer Development. These Positions will begin on September 2nd, 2014 and carry an 11-month commitment. As an AmeriCorps alumnus, I can say that this is a very rewarding experience that is a tremendous opportunity for development. Please feel free to ask me any questions.

Due to technical issues with the application site, we are extending the application due date to Friday, July 25th at 5pm. Interested applicants should send their resume & cover letters to Jeff.Robbins@redcross.org. Interviews will be scheduled as application materials are received.

For more information, visit www.AmeriCorps.gov, or https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/search.do?&criteria.programState=OK, or contact me at Jeff.Robbins@redcross.org.

PLEASE HELP US GET THE WORD OUT ABOUT THESE OPPORTUNITIES!

Below are the Position Descriptions, including:Responsibilities, Qualifications/Requirements and Benefits:
General:
- Members of the National Preparedness & Response Corps will complete projects that enhance organizational service delivery, expand community networks and resources while developing their professional skill base.
Service locations:
Community Disaster Preparedness focused: Oklahoma City or Norman.
Disaster Volunteer Development focused: Oklahoma City, Norman, Lawton, Enid, Woodward, Shawnee, Stillwater, or Ardmore.
Youth/College Volunteer Development focused: Oklahoma City or Norman.
Responsibilities:
• Act as part of a team to complete NPRC goals and objectives.
• Coordinate a special project relating to the accomplishment of NPRC goals and objectives.
• Participate in member development activities of the NPRC.
• Complete NPRC Member Hour/Activity reports.
• Manage a disaster preparedness program in a specific area with the goal of increasing the community's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.< br />• Provide age-appropriate and culturally aware community disaster education presentations in diverse and high-risk areas with a goal of increasing awareness and knowledge of disasters and other emergencies while influencing behavior change in service recipients. Specific programming to include Be Red Cross Ready, (ii) Fire Safety and (ii) Hazard Specific.
• Work in diverse communities to support development of stronger community networks in collaboratio n with local faith groups, businesses, government agencies and non-profits.
• Serve as members of a Disaster Action Team and respond on national, regional and local disaster relief operations.
• Recruit, train, mentor and actively engage volunteers in Red Cross disaster programs and services.
• Develop community contacts, network with local agencies and be a positive ambassador for the American Red Cross and the National Preparedness & Response Corps
Specific for Disaster Volunteer Development focused position:
• Support Disaster Workforce Engagement (DWE) activities to include facilitation and documentation of training and exercise and other work in support of volunteer capacity building. This includes:
• Serve in a Staff Services role to support large Regional Disaster Relief Operations (activate and coordinate Disaster Responders)
• Assisting in creating and implementing Regional Training Schedules for v olunteers
• Serve as a Regional point of contact for volunteer training inquiries
Specific for Youth/College Volunteer Development focused position:
• Target recruiting and engagement of those in both high schools and colleges, including developing Red Cross Clubs. (Service locations specific to: Oklahoma City, Norman, Stillwater, Lawton, Shawnee).
Requirements/Qualifications:
• Willing to make an 11-month commitment (September 02, 2014 to July 31, 2015) and complete a minimum of 1700 hours of service.
• NPRC Members are Full-Time and must be available during normal business hours, Monday to Friday. Due to the nature of the program, there will be times when Members are required to serve after normal business hours including nights and weekends, sometimes on short notice.
• At least 18 years of age by the start of the progr am.
• A U.S. Citizen, U.S. National or lawful permanent resident alien of the U.S.
• Minimum, high school diploma or its equivalent. College degree highly desired.
• Current valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
• Previous successful experience working with diverse populations.
• At least one year of volunteer or community service experience.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent public speaking skills.
• Ability to be deployed on national, regional and local disaster relief operations for a minimum of two weeks.
• Demonstrated professionalism, flexibility and initiative.
• Team-oriented.
• Bilingual Spanish a plus.
Program Benefits
• $13,500 living stipend for 11 months of ser vice.
• Upon successful completion of the program, eligible for an education award in the amount of $5,645 (which can be used to pay educational costs at eligible post-secondary educational institutions (including many technical schools and GI-Bill approved educational programs), as well as to repay qualified student loans).
• Student loan deferment or forbearance.
• Health insurance provided. Childcare available if eligible.
NON-DISCRIMINATION PUBLIC NOTICE: This program's recruitment is conducted without regard to race, color, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, gender, religion or political affiliation.


Jeff Robbins
Regional Director of Volunteer Services
American Red Cross
Central and Western Oklahoma Region

Beat the Heat

Summer is finally here! What better ways to enjoy the sun and warm weather than with a dip in the pool, a baseball game, or neighborhood BBQ! And while summer is a great time to sit back and enjoy the weather, heat hazards can turn a picnic into panic.

Heat can be harmful because it pushes the human body beyond its limits. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. It’s important to always be prepared, so that the only heat you're feeling is off the grill!

According to Ready.gov, here are a few simple things you can do inside and outside of your home to beat the heat:

• Build an emergency supply kit;
• Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation;
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes or awnings;
• Never leave children or pets, older adults or disabled persons alone in closed vehicles; even for a minute, because it could be deadly; and
• Drink plenty of water, even if you aren't feeling thirsty.

Local weather forecasts are a great way to stay aware of upcoming temperature changes.  Learn how to get tuned into local alerts and warnings with American’s PrepareAthon! Be Smart-Know Your Alerts and Warnings guide.

For more information on keeping it cool this summer, visit the National Weather Service’s Beat the Heat website and check out these videos from Heat Awareness Day!

Thanks to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for this information.

A Different Kind of Preparedness

Preparedness comes in all different shapes, forms, actions and plans. Therefore, any effort that provides a community with the tools to be better prepared and resilient is worth looking at!

The National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) is proud to present the new National Neighborhood Watch Program. This program prepares citizens to defend against crime and bond through service within their community. The Neighborhood Watch Program draws upon the compassion of citizens, asking them to lend their neighbors a hand. It provides a wealth of resources to the community:

• Training;
• Technical assistance;
• Resource documents;
• National Neighborhood Watch stories;
• Networking; and
• Assistance in the community.

Much like emergency preparedness programs throughout the country, the National Neighborhood Watch Program empowers citizens to become active in community efforts through participation in Neighborhood Watch groups.

Interested in becoming a member of the National Neighborhood Watch or finding a way to partner your emergency preparedness organization with the National Neighborhood Watch? Visit www.nnw.org for more information.

Thanks to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for this information.

Distracted Driving is dangerous #AltusOK

"Distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on America's roadways. In 2012 alone, 3,328 were killed in distracted driving crashes."



Will you take the pledge?

The fight to end distracted driving starts with you. Make the commitment to drive phone-free today.

Distracted driving kills and injures thousands of people each year. I pledge to:

• Protect lives by never texting or talking on the phone while driving.
• Be a good passenger and speak out if the driver in my car is distracted.
• Encourage my friends and family to drive phone-free.

Let us know that you did.