Weather Data for #AltusOK from @OKMesonet

Shown as February 2015
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
1 T Avgs: 53/28 Sig Prcp Freq: 8% Extremes: High T 86 (1963) Low T -2 (1951) Precip 0.98 (1983) Snow 4.0 (2011)	2 T Avgs: 53/28 Sig Prcp Freq: 5% Extremes: High T 87 (2003) Low T -1 (1951) Precip 0.22 (1944) Snow 0.5 (1996)	3 T Avgs: 55/28 Sig Prcp Freq: 8% Extremes: High T 81* (1934) Low T 2 (1996) Precip 1.20 (1960) Snow 0.5* (1929)	4 T Avgs: 56/28 Sig Prcp Freq: 9% Extremes: High T 78* (1928) Low T -1 (1996) Precip 3.23 (1964) Snow 0.5* (1983)	5 T Avgs: 55/30 Sig Prcp Freq: 9% Extremes: High T 82 (2008) Low T 5 (1989) Precip 0.67 (1987) Snow 2.5 (1998)	6 T Avgs: 56/29 Sig Prcp Freq: 10% Extremes: High T 78* (1925) Low T 10 (1914) Precip 0.72 (2005) Snow 3.0 (1961)	7 T Avgs: 56/27 Sig Prcp Freq: 8% Extremes: High T 82 (1932) Low T -3 (1933) Precip 1.45 (1934) Snow 6.0 (1933)
8 T Avgs: 57/28 Sig Prcp Freq: 10% Extremes: High T 80* (1925) Low T -6 (1933) Precip 1.10 (1927) Snow 2.0 (1929)	9 T Avgs: 55/28 Sig Prcp Freq: 9% Extremes: High T 88 (1932) Low T 7 (1933) Precip 0.59 (1965) Snow 3.0 (2011)	10 T Avgs: 57/28 Sig Prcp Freq: 6% Extremes: High T 82 (1922) Low T 4* (1929) Precip 0.80 (1993) Snow 2.0 (1986)	11 T Avgs: 56/28 Sig Prcp Freq: 3% Extremes: High T 93 (1962) Low T -7 (1986) Precip 0.70 (1977) Snow trace (1993)	12 T Avgs: 57/30 Sig Prcp Freq: 11% Extremes: High T 90 (1962) Low T 9 (1948) Precip 0.92 (1978) Snow 2.5 (1948)	13 T Avgs: 59/30 Sig Prcp Freq: 6% Extremes: High T 87 (1962) Low T 9 (1958) Precip 1.19 (1950) Snow 2.0 (1968)	14 T Avgs: 59/31 Sig Prcp Freq: 12% Extremes: High T 88 (1954) Low T 5 (1936) Precip 0.92 (1969) Snow 2.5* (1951)
15 T Avgs: 57/31 Sig Prcp Freq: 9% Extremes: High T 88 (1924) Low T 11 (2007) Precip 0.88 (1993) Snow 2.5 (2004)	16 T Avgs: 57/29 Sig Prcp Freq: 6% Extremes: High T 78 (1927) Low T 9 (1936) Precip 0.80 (1940) Snow 7.0 (1928)	17 T Avgs: 58/29 Sig Prcp Freq: 9% Extremes: High T 83 (1970) Low T 12* (1928) Precip 0.62* (1998) Snow 2.0 (1978)	18 T Avgs: 58/31 Sig Prcp Freq: 8% Extremes: High T 84 (1986) Low T 2 (1978) Precip 1.12 (1921) Snow 10.2 (1921)	19 T Avgs: 59/31 Sig Prcp Freq: 5% Extremes: High T 86 (1986) Low T 10 (1929) Precip 0.97 (1998) Snow 1.0 (1921)	20 T Avgs: 61/32 Sig Prcp Freq: 6% Extremes: High T 90 (1981) Low T 12 (1918) Precip 2.15 (1997) Snow trace* (1929)	21 T Avgs: 60/32 Sig Prcp Freq: 11% Extremes: High T 90 (1996) Low T 11 (1939) Precip 1.74 (1997) Snow 1.5 (1968)
22 T Avgs: 60/32 Sig Prcp Freq: 16% Extremes: High T 93 (1996) Low T 14 (1976) Precip 1.12 (1994) Snow 3.0 (1973)	23 T Avgs: 61/32 Sig Prcp Freq: 11% Extremes: High T 91 (1918) Low T 7 (1914) Precip 0.74 (1941) Snow 4.5 (1941)	24 T Avgs: 60/33 Sig Prcp Freq: 8% Extremes: High T 92 (1918) Low T 10 (1965) Precip 0.79 (2001) Snow 2.8 (1953)	25 T Avgs: 61/33 Sig Prcp Freq: 10% Extremes: High T 93 (1917) Low T 9 (1960) Precip 0.88 (1933) Snow 1.0 (1960)	26 T Avgs: 60/33 Sig Prcp Freq: 8% Extremes: High T 86 (1996) Low T 12* (1934) Precip 0.36* (1915) Snow 1.0 (1945)	27 T Avgs: 61/33 Sig Prcp Freq: 8% Extremes: High T 86 (2009) Low T 10 (2002) Precip 0.65 (1948) Snow 7.0 (1945)	28 T Avgs: 60/33 Sig Prcp Freq: 8% Extremes: High T 88 (1972) Low T 11* (1922) Precip 1.40 (1990) Snow 2.7 (1922)

Preparedness Myths Debunked #AltusOK

Disasters can happen at any time and with little to no warning; that’s why being prepared is so important! Some people may rely on old preparedness myths in response to certain disasters, which can prove dangerous. When it comes to disaster preparedness, can you separate fact from fiction? Test your knowledge with a few popular myths:

• Standing inside a doorway is the best way to stay safe during an earthquake? According to FEMA, the current protective action to take during an earthquake is to drop, cover, and hold on. Download the America’s PrepareAthon! How to Prepare for an Earthquake Guide to learn earthquake basics and how to protect yourself during tremors. You can also check out the animated video, “When The Earth Shakes,” to see how to stay safe.
• Duct taping your windows is a quick, easy way to protect your home’s windows before a hurricane. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protectionagainst storm winds. Window coverings can help prevent debris from blowing into your home. Flying debris from strong winds causes most fatalities and injuries.
• First responders will be able to help everyone during disasters.Emergency responders do a great job keeping people safe, but they can’t do it alone. It may also be several days before they can reach your area. As such, we must all embrace our personal responsibility to be prepared.

Remember, being prepared for disasters is a shared responsibility. It takes the whole community working together to effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and other emergencies. In September 2013, we debunked preparedness myths during the first America’s PrepareAthon! TweetChat.  Search #PrepareAthon to find more disaster preparedness fact vs. fiction.

New Disaster Assistance Resource

DisasterAssistance.gov is a website that is maintained by FEMA’s Disaster Assistance Improvement Program (DAIP). DAIP helps survivors by shortening the time required to apply for assistance and reducing the number of forms that need to be completed. Survivors can also upload documents and check the status of their application, all through the website.                       

DAIP is an e-Government initiative, managed by FEMA with the support of 16 other federal agencies to help simplify the disaster assistance process. DisasterAssistance.gov also provides news, information and resources to help individuals, families and businesses prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.  On DisasterAssistance.gov, survivors can:

• Find more than 70 forms of assistance from 17 federal agencies;
• Get the latest information on declared disaster such as wildfires, hurricanes, floods and earthquakes;
• Find information about evacuating; accessing shelter, food, water and medical services; and assistance locating loved ones and pets;
• Locate local resources in and around the whole community; and
• Share resources via social media. 

Visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov today and check out the information available. Spread the word to your loved ones, and be prepared to know where to find assistance before a disaster happens!

Local Emergency Planning Committee selects new officers. #AltusOK

New officers for the Local Emergency Planning Committee were elected for a two-year term, according to Wayne Cain, Jackson County Emergency Management director.

Phillip Beauchamp, City of Altus Engineering Technician, was selected as the new Chairman.  Cain was selected as Vice-Chair.  Lisa Cheney was selected as the Secretary/Treasurer of the group.

The committee also heard a report on the new 700-mHz radio system proposed nationwide.

For more information about the Committee, residents are encouraged to contact Cain at 5804820229 during normal office hours.

Home Makeover: Winter Edition #AltusOK #OKready

Just as you would add winter care items to your emergency kit to prepare for the upcoming season, your home can also use a winter makeover. Properly preparing your home for cold temperatures can keep you safe and warm, and lower your energy costs. Here are a few tips to follow as the mercury plunges:

• Run ceiling fans in reverse to help circulate warm air that gathers near the ceiling;
• Replace your furnace filter every two months;
• Make sure gutters and downspouts are clean and that water drains at least six feet from your home’s foundation;
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate sources to heat their home; and
• Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of your roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow or ice.

Get in the energy saving spirit by conducting a home energy assessment. See how much energy your home consumes and evaluate what measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient. Then, check out “12 Days of Energy Savings” from the U.S. Department of Energy to learn how to stay warm while saving money this winter.

After you prepare your home for winter weather, visit America’s PrepareAthon! for ways to prepare your family!

Wayne Cain reports on earthquakes #AltusOK

2014 has been recognized as the record year, for Earthquakes in Oklahoma.  These earthquakes can happen at almost any time or anywhere.  Keeping our families and yourself safe in an earthquake is extremely important. 

Please see following tips to protect our loved ones, Before an Earthquake.

The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your property in the event of an earthquake.

• To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
• Fasten shelves securely to walls.
• Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
• Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
• Mirrors, picture frames, and other hanging items should be secured to the wall with closed hooks or earthquake putty. Do not hang heavy objects over beds, sofas, or any place you may be seated.
• Objects such as framed photos, books, lamps, and other items that you keep on shelves and tables can become flying hazards. Secure them with hooks, adhesives, or earthquake putty to keep them in place.
• Bookcases, filing cabinets, china cabinets, and other tall furniture should be anchored to wall studs (not drywall) or masonry. Use flexible straps that allow them to sway without falling to the floor.
• Electronics such as computers, televisions and microwave ovens are heavy and expensive to replace. Secure them with flexible nylon straps.
• Brace overhead light fixtures and top heavy objects.
• Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks. Get appropriate professional help. Do not work with gas or electrical lines yourself.
• Install flexible pipe fittings to avoid gas or water leaks. Flexible fittings are more resistant to breakage.
• Secure your water heater, refrigerator, furnace and gas appliances by strapping them to the wall studs and bolting to the floor. If recommended by your gas company, have an automatic gas shut-off valve installed that is triggered by strong vibrations.
• Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
• Get professional help to assess the building’s structure and then take steps to install nonstructural solutions, including foundation bolts, bracing cripple walls, reinforcing chimneys, or installing an earthquake-resistant bracing system for a mobile home. Examples of structures that may be more vulnerable in an earthquake are those not anchored to their foundations or having weak crawl space walls, unbraced pier-and-post foundations, or unreinforced masonry walls or foundations. Visit www.fema.gov/earthquake-safety-home for guidance on nonstructural ways to reduce damage and earthquake resistant structural design or retrofit.
• Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
• Locate safe spots in each room under a sturdy table or against an inside wall. Reinforce this information by moving to these places during each drill.
• Hold earthquake drills with your family members: Drop, cover and hold on.

Thanks

Wayne

Jackson County Safety Director / Emergency Manager
Wayne Cain
101 N. Main, Room 101
Office: 580-482-0229

Winter Care for Older Adults #AltusOK #OKice #OKwx

The winter months can bring exciting events such as holiday decorating, travel, and snow. But it can also bring slips, falls, and other health emergencies. For older adults, being prepared for these winter events is important and can save lives. With parts of the country experiencing an arctic blast of winter weather, now is the time to check in with older adult family members, friends and neighbors. Here are a few considerationswhen helping older adults prepare for winter weather:

• The immune system weakens with age. Once flu season ramps up and the cold air blows in, it’s much more important for older adults to visit their doctor if they become sick;
• Have back-ups for medical equipment. Make sure they have extra hearing aid batteries, glasses, and other medical supplies, such as oxygen;
• Be sure they have enough medicine to last for a week. Keep medications, copies of prescriptions, and treatment information in an emergency supply kit;
• Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults in the U.S. Non-slip shoes are a great way to help them navigate slippery conditions; and
• Shoveling can put too much strain on the heart and be dangerous if individuals have problems with balance or osteoporosis. Older adults, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, should leave snow shoveling to others. 

It’s always a good idea to have a communications plan.  If you do not live near your older adult family members, make arrangements for neighbors to check in with them. Also, ask the neighbors if it’s ok for older family members to contact them in an emergency. With your help, older adults can enjoy the winter months safely. Check out this FEMA guide for more tips to help prepare older adults for emergencies.

Weather data for #AltusOK from @OKMesonet

Shown as January 2015
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)