Emergency Management News

Monday, August 31, 2015

Here are your #AltusOK records for September from @OKmesonet

Shown as September 2015
SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday
Periods of Record
Temps#1903-2010
Precip#1903-2012
Snow#1903-2012
# - large gaps in record
Key
* - Record since tied
Highlight = Sep record
All Temps in deg F
All Precip in inches
Sig Prcp Freq = Pct of
days with >= 0.1" precip
1T Avgs: 92/67
Sig Prcp Freq: 12%
Extremes:
High T108 (1951)
Low T51 (1915)
Precip1.93 (1932)
2T Avgs: 93/67
Sig Prcp Freq: 12%
Extremes:
High T107 (1947)
Low T53* (1915)
Precip0.68 (1989)
3T Avgs: 92/66
Sig Prcp Freq: 15%
Extremes:
High T109 (2000)
Low T48 (1974)
Precip1.95 (1959)
4T Avgs: 91/66
Sig Prcp Freq: 20%
Extremes:
High T108* (1947)
Low T50 (1974)
Precip2.69 (1996)
5T Avgs: 91/65
Sig Prcp Freq: 14%
Extremes:
High T108 (1998)
Low T50 (1974)
Precip5.85 (1971)
6T Avgs: 92/66
Sig Prcp Freq: 11%
Extremes:
High T104* (1963)
Low T53 (1974)
Precip0.92 (1973)
7T Avgs: 92/66
Sig Prcp Freq: 10%
Extremes:
High T105* (1936)
Low T50 (1943)
Precip2.46 (1942)
8T Avgs: 91/65
Sig Prcp Freq: 10%
Extremes:
High T104 (1930)
Low T51 (2004)
Precip2.15 (1949)
9T Avgs: 91/64
Sig Prcp Freq: 11%
Extremes:
High T103 (1936)
Low T48 (2004)
Precip1.20 (1941)
10T Avgs: 90/64
Sig Prcp Freq: 12%
Extremes:
High T104* (1963)
Low T47 (1962)
Precip1.24 (2007)
11T Avgs: 89/63
Sig Prcp Freq: 14%
Extremes:
High T106 (2000)
Low T50 (1976)
Precip1.20 (1969)
12T Avgs: 89/64
Sig Prcp Freq: 15%
Extremes:
High T108 (1930)
Low T49 (1940)
Precip3.55 (1933)
13T Avgs: 89/63
Sig Prcp Freq: 15%
Extremes:
High T105 (1930)
Low T48* (1975)
Precip3.50 (1989)
14T Avgs: 88/62
Sig Prcp Freq: 21%
Extremes:
High T104* (1918)
Low T46* (1945)
Precip3.60 (1925)
15T Avgs: 87/63
Sig Prcp Freq: 13%
Extremes:
High T104 (1943)
Low T41 (1993)
Precip1.51 (2005)
16T Avgs: 87/62
Sig Prcp Freq: 23%
Extremes:
High T104 (1956)
Low T45 (1993)
Precip2.43 (1964)
17T Avgs: 88/62
Sig Prcp Freq: 15%
Extremes:
High T102 (1997)
Low T41 (1981)
Precip1.14 (1976)
18T Avgs: 88/62
Sig Prcp Freq: 15%
Extremes:
High T103 (1952)
Low T40 (1981)
Precip1.96 (1971)
19T Avgs: 87/62
Sig Prcp Freq: 16%
Extremes:
High T102* (1930)
Low T47 (2003)
Precip4.38 (1965)
20T Avgs: 87/61
Sig Prcp Freq: 12%
Extremes:
High T103 (1953)
Low T44* (1918)
Precip2.15 (1965)
21T Avgs: 86/60
Sig Prcp Freq: 15%
Extremes:
High T102* (1977)
Low T35 (1983)
Precip1.79 (1974)
22T Avgs: 86/59
Sig Prcp Freq: 9%
Extremes:
High T101 (1977)
Low T40 (1983)
Precip1.92 (1969)
23T Avgs: 85/59
Sig Prcp Freq: 14%
Extremes:
High T100 (1926)
Low T40 (1994)
Precip5.26 (1997)
24T Avgs: 84/58
Sig Prcp Freq: 13%
Extremes:
High T100* (1930)
Low T35 (1989)
Precip1.97 (1916)
25T Avgs: 83/58
Sig Prcp Freq: 19%
Extremes:
High T99* (1998)
Low T40* (1975)
Precip2.77 (1974)
26T Avgs: 84/56
Sig Prcp Freq: 15%
Extremes:
High T106 (1953)
Low T38 (2000)
Precip3.71 (1936)
27T Avgs: 84/55
Sig Prcp Freq: 9%
Extremes:
High T104 (1953)
Low T38 (1942)
Precip1.96 (1973)
28T Avgs: 84/56
Sig Prcp Freq: 9%
Extremes:
High T105 (1953)
Low T38 (1967)
Precip0.70 (1926)
29T Avgs: 83/55
Sig Prcp Freq: 11%
Extremes:
High T100* (1928)
Low T40 (1916)
Precip3.00 (1986)
30T Avgs: 83/54
Sig Prcp Freq: 9%
Extremes:
High T105 (1977)
Low T28 (1984)
Precip1.22 (1941)
Sep. Averages
High Temp88 F
Low Temp62 F
Avg Temp75 F
Precip2.82"
Snow0.0"

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Is your community #OKready #AltusOK

Organizing Community Preparedness Activities

We all have a role in preparing our communities for disasters, and organizing a community preparedness activity is one way to get started. TheReady Campaign identifies five steps along with valuable resources for making your community safer, more resilient, and better prepared: 
  • Identify Local Partners. Look for programs that are already doing good work such as Citizen Corps Councils and Community Emergency Response Teams;
  • Build a Team. Citizen Corps Council meetings are a valuable tactic for recruiting volunteers;
  • Set Goals. Clear goals helps increase accountability;
  • Serve Your Community. Find out what your community is doing to prepare for emergencies; and
  • Celebrate Success. Thank your volunteers after every event, and encourage them to sign up for the next activity. 
Find out more information about each of these steps and start planning! When you complete your preparedness activity, be sure to add it to the America’s PrepareAthon! website so members of your team can be counted as participants in this national grassroots campaign for action to get people better prepared for emergencies.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Wildfire Evacuation #AltusOK #OKfire #prepareathon


Wildfires have recently struck parts of the U.S. forcing many residents to leave their homes. These fires can occur at any time throughout the year, but the potential is always higher during periods of little to no rainfall, which make grass and trees burn more easily.
When a wildfire threatens your area, the best action to protect yourself and your family is to evacuate early to avoid being trapped. The America’s PrepareAthon! How to Prepare for a Wildfire guide offers valuable information to protect your family during a wildfire.  On page five of the guide, you’ll find tips to help you prepare for an evacuation, including:
  • Know your community’s evacuation plan and identify several escape routes in case roads are blocked;
  • Keep your car fueled and in good condition. Keep emergency supplies and a change of clothes in your car; and
  • Make arrangements now if you will need to share transportation or use public transportation.
If you drive during an evacuation and there is smoke, drive carefully because visibility may be reduced. Also, keep your headlights on and watch for other vehicles and fleeing wildlife.
Take disaster preparedness to the next level. Download the new Wildfire Safety Toolkit from the Ready campaign and America’s PrepareAthon! to share wildfire safety tips with family and friends today!

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Beat the Heat with a new Social Media Toolkit #SMEM #OKwx

Get the Heat Safety Social Media Toolkit

Don’t let the dog days of summer get you down! Learn how to beat the heat by following tips provided in the Heat Safety Social Media Toolkit.  TheReady Campaign and America’s PrepareAthon! developed heat safety messages to share on your social media networks. You can also adapt the social media content to fit your community’s needs.
Get started today! Here are some things you can do to promote heat safety:
  • Download the Heat Safety Social Media Toolkit and graphics. They are the last two items listed on the 2015 Seasonal Social Media Toolkits page of the FEMA documents library;
  • Update your Facebook cover with a heat safety graphic; and
  • Use the hashtags: #BeatTheHeat, #HeatSafety, #SummerSafety; and attach a graphic from the toolkit.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Disaster Supply Kits: Budget-Friendly and Fun


Do you think preparing for disasters is too expensive and boring? Think again!  Being prepared doesn't have to break the bank. You can create a budget-friendly basic disaster supply kit using items you may already have at home.  You can also make preparedness enjoyable for the entire family! 
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Preparedness on a Shoestring activity guide suggests organizing a family scavenger hunt to locate items around your home such as first aid supplies and food. After you’ve built your kit, there are several ways to maintain its low-cost quality. For example:
  • Purchase items from your local dollar store or discount retailer;
  • Take advantage of  “Buy One, Get One” deals at your local supermarket; and
  • Trade extra supplies with family and friends.
FEMA advises to prepare your disaster supply kit with enough items to survive for at least three days. If you are packing a kit for more than just yourself, be sure to make necessary accommodations to fit each person’sneeds. Also, remember to check your kit for expired items every six months.

Sunday, August 16, 2015

How #OKready is your School? #AltusOK

School Emergency Planning

Are you a parent or caregiver of a school-aged child? Disasters can strike at any time, even during school hours.  As a new school year begins, it’s important for you to know how your child’s school handles emergencies.The Ready Campaign suggests asking the following questions about your child's school emergency plan:
  • How does the school plan on communicating with you in the event of a disaster?
  • Does the school store adequate water, food and other basic supplies?
  • Does the school have a plan for students to shelter in place?
  • If not, where will students go if they must evacuate?
You can never be too informed when it comes to school safety plans. Popular preparedness blogger, The Survival Mom, lists other questions you might want to ask, so be sure to check out her blog.
If your child’s school doesn’t have an emergency plan, consider volunteering to help create one. Parents and caregivers will be better prepared to safely reunite with their child if plans are made ahead of time.
“Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.” Get ready for National Preparedness Month in September. Making and testing your plan is also one of the 10 Ways to Participate in America’s PrepareAthon!

Saturday, August 15, 2015

Earthquake Safety Tips offered #AltusOK #OKquake

Stay Safe During Earthquakes

Earthquakes can occur anywhere, at any time and with little warning. Larger earthquakes can cause death, injury, and extensive property damage. Most injuries occur when people trip or fall running away during the earthquake.Stay safe during an earthquake by following these steps
  • DROP down onto your hands and knees so you aren't knocked down by the earthquake; 
  • COVER your head and neck with your arms to protect yourself from falling debris. If you are in danger from falling objects, move to a safer place by crawling; and 
  • HOLD ON to any sturdy covering so you can move with it until the shaking stops. 
Earthquakes aren't preventable, but personal injury can be! Learn more about earthquake safety in the How to Prepare for an Earthquake guide andanimated video from America's PrepareAthon! You can also view hashtag #DropCoverHoldOn to see the earthquake preparedness conversation from @ShakeOut during their Twitter chat held on August 12, 2015.  This Twitter chat is part of a 7-week series of dialogues promoting Earthquake Country Alliance’s Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety.  
There are just two more Twitter chats left in the series! Be sure to join @ShakeOut at 11 AM PT2 PM ET for the following conversations:
  • August 19: Improve Safety
  • August 26: Reconnect And Restore

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

College Campus Safety #AltusOK @westernokstate


Summer break is almost over and many students are preparing to head back to campus for another school year.  Before you or your student enters their new college home, it's important that both on- and off-campus students know their fire risk and how to prevent fire emergencies.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), university housing fires occur most frequently in the late summer and fall, and more than 80 percent of campus fire fatalities occur in off-campus housing. Cooking, candles, and overloaded power strips are some of the specific causes for fires in on- and off-campus housing.
Help yourself or your student stay fire safe this school year by encouraging them to follow these USFA tips:
  • Cook only where it is allowed;
  • Never leave a burning candle unattended;
  • Do not overload outlets; and
  • Only use surge protectors or power strips that have internal overload protection.
Get in the know about campus fire safety by downloading this wall poster from USFA.

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

ABCs of School Emergency Planning #AltusOK #OKready

It’s September once again and that means children across the country are heading back to school!  Do you know the emergency plan at your child's school? What about the steps the school will take to share pertinent information with you? As a parent, it’s important to understand what will happen after a natural disaster or emergency at your child’s school.
Here are the ABC’s of what you should know about a school’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP):
A.    Always ensure your school has up-to-date evacuation plansemergency kits and contact sheets. Ensure your school’s nurse has your child’s medical information and medications on hand. Ask your child’s teacher to walk you through their evacuation plan and show you their emergency kits.
B.     Be Prepared. Provide your school with your cell phone number, work phone number, and contact information for your relatives. If your child is old enough to carry a cell phone, make sure they know how to text you or a designated contact in case of an emergency. Also, be prepared to have aconversation with your child about emergencies and hazards.
C.     Coordinate with your child’s teachers and school officials to set a plan in place if there is not one. Guide them to Ready.gov for more resources and encourage the school to perform school wide drills and exercises as part of America’s PrepareAthon!
These ABCs, tools and resources are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to your child’s at-school safety. For more information on how to get started visit http://www.ready.gov/school-emergency-plans.