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.