Weather Info and Tips

Plan for Your Pets in Severe Weather

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:53:00 GMT

Tornadoes, Hurricanes, Earthquakes: Plan for Pets before the Disaster

In light of the recent tragedy in Oklahoma and with hurricane season just around the corner, doctors from BluePearl Veterinary Partners recommend that families remember their pets when making household emergency plans.

“Having an emergency plan in place for every member of your family, including your pets, is extremely important,” said Dr. Neil Shaw, chief medical officer of BluePearl Veterinary Partners. “Most importantly, talk with your family veterinarian to formulate an emergency plan specific to your pet’s needs.”

Additionally, doctors from BluePearl recommend speaking with your veterinarian about micro-chipping your pet, so in the event you and your pet are separated, your pet can be quickly identified and reunited with you.

Besides the destruction left in their paths, hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural disasters like earthquakes are notorious for causing lengthy power outages and water shortages. Since your veterinarian may also be forced to evacuate, make sure you have a two-week supply of your pet’s medications, food and water.

BEFORE A DISASTER

Make sure that your pets are current on their vaccinations. Pet shelters may require proof of vaccines.
Have a current photograph.
Keep a collar with identification on your pet and have a leash on hand to control your pet.
Have a properly-sized pet carrier for each animal - carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand and turn around.
Plan your evacuation strategy and don't forget your pet! Specialized pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics and friends and relatives out of harm's way are ALL potential refuges for your pet during a disaster.
If you plan to shelter your pet - work it into your evacuation route planning.

DURING A DISASTER

Animals brought to a pet shelter are required to have: Proper identification collar and rabies tag, proper identification on all belongings, a carrier or cage, a leash, an ample supply of food, water and food bowls, any necessary medications, specific care instructions and news papers or trash bags for clean-up.
Bring pets indoor well in advance of a storm - reassure them and remain calm.
Pet shelters will be filled on first come, first served basis. Call ahead and determine availability.

AFTER A DISASTER

Walk pets on a leash until they become re-oriented to their home - often familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and pets could easily be confused and become lost. Also, downed power lines, reptiles brought in with high water and debris can all pose a threat for animals after a disaster.
If pets cannot be found after a disaster, contact the local animal control office to find out where lost animals can be recovered. Bring along a picture of your pet if possible.
After a disaster, animals can become aggressive or defensive - monitor their behavior.
Don't forget your pet when preparing a family disaster plan.

PET DISASTER SUPPLY KIT

Proper identification including immunization records
Ample supply of food and water
A carrier or cage
Medications
Muzzle, collar and leash

Source: BluePearl Veterinary Partners

Protect Yourself from the Sun

Wed, 08 May 2013 17:13:00 GMT

When the sun comes out, you want to go out! But before you head outdoors, it's important to protect yourself from sun exposure which can cause premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, cataracts, and skin cancer.

Cover up. Wear tightly-woven clothing that blocks out light. Try this test: Place your hand between a single layer of the clothing and a light source. If you can see your hand through the fabric, the garment offers little protection.
Use sunscreen. A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 blocks 93 percent of UV rays. You want to block both UVA and UVB rays to guard against skin cancer. Be sure to follow application directions on the bottle.
Wear a hat. A wide brim hat (not a baseball cap) is ideal because it protects the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp.
Wear UV-absorbent shades. Sunglasses don't have to be expensive, but they should block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation.
Limit exposure. UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you're unsure about the sun's intensity, take the shadow test: If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun's rays are the day's strongest.

Prepare for Unpredictable Spring Weather

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:41:00 GMT

Spring weather can be unpredictable. When severe weather hits unexpectedly, the risk of injury and death increases, so planning ahead makes sense. Prepare for storms, floods, and tornadoes as if you know in advance they are coming, because in the spring, they very likely will.

Advance planning for thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes and floods requires specific safety precautions. Still, you can follow many of the same steps for all extreme weather events. You should have on hand:

A battery-operated flashlight, a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio, and extra batteries for both
An emergency evacuation plan, including a map of your home and, for every type of severe weather emergency, routes to safety from each room
A list of important personal information, including
- telephone numbers of neighbors, family and friends
- insurance and property information
- telephone numbers of utility companies
- medical information
A first aid kit including
- prescription medication
- hydrogen peroxide
- antibiotic ointment
- over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin and diarrhea medicine
- bandages and dressings for injuries
A 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food
Personal hygiene items
Blankets or sleeping bags
An emergency kit in your car

Prepare your family members for the possibility of severe weather. Tell them where to seek appropriate shelter as soon as they are aware of an approaching storm. Practice your emergency plan for every type of severe weather. Show family members where the emergency supplies are stored, and make sure they know how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity in your home.

Source: cdc.gov

Driving Safety Tips for Extreme Weather

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:48:00 GMT

Follow these tips for save driving in severe storms:

Tune in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms.
If you see a tornado or hear a tornado warning, don’t try to outrun it. View tornado driving safety tips.
Turn on your headlights (low beams) and slow down. Many states require the use of headlights during rain.
Allow extra distance for braking.
Do not drive unless necessary.
Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside.
An automobile provides better insulation against lightning than being in the open.
Avoid contact with any metal conducting surfaces either inside your car or outside.
Avoid flooded roadways.
Avoid downed power lines.
Check your windshield wipers and tires regularly to insure that they are ready for severe weather.
Approach intersections with caution
Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs.

Source: FEMA.gov

As Warm Weather Arrives, Brush Up on Water Safety Tips

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:58:00 GMT

Make Water Safety Your Priority

Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone. Even at a public pool or a lifeguarded beach, use the buddy system!
Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and Learn-to-Swim courses.
Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
Establish rules for your family and enforce them without fail. For example, set limits based on each person’s ability, do not let anyone play around drains and suction fittings, and do not allow swimmers to hyperventilate before swimming under water or have breath-holding contests.
Even if you do not plan on swimming, be cautious around natural bodies of waterincluding ocean shoreline, rivers and lakes. Cold temperatures, currents and underwater hazards can make a fall into these bodies of water dangerous.
If you go boating, wear a life jacket! Most boating fatalities occur from drowning.
Avoid alcohol use. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination; affects swimming and diving skills; and reduces the body’s ability to stay warm.

http://www.redcross.org

What to do After a Flood

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:14:00 GMT

The following are guidelines for the period following a flood:

Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
Avoid moving water.
Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.

Be Informed and Be Ready!

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 19:04:00 GMT

Learn what disasters or emergencies may occur in your area. These events can range from those affecting only you and your family, like a home fire or medical emergency, to those affecting your entire community, like an earthquake or flood.

Identify how local authorities will notify you during a disaster and how you will get information, whether through local radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio stations or channels.
Know the difference between different weather alerts such as watches and warnings and what actions to take in each.
Know what actions to take to protect yourself during disasters that may occur in areas where you travel or have moved recently. For example, if you travel to a place where earthquakes are common and you are not familiar with them, make sure you know what to do to protect yourself should one occur.
When a major disaster occurs, your community can change in an instant. Loved ones may be hurt and emergency response is likely to be delayed. Make sure that at least one member of your household is trained in first aid and CPR and knows how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). This training is useful in many emergency situations.
Share what you have learned with your family, household and neighbors and encourage them to be informed.

Emergency Contact Cards for All Household Members
Get your cards online at http://www.redcross.org/prepare/ECCard.pdf

Print one card for each family member.
Write the contact information for each household member, such as work, school and cell phone numbers.
Fold the card so it fits in your pocket, wallet or purse.
Carry the card with you so it is available in the event of a disaster or other emergency.

Before Winter Weather Strikes, Be Prepared

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Before a storm strikes, be prepared.

At home or work, the following items should be available:

-flashlights and extra batteries
-canned food and a manual opener
-bottled water
-essential medications
-first aid kit
-sufficient heating fuel
-a working fire extinguisher and smoke alarm
-salt and sand
-a battery powered radio

Make sure your pets have plenty of food, water, and shelter.

Make sure your vehicle is fully checked and winterized. Carry a winter storm survival kit including blankets, cell phone, a flashlight with extra batteries, a shovel, and map.

If you become stranded in your vehicle, make sure the tail pipe is clear then stay inside, run the engine 10 minutes each hour for heat, keep your window open to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, and from time to time exercise body parts to keep blood circulating and to keep warm. Tie a colored cloth to your vehicle.

If you are caught outside, try to stay dry and cover exposed body parts.

Driving in Snow and Ice

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:22:00 GMT

The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it.

Don't go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.

If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared, and that you know how to handle road conditions.

It's helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you're familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner's manual for tips specific to your vehicle.

Driving safely on icy roads

Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
Keep your lights and windshield clean.
Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If your rear wheels skid...

Take your foot off the accelerator.
Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.
If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

If your front wheels skid...

Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.
As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

If you get stuck...

Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.

Sources: weather.com, National Safety Council, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Washington State Government Information & Services

Frostbite and Hypothermia

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:51:00 GMT

Frostbite and hypothermia are cold-related emergencies that may quickly become life or limb threatening. Preventing cold-related emergencies includes not starting an activity in, on, or around cold water unless you know you can get help quickly in an emergency.

How to Prevent Cold Related Illness

Be aware of the wind chill.
Dressappropriately and avoid staying in the cold too long.
Wear a hat and gloves when appropriate with layers of clothing.
Drink plenty of warm fluids or warm water but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Stay active to
maintain body heat.
Take frequent breaks from the cold.
Avoid unnecessary exposure of any part of the body to the cold.
Get out of the cold immediately if the signals of hypothermia or frostbite appear.

Frostbite

Frostbite is the freezing of a specific body part such as fingers, toes, the nose or earlobes.
Signals of frostbite include—lack of feeling in the affected area;skin that appears waxy, is cold to the touch, or is discolored (flushed, white or gray, yellow or blue).

What to do for frostbite:
1. Move the person to a warm place.
2. Handle the area gently; never rub the affected area.
3. Warm gently by soaking the affected area in warm water (100–105 degrees F) until it appears red and
feels warm.
4. Loosely bandage the area with dry, sterile dressings.
5. If the person’s fingers or toes are frostbitten, place dry, sterile gauze between them to keep them
separated.
6. Avoid breaking any blisters.
7. Do not allow the affected area to refreeze.
8. Seek professional medical care as soon as possible.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is another cold-related emergencies. Hypothermia may quickly become life threatening. Hypothermia is caused by the cooling of the body caused by the failure of the body’s warming system. The goals of first aid are to restore normal body temperature and to care for any conditions while waiting for EMS personnel.

Signals of hypothermia include—shivering, numbness, glassy stare;apathy, weakness, impaired judgment;loss of consciousness.

What to do for hypothermia:
1. CALL 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
2. Gently move the person to a warm place.
3. Monitor breathing and circulation.
4. Give rescue breathing and CPR if needed.
5. Remove any wet clothing and dry the person.
6. Warm the person slowly by wrapping in blankets or by putting dry clothing on the person. Hot water bottles and chemical hot packs may be used when first wrapped in a towel or blanket before applying. Do not warm the person too quickly, such as by immersing him or her in warm water. Rapid warming may cause dangerous heart arrhythmias. Warm the core first (trunk, abdomen), not the extremities (hands, feet). This is important to mention because most people will try to warm hands and feet first and that can
cause shock

Source: http://www.redcross.org