New Podcasting Feature

The Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security website now contains links to downloadable audio files and links to two different podcasts via iTunes. The audio files are in English and Spanish and contain great information about emergency preparedness activities such as making an emergency supply kit, caring for pets, and CERT. These audio files can be viewed by clicking here.

The podcasts available on iTunes are audio versions of this blog and the Johnson County Emergency Planning blog. They can be accessed by viewing the Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security Social Networking page.

These capabilities are great ways for those on the go or who might have trouble reading to continue to learn more about how Johnson County is moving to become a truly prepared community.

Ever Wonder What Happens During a Severe Weather Event?

Have you ever wondered what happens at Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security during severe weather events? Our professional staff monitor the weather to determine what actions (such as sounding the outdoor warning siren system) need to be taken for the safety of Johnson County residents. This decision is based on forecasting information from the National Weather Service as well as "eyes on the ground" information from our many trained weather spotters.

You can see the entire process in action by watching this video posted to the Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security YouTube Channel.

Digital Television Switch: What It Means for Your Personal Preparedness

All television signals will change on June 12th to a digital signal. I'm sure many of you may have seen the long running educational advertisements reminding you to buy a converter to otherwise ensure your televisions will continue to run after this date. However, you may not have considered how that impacts your personal preparedness for emergencies and disasters.

Specifically, we know that many of you have a portable television in your basement along with your All-Hazards Weather Radio to ensure you have all the information you need during a severe weather event. Unfortunately, these portable televisions are also subject to the digital switch. Consequently, you will need to consider purchasing a new portable digital television or evaluating whether or not that television will accept a battery-powered converter.

This issue is explained further in this video by KMBC's Dan Weinbaum.

Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security Receives HOST Award

Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security received the HOST award from the Overland Park Convention and Visitors Bureau for generating $2.6 million in economic impact as part of hosting the 2008 International Association of Emergency Managers Conference.

The Risk of Flooded Roadways

During severe weather season, flooded roadways are a common occurance especially during flash flood events.  Quite often people think they can drive or walk through these areas because they don't seem dangerous.  But this is false!  Flooded roadways are very dangerous and should never be driven through.

Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security has posted this video to our YouTube Channel that shows the sheer power of moving water over a roadway.

Schools, Businesses, and Community Centers....are They Preapred for Emergencies?

Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security in conjunction with many county departments and agencies work hard to prepare Johnson County to respond and recovery from many types of hazards and emergencies. Likewise, we encourage our local citizens to be personally prepared for emergencies through having a plan, 72 hours worth of food and water, and staying informed.


But many of us spend a significant amount of time at other places in the community such as our place of employment, community center, schools, faith centers, etc. Do you know what their plans are during emergencies or threats like severe weather? We encourage you to ask the management of those facilities to ensure that you and your family are as safe as you can be when you are there.

If those organizations need assistance, the Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security planning webpage has numerous emergency planning guidances. Our staff is also available to answer questions and concerns if need be.

Creating a Personal or Family Emergency Preparedness Plan

We always encourage citizens to take the three steps of personal preparedness for emergencies or disasters. These steps include making an emergency supplies kit, making an individual or family emergency plan, and staying informed.

Of these, making an individual or family emergency plan has become much easier with the creation of the MyPlan application provided by PrepareMetroKC. This feature allows you to fill in blanks in a private database and print off an emergency plan. However, because it is in a database, you can access it later when your personal information changes. It's very simple.

The MyPlan feature can be accessed by visiting www.preparemetrokc.org/myplan.

Behind the Scenes of the New Communication Center

The KC Star got a behind the scenes tour of the new Johnson County Communications Center during the ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday. They interviewed Walt Way, Director of the Johnson County Emergency Communications, about the various components of this new amazing building. You can view the video by clicking here. Also, by clicking here, you can see a webcam of the new facility.

Unfortunately, this video is not currently available on the Johnson County Emergency Management YouTube Channel.

New Johnson County Communications Center Opens

Johnson County held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today at the new County Communications Center that will become fully-operational later this summer. This facility will ultimately combine the services currently provided at the Emergency Communications Center, Sheriff's Communication Dispatch Center, and the Olathe Emergency Disptach Center. Public tours will be available until 2 p.m. The center is in the county's government complex on Sunset Drive, at Ridgeview Road and 118th Street, Olathe. More information is available by clicking http://www.sunpublications.com/News/News/communications-center-opens-today/menu-id-26.html

Special Needs Fire Department Fun Day

Johnson County firefighters and emergency services providers are inviting families with special needs children to their annual Children with Special Needs Fire Department Fun Day on Saturday May 16 from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM at the Overland Park Fire Training Center (12401 Hemlock, OP, KS). Families and their guests will be treated to lunch served by firefighters, fire truck rides, demonstrations by fire fighters, as well as many other fun activities.

People interested in attending should RSVP to the OP Fire Department at 913-438-4888, ex 810 and follow the prompt. The rainout day for the event will be May 23, same time. For more information, visit www.opkansas.org.

Sponsoring agencies including Overland Park Fire, Johnson County Consolidated Fire District #2, Johnson County Fire District #2, Olathe Fire, Shawnee Fire, Lenexa Fire, Johnson County Med-Act, Leawood Fire, and the Children's Mercy Critical Care Transport.

Come out and support a great cause!

Podcasting for Preparedness

If you have visited this blog lately, you may have noticed the new option at the top of each post to listen to the information. This is present because we continue to evaluate new ways to communicate with the public regarding information for emergency preparedness, we have considered implementing a podcasting stream for important educational information. These are audio files that can be listened to directly or downloaded to a portable audio player like an iPod.

I would appreciate hearing whether or not you podcast or have considered it? Is it worth it for us to podcast for preparedness?

PROBABLE H1N1 FLU CASE IN JOHNSON COUNTY

The Johnson County Health Department is announcing a probable case of H1N1 influenza.

The patient is isolated in a local hospital and is being appropriately treated. The Johnson County Health Department is following the guidance provided through CDC when dealing with a probable case. This includes a thorough case investigation and management of the patient and close contacts.

A specimen from the patient was sent to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) laboratory Thursday. Based on the results from KDHE testing, the specimen warranted further testing at CDC. Arrangements have been made to deliver the specimen to CDC for testing and health officials are awaiting word on when results can be expected, but it will likely be late this weekend or early next week. After KDHE receives the test results and communicates with the local health department, a news release will be issued. No additional information will be available on this probable case until final results are reported from CDC.

The Johnson County Health Department recommends individuals take standard precautions to avoid getting ill such as washing your hands, covering your cough, and staying home when you are sick. Travel to Mexico is also not recommended at this time.

Symptoms of H1N1 Influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting. If you are experiencing these symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider.

For more information and updates, access JCHD’s Website at http://health.jocogov.org.