Johnson County Libraries Available as Cooling Centers

The Johnson County Health Department, in cooperation with the Johnson County Library, encourages citizens who need a place to cool down during hot days to visit one of thirteen library branches. All of these facilities will be available during normal business hours.

Libraries offer many services in addition to a cool place to rest and restore. You can read books, magazines and newspapers, or access the Internet. Library hours vary by location. Call (913) 826-4600 to check hours of operation for your nearest library branch, or visit the Library web site at www.jocolibrary.org.

The Johnson County Health Department recommends the following to stay safe in the heat:

• Drink more fluids (non-alcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Check with your doctor if you have restrictions related to fluid intake.
• Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go somewhere cool—even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when temperatures are in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• If you must be out in the heat, limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
• Exercise in an air-conditioned place and drink two to four glasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids each hour. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
• If you have to be outside, try to rest often in shady areas.
• Protect yourself from the sun by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some are at greater risk than others. Be sure to check regularly on:

• People aged 65 or older;
• People taking certain medications, including narcotics, sedatives, and diuretics;
• Toddlers left in cars and infants less than one year old;
• Athletes who are not used to working out in warm environments;
• People who work outside;
• And those who have a mental illness or are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure.

Fireworks Safety

According to the Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office, fireworks caused 191 reported injuries in Kansas over a seasonal period that spanned the Fourth of July in 2010.* An increase of 19% in Kansas as compared to 2009.

Fireworks devastated this Olathe home and caused nearly $600,000 in damages.

In the United States in 2007, nine out of ten emergency room fireworks injuries involved fireworks that federal regulations permit consumers to use, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Sparklers, many times considered a safe holiday favorite, can burn as hot as volcano lava!!

Professional fireworks displays add enjoyment to many holidays. To keep you and your family safe this Fourth of July we recommend leaving fireworks to the professionals. Professionals take extensive safety precautions and follow many regulations when creating such spectacular displays.

(Courtesy of the Olathe Fire Department)

EOC Renovation, Day 14

The renovation of the Johnson County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is moving along swiftly with contractor working hard every day.  Over the past 14 days they have torn down walls, pulled up carpet, and built new walls to shape the restructured work spaces.  In all cases, windows were added to work spaces to ensure activity in those rooms would have situational awareness of activities happening in the EOC.  This will be critical when executive decision makers are meeting during emergencies and disasters to confer about major issues related to response.  We are very excited about the progress and look forward to sharing more with you.  All pictures of the renovation are posted to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jocoem.

Lightning Safety Awareness Week

Summer is the peak season for lightning, one of weather's most deadly occurrences. On average over the past 50 years, at least one Kansan has died from a lightning each year. In response to this, Gov. Sam Brownback signed a proclamation June 24, declaring June 19-25, 2011, as Lightning Safety Awareness Week.

Each year, more than 400 people in the United States are struck by lightning while working outside, at sports events, on the beach, out at the lake, mowing the lawn or during other outdoor activities. On average, 58 people are killed each year by lightning In the United States and several hundred more left with permanent disabilities. To date, there has been 1 death in 2011. In 2010 there were 29 lightning related fatalities in the U.S., one of which was in Kansas.

Johnson County Emergency Management in conjunction with the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, National Weather Service and American Red Cross have joined forces to create the Lightning Safety Awareness Campaign called "When it Roars, Go Indoors". These groups provide the information below and tips to help people stay safe when lightning strikes.

Many deaths from lightning occur because people wait too long before seeking shelter. If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough that it could strike your location at any moment, and often strikes as far away as 10 miles from any rainfall. Every flash of lightning is dangerous, even the first, because lightning can travel sideways from the storm. Even when the sky looks clear, be cautious. At least 10 percent of lightning occurs without visible clouds overhead in the sky. Look for dark cloud bases and increasing winds, and head to safety before the first flash of lightning.

The most dangerous place to be in the event of a storm is outside. Seek shelter in a sturdy, closed building that contains a mechanism for conducting the electrical current from the point of contact to the ground. Avoid sheds, picnic shelters, baseball dugouts, bleachers, open carports, garages and covered patios, which are not safe from lightning strikes. If no enclosed building is accessible, get inside a hard-topped, all-metal vehicle.

If you can't get to a sturdy shelter, crouch down low in an open area. Stay at least twice as far away from trees as they are tall. Since water is an excellent conductor of electricity, avoid standing in or near puddles. Also, remember to avoid holding anything that will conduct or attract lightning, such as golf clubs, or fishing poles.

For more information about lightning safety awareness, visit the National Weather Service's web page on lightning safety (http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov). Additional resources for media are available at http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/media.htm

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

While tornadoes and flooding may have dominated the news this spring and summer, Johnson County Emergency Management is encouraging residents to be aware of another potentially deadly weather phenomenon – lightning.

Lightning kills an average of about 60 people each year in the United States. Summer is the peak season for lightning, and the National Weather Service recognizes June 19-25 as Lightning Safety Week. Cities and counties in the Kansas City metropolitan area are joining together  this year to help protect residents with  the installation of signs at area parks, playgrounds and ball fields with an important message: “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”

Lightning flashes can travel horizontally many miles away from a thunderstorm and strike the ground – sometimes appearing to come out of a clear blue sky. Any time you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you. The only safe shelter is inside a substantial building or enclosed, hard-topped vehicle. Go inside and stay inside until 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder.

When planning any outdoor activity, from sporting events to family picnics, be sure to check the weather forecast before you leave. Your best source for up-to-date weather information outdoors is a battery-operated NOAA all-hazards weather radio. These radios can be programmed to sound an alert when severe weather approaches your area.

Since 2002, the Metropolitan Emergency Managers Committee (MEMC) has partnered with area Price Chopper grocery stores on Project Community Alert to make weather radios available at a discounted price. Using proceeds from this campaign, MEMC recently purchased 1,000 aluminum signs featuring the “When Thunder Roars” slogan and other safety tips. The aluminum signs are available to participating local governments at no charge while supplies last.

By taking a few minutes to prepare, you can help prevent a tragedy. For more information, visit www.jocoem.org. 

Heat Advisory in Effect

Since Johnson County is in a Heat Advisory, Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security suggests that you heed the following tips to stay safe and cool:

• Drink more fluids (non-alcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Check with your doctor if you have specific restrictions related to fluid intake.
•  Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go somewhere cool—even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or staying in an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some individuals are at greater risk than others. Be sure to check regularly on:
• Infants and young children
• People aged 65 or older
• People who have a mental illness
• Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure
• If you must be out in the heat, limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
• Exercise in an air-conditioned environment and drink two to four glasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
• Try to rest often in shady areas.
• Protect yourself from the sun by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

For more heat related tips, please visit http://health.jocogov.org or www.jocoem.org. 

EOC Renovation, Day 1

Johnson County Emergency Management and Homeland Security has initiated the renovation process for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).  Since receiving a 2010 $250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to renovate the local EOC, our office has been working on the plans and procedures on how to renovate the EOC while still maintaining the readiness of the County to respond to any emergency or hazard that may occur.  The renovations will occur over the next several months with the help of other Johnson County agencies such as Facilities, Information Technology Services, and the Office of Financial Management to ensure the project is completed in a timely and accountable manner.  Stay tuned to the blog, Facebook, and Twitter to follow the progression!

NEW READY BUSINESS INFORMATION TO URGE SMALL BUSINESSES TO PREPARE IN ADVANCE OF AN EMERGENCY

(Originally published here)

Up to 40% of businesses affected by a natural or man-made disaster never reopen, according to the Insurance Information Institute. In a nationwide effort to raise the business community’s awareness about how to prepare their businesses and employees in the event of an emergency, the Advertising Council, in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross, announced today the launch of new public service advertisements (PSAs) on behalf of Ready Business.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses represent more than 99 percent of all employers. Unfortunately, small to medium-sized businesses are also the most vulnerable in the event of an emergency. An Ad Council survey reported that nearly two-thirds (62%) of respondents said they do not have an emergency plan in place for their business. By taking steps ahead of time, many of these businesses can be better prepared to survive and recover after an emergency.

“Businesses small and large make up the backbone of economies in communities across our country,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Putting a disaster plan in motion now will improve the likelihood that businesses and organizations will not only survive and recover themselves, but also help their neighbors and communities recover more quickly.”

Produced pro bono by advertising agency Brunner, the new television, radio, print, outdoor and Web banners encourage owners of small- to medium-sized businesses to take steps to prepare and plan in advance of an emergency in order to reduce the risk of losing their business in the event of a disaster. All of the PSAs direct audiences to visit www.ready.gov/business for online resources, including the Red Cross Ready Rating business preparedness assessment tool. This free, interactive tool provides business owners with a clear picture of the preparedness level of their business and what further steps they need to take to get their business ready.

“We never know when or where disaster may strike, but we all want to be ready to protect our employees, families, and our communities,” said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the Red Cross. “Everyone needs to play a role in emergency preparedness, and Ready Rating™ helps businesses and organizations understand if they are ready for an emergency.”

“We are proud to partner with the Red Cross and FEMA to provide small business owners nationwide with the vital tools they need to take precautionary actions in advance of emergencies,” said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. “I strongly believe that these new PSAs will engage and motivate the business community to take the proper steps towards preparedness to protect their employees, operations and assets.”

“We are proud to be associated with the important work FEMA is doing to educate Americans about being smart when it comes to preparing for disaster, especially at a time when many areas of the country are experiencing such dangerous and unpredictable weather,” said Brunner President Scott Morgan. “The creative dramatizes the aftereffects of a disaster in order to give small business owners a sense of the potential magnitude of the destruction. Our goal is to get them to be preemptive and develop a contingency plan well before disaster strikes.”

Launched in 2004, Ready Business is an extension of FEMA and the Ad Council’sReady campaign. Since its launch, media outlets have donated more than $129 million in advertising time and space for the PSAs. The new PSAs will air in advertising time that will be entirely donated by the media.