Battalion Chief Larry Collins of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, an experienced Urban Search and Rescue specialist, narrates a demonstration of “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”, the recommended procedure for preventing injury during earthquakes.
The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut is tomorrow, February 7th, and more than 2.3 million people throughout communities in the central United States are expected to practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On at 10:15a.m. CST*
Tomorrow is also the 200th Anniversary of the last of the powerful earthquakes that shook the central United States, when at least three magnitude 7.0 or greater earthquakes struck the region in the winter of 1811-12. 200 years ago, the region was sparsely populated and there was very little infrastructure. Centered in northeastern Arkansas and the Bootheel of Missouri, the earthquakes of 1811-12 destroyed the town of New Madrid, Missouri, created Reelfoot Lake in northwest Tennessee, and were felt as far away as Washington, D.C. Were they to happen today, earthquakes of the same magnitude would cause widespread damage and disruption to the nation’s population, economy, and built environment.
This is why events like the ShakeOut are important – to prevent disasters from becoming catastrophes. The ShakeOut creates a sense of awareness and encourages people to take action towards becoming better prepared as citizens, communities, states, and as a nation.
There are literally thousands of people who are working to better prepare this region against earthquakes, and it has been no small task. Thank you for your participation and continued support.
*While we encourage you to participate tomorrow (2/7), you may schedule your drill for another time that is more convenient, it it better fits your situation.
Basic Instructions for your Drill
Here is how to have a basic Drop, Cover, and Hold On drill, and suggestions for what to do afterwards (many organizations are doing MUCH more than just this):
Have You Seen These Drill Resources?
To help you hold your Shakeout drill, we have several resources available on the website, including:
Thank you for your participation in this historic event and for your commitment to disaster preparedness!
To learn more, go to www.ShakeOut.org/centralus
From snowstorms to floods and tornadoes, severe weather wreaked havoc across the United States this year, with 2011 marking far more extreme weather events than a typical year. Hari Sreenivasan discusses the science behind this year of extreme weather with NOAA’s Kathryn Sullivan and Weather Underground’s Jeff Masters:
Source: National Weather Service St. Louis, MO Weather Forecast Office
A tornado outbreak occurred on New Years Eve, December 31st, 2010. The National Weather Service surveyed and confirmed twelve tornado tracks. The strongest tornado occurred in Sunset Hills in St. Louis County and was rated a high end EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. The second strongest tornado occurred in Robertsville, Missouri in Franklin County and was rated EF2. Below is a Google Map of all twelve tornadoes that show their track and a description of the tornado damage that occurred.
Sunset Hills EF3 Tornado
National Weather Service Personnel conducted a storm survey from Murphy to Crestwood including Sunset Hills.The tornado initially touched down at 11:48 AM approximately one mile east of Murphy, Missouri on Lakewood Road in far northern Jefferson County. The damage path was 40 yards wide. The tornado’s second touchdown occurred at the Jefferson, St. Louis County Line at Delmar Gardens on Arbor Road. Small trees and minor roof damage occurred at Delmar Gardens. The damage path was 50 yards wide and rated EF0. The tornado continued to skip northeast along Highway 30 through a large subdivision in which many homes sustained minor roof and tree damage, however three homes on the east end of the subdivision sustained both siding damage and a greater degree of roof damage. The width of the damage area was 100 yards. Damage intensity over much of the subdivision was EF0, except for the three homes, this damage intensity was rated EF1.The tornado crossed Highway 141 just north of Highway 30. A church, elementary school and parsonage sustained various degrees of damage with the parsonage having the highest degree of damage. Most of the roof was removed and one wall collapsed. Three trees sustained substantial damage in which one tree was partially debarked. Damage intensity was rated EF2 while the damage width was 100 yards.The tornado moved through the Fenton City Park and crossed the Meramec River 1/2 mile north of Highway 30. Much of the tree damage was minor over this area. The tornado paralleled Watson Road and crossed it near Bond Road where three separate large trees damaged a house, vehicle and garage.The tornado continued northeast and crossed Interstate 270, two miles southeast of Interstate 44. Just east of I-270 the tornado paralleled Old Watson Road in which an intermittent path of damage was observed. One home northeast of I-270 sustained minor roof damage and a second home further northeast experienced shingle and tree damage. The damage over this area was rated EF1 while the damage width was 50 yards.
At approximately 11:56 AM the tornado rapidly intensified as it neared Lindbergh Blvd. Many trees in Watson Trail Park were snapped or uprooted. Seven homes along Old Watson Road sustained varying degrees of damage. Peak intensity was EF3 with 145 mph winds. Two homes had the roofs removed and most of the exterior walls collapsed.
Several homes along Court Drive sustained significant damage. The worst damage occurred on the east end of Court Drive in which four homes had large portions of the roof removed and one had several walls collapsed. Damage intensity was rated EF3 with wind speeds near 150 mph.
On Lindbergh Blvd, one home was completely demolished and moved less than 50 yards from the foundation. A brick veneer garage was also destroyed by the tornado. Further north on Lindbergh a medical facility also sustained heavy damage. Damage over this area was rated EF3, but the demolished home was rated high-end EF3. Damage width over this area was 1/4 mile.
The tornado crossed Lindbergh near Court Drive and crossed over a strip mall. Two cars and a delivery truck were tipped over in the parking lot. Several windows were blown in on the stores in the strip mall and a greenhouse behind and adjacent to the mall suffered roof and water pipe damage. The tornado made a turn to the east-northeast and crossed the east end of Woodfox Drive. About a dozen pine trees along the east end of Woodfox Drive were blown over, all lying to the north. Eight homes on Woodfox Drive suffered roof damage and several trees were either pushed over or snapped off about halfway up the trunk. The tornado crossed Woodpark Drive were it caused roof damage to three more homes and downed a large oak tree. One home had the roof lifted and partially removed. The damage path width from Woodfox to Woodpark was 300 yards wide and was rated EF1.
The tornado then turned a bit to the northeast and crossed Eggerling and Gladlea Drives. On Eggerling, four homes suffered roof damage and several trees were downed. On Gladlea Drive, three homes suffered roof damage and several more trees were downed. This damage path was 150 yards wide and rated EF0. The tornado crossed East Watson between Lynn Lane, Watson Woods Court, and Kathy Court. On Lynn Lane, a couple of trees were snapped off and two homes suffered roof damage and had windows blown in. This portion of the damage path was 100 yards wide and rated EF1.
The tornado crossed over Kathy Lane and Fern Glen Drive. Some large tree branches were broken which took down some power lines. This damage was rated EF0 and the damage path was 100 yards wide.
The tornado continued northeast and crossed the area near Maybern Terrace, Sturdy Drive and Crestwood Lane. At Sturdy and Maybern Terrace, two homes suffered roof damage with one home having the roof lifted and partially removed. A couple of large trees were also downed in this area. This damage was EF1 and 100 yards wide. The tornado continued northeast to Watson Road with minor tree and roof damage noted. Six power poles were pushed over along Watson Road. The tornado continued northeast with additional damage to trees and roofs until it weakened and lifted at the intersection of Rayburn Avenue and Sappington Road.
Robertsville (Franklin County, MO) EF2 Tornado
The initial tornado touchdown occurred at 11:19 am around .75 miles southwest of Bruns Bridge on Mill Hill Road and 0.4 miles east of the northern end of Ely Road, within the Meramec River Valley. The tornado moved rapidly northeast at 50 mph crossing the Meramec River six times while producing extensive tree damage along its entire path to Robertsville. Large sections of trees were completely leveled within wooded areas in rural southeast Franklin County. Over two dozen structures were also damaged along the path to the southwest of Robertsville, including one house that was totally destroyed at the intersection of Eagle Ridge Road and Woods Creek Road, and another building on south Oak Drive. In Robertsville, seven homes were damaged on Hayfield Drive in the Hayfield Estates subdivision, with two sustaining significant damage. The tornado then hit the Shiloh Baptist Church causing severe damage to its west facing wall, and leveling the old church sanctuary just north of the church. The tornado then destroyed a building at the intersection of Route O and Route N as it exited town. The tornado weakened some as it moved northeast of Robertsville moving across the southeast portion of the Robertsville State Park and crossing Highway N just south of Mueller Road. The tornado then continued northeast, crossing Frisco Drive northeast of Catawissa and crossing Highway F just west of Lake Cattails. The tornado finally lifted around 11:35 am near the northeast corner of Lake Cattails, 2 miles southeast of Pacific. Nearly all of the damage to the northeast of Robertsville consisted of snapped or downed trees and minor superficial damage to a few buildings and homes. The damage for this tornado has been rated at EF-2 with a total path length of 12.4 miles. Width of damage in most areas was 175 yards, although at its widest point the damage was around 370 yards.
Ballwin (St. Louis County, MO) EF1 Tornado
The initial tornado touchdown occurred at 11:48 am just northwest of the intersection of Manchester Road and Birchwood Drive. The tornado traveled quickly northeast at around 45 mph crossing Kehrs Mill Road, passing through the east side of the Ballwin Golf Course, then crossing Holloway Road and Baxter Road. The tornado lifted just east of the intersection of Brass Lamp Drive and Morewood Court between 11:50 and 11:51 am.There were numerous occurrences of tree damage along the tornado path including snapped trees and tree branches and uprooted trees. Nearly three dozen homes sustained damage, although the vast majority of this damage was superficial consisting of damaged fascia, soffit, and missing/damaged shingles.The maximum damage for this tornado has been rated at EF1, with a path length of 1.76 miles and a maximum width of damage of 175 yards.
Washington (Franklin County) EF1 and EF0 Tornadoes and Augusta (St. Charles County) EF0 Tornado
Washington EF0 and EF1 Tornadoes
A survey of Franklin County a few miles south of Washington, MO revealed two short tornado tracks. The first tornado touched down along County Club Road and produced minor tree damage. It continued northeast and struck a farm where it removed the majority of the roof from a large metal pole barn. Another outbuilding sustained roof damage and the residence had some shingles blown off. The damage to the pole barn is rated EF1 intensity while the rest of the damage at this location was EF0. The tornado crossed Country Club Road near a sharp curve to the west. A house had shingles missing at this location as well as minor tree damage. The tornado lifted just past this point. The maximum intensity has been rated EF1 with maximum wind speeds of 90 mph. The path width was 100 yards and a path length of 3/4 of a mile.
A second weaker tornado formed near the intersection of Country Club Road and Country Club Lane where it blew over a road sign and produced minor trim damage to a home. The tornado continued northeast and passed through a new subdivision and produced minor tree damage. The tornado lifted before reaching Highway 47. The intensity of this tornado has been rated EF0 with a path width of 50 yards and a path length of 1/2 mile.
Augusta EF0 Tornado
The tornado first touched down on the Missouri River flood plain south of Augusta Bottom Rd. A barn was knocked down along Augusta Bottom Road and had part of its roof thrown across the road. The tornado proceeded to move up the bluff and continued north-northeast where it uprooted a tree and produced minor exterior damage to a house on the south side of Highway 94. The tornado crossed Highway 94 and removed part of the metal roof of an outbuilding. The roof debris was blown several hundred yards from the structure. Some of the sheet metal could be found in a tree line well north of the building where the tornado lifted. Maximum intensity is rated EF0 with a maximum width of 50 yards and a length of 2 miles.
Greenville (Bond County, IL) EF0 Tornado
National Weather Service personnel conducted a storm survey on Friday afternoon and determined that an EF-0 tornado caused the damage in and northeast of Greenville, Illinois on December 31, 2010. Tornado damage was first noted on the north side of Greenville near the intersection of North Hena and North Dewey Streets. An agricultural building at the high school sustained roof damage with some additional minor roof and tree damage noticed at an adjacent house. Wind speeds in this area were estimated to be near 85 mph. The tornado then moved northeast causing significant damage to a large tree on the north side of Illinois Route 140. Minor roof and siding damage was noted on several houses on Cloverfield Lane and North Idler Lane. The tornado continued northeast producing additional minor roof and tree damage on Country Club and Woburn Roads before dissipating. The path length of the tornado was approximately 1.7 miles with a maximum width of 100 yards.
North St. Louis City (City of St. Louis) EF1 Tornado
A tornado rated EF-1 on the enhanced Fujita scale carved a 2.1 mile path through northern sections of St. Louis on December 31st. The tornado touched down in the Lewis Place neighborhood at around 12:08 pm, then moved northeastward at nearly 50 mph through The Ville and North Riverfront neighborhoods, then lifted just north of Fairground Park at approximately 12:11 pm. Numerous homes sustained roof damage, with several homes sustaining near total loss of their roofs. The tornado path was approximately 100 yards wide.
Mozier (Calhoun County, IL) EF0 Tornado
National Weather Service Personnel conducted a survey of northern Calhoun County near Mozier and found damage resulting from an EF0 tornado. The tornado touched down three miles north-northwest of Mozier in the Calhoun County Conservation Area called Rip Rap Landing. It crossed Illinois Route 96 near West Panther Creek Road and then traveled northeast crossing Hootowl Hollow Road before dissipating just west of Hillcrest. Damage was confined to uprooted trees and rated EF0 with a maximum wind speed of 85 mph. The tornado path length was three miles with a maximum width of 50 yards.
4 NW Cedar Hill EF1 Tornado
National Weather Service Personnel conducted a damage assessment over parts of southeast Franklin and northwest Jefferson Counties in east central Missouri. The damage resulted from a tornado that skipped along a path from near Highway 30 and HH in southeast Franklin County to 2 miles north of Cedar Hill.The tornado initially touched down northeast of Highway 30 and HH in southeast Franklin County at 1127 a.m. Several medium size tree limbs were snapped in the upper parts of the trees. The width of the tree limb damage was 20 yards.The tornado skipped northeast and moved into northwest Jefferson County. Additional medium to large tree limbs were snapped while some medium size trees were uprooted along the Dittmer-Catawissa Road or 3 miles northwest of Dittmer. As the tornado continued to skipped northeast several large trees including large pine trees were snapped at the base or uprooted on Highway NN or 3 miles north of Dittmer. The tree damage was on a ridge crest along Highway NN. The damage was rated EF1 at this location. The damage width was approximately 50 yards. The tornado moved northeast and caused minor tree damage on Dutch Creek Road 1.5 miles southwest of Byrnesville. The tornado lifed approximately at 1135 a.m.The total damage path was approximately 8 miles. Much of the tree damage was rated EF0 except for the tree damage along Highway NN in which the tree damage was rated EF1.
Lebanon, Illinois EF0 Tornado
National Weather Service Personnel conducted a damage survey to the northeast of Lebanon, Illinois and identified that a tornado caused damage near Emerald Mound Grange Road, 2.5 miles northeast of Lebanon, Illinois. Damage was confined to a few outbuildings and trees and was rated EF0. The tornado path length was less than one-half mile and the width was 50 yards.
Crawford County, Missouri EF1 Tornado
National Weather Service Personnel conducted a damage survey across northern Crawford County and identified a EF1 tornado on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.The tornado touched down near Highway F and one quarter mile south of Jakes Prarie Road. Damage consisted of tree branches snapped. The damage was rated EF0 at this location.The tornado touched down nearly two miles northeast of the first sign of damage, southwest of Four Mile Road and Brush Creek. There was some large tree limb damage west of the road along the creek. However a greater degree of tree damage occurred along Brush Creek east of Four Mile Road. The width of the damage area ranged from 50 to 75 yards east of the road. This area of tree damage extended over 2 miles to the east-northeast. The width of the damage over this area was over 100 yards wide.The next point of damage was on Highway 19, one-half mile south of County Road C. Minor tree damage was noted at this location. Tree limbs up to six inches were snapped half way up the tree trunk. The tornado traveled northeast and damaged one home and one farmstead on Taylor road. The owner of the house that was damaged described the tornado as a swirling rain – “rain rotating in a circle” , which confirms that the tornado was completely rain wrapped. The house suffered damage to the roof and patio. Several medium to large trees were snapped half way up the trunk to the west of the home, which is about 75 to 100 yards away. The tornado crossed Taylor road and damaged several trees on a hill north of Taylor Road. Some of these trees were snapped near the base of the trunk. The tornado then hit the first or two farmsteads. Several panels from a barn’s roof were pealed off, but the overall structure was intact. The roofs of three machine sheds were also removed and tossed to the northeast. The width of the damage area was approximately 75 yards wide.The tornado skipped and caused minor damage to a barn and silo on a second farmstead on Ackermann Road just south of Highway C. There were a few trees uprooted and large limbs were snapped over the upper parts of several medium size trees. Additional tops from trees were snapped one-third mile southwest of Highways C and CC. An evergreen tree was destroyed along Highway C 1/4 mile east of C and CC.
Approximate start time of tornado touchdown was 1040 am and end time was 1046 am.
FREE Winter Preparedness Guide
“Winter Storms…The Deceptive Killer” – NOAA
This preparedness guide explains the dangers of winter weather and suggests life-saving action you can take. With this information, you can recognize winter weather threats, develop an action plan and be ready when severe winter weather threatens. Remember…your safety is up to YOU.
[Download Here - PDF , 12 pages]
Turkey Fryer Fire Demonstration, presented by William Shatner & State Farm®
2 months & 25 days til the 2012 Great Central U.S. ShakeOut!
With more the 40 million people living and working in the central U.S., a major earthquake could cause unprecedented devastation. What we do now, before a big earthquake, will determine what our lives will be like afterwards. With earthquakes an inevitable part of this region’s future, we must act quickly to ensure that disasters do not become catastrophes.
The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut in April 2011 involved more than three million people through a broad-based outreach program, partnership with media, and public advocacy by hundreds of partners. The event is being repeated on February 7, 2012, the the 200th anniversary of the 1812 New Madrid earthquake. This event is being organized by the Central United States Earthquake Consortium (http://www.cusec.org) and the states of: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. The 2012 Great Central U.S. ShakeOut earthquake drill will be held at 10:15 AM local time on February 7, 2012.
A key aspect of the ShakeOut is the integration of comprehensive science-based earthquake research and the lessons learned from decades of social science research about why people get prepared. The result is a “teachable moment” on par with having an actual earthquake (often followed by increased interest in getting ready for earthquakes). ShakeOut creates the sense of urgency that is needed for people, organizations, and communities to get prepared, to practice what to do to be safe, and to learn what plans need to be improved.
Not just any drill will accomplish this; it needs to be big. It must inspire communities to come together. It must involve children at school and parents at work, prompting conversations at home. It must allow every organization, city, etc., to make it their own event.
The 2012 ShakeOut drill will be the largest preparedness event in central U.S. history. To participate, go to www.ShakeOut.org/centralus and pledge your family, school, business, or organization’s participation in the drill. Registered participants will receive information on how to plan their drill and how to create a dialogue with others about earthquake preparedness. All organizers ask is that participants register (so they can be counted and receive communications), and at the minimum practice “drop, cover, and hold on” at the specified time. It is only a five minute commitment for something that can save your life. It all begins with registering, which is free and open to everyone.
Today we honor the courage & sacrifice of our U.S. military veterans and their families!
The music video for “Miracle Of The Human Spirit” includes archival film footage shot by FEMA within hours of the EF-5 tornado that devastated Joplin, MO, on May 22, 2011, along with news coverage of the disaster provided by local ABC affiliate KODE-TV 12, and archival photos from several local photographers.
Intertwined into this document of the event, members of Joplin-based Country band LiveWire are shown performing the song in the ruins of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin, near St. John’s Hospital in one the most-devastated areas of the city. They were joined on vocals by special guests, the College Heights Christian Church choir, under the direction of Lynn Conover. The video closes with a call to action for individuals to donate to help with the city’s rebuilding efforts.
The single for “Miracle Of The Human Spirit” by LiveWire will be available for sale at iTunes on 11/22/11, the six-month anniversary of the tragedy. All proceeds (after taxes) from the sale of the single will go to the “Joplin Tornado First Response Fund” c/o Community Foundation of Southwest Missouri. Donations can be made online here: www.cfswmo.org
Executive Producer: RA “Rick” Sellers
Producers: Mark Nicolosi and Clif Doyal
Directed by: Mark Nicolosi
(c) 2011 Way Out West Records, LLC
“Miracle Of The Human Spirit” – Written by Danny Bell
(c) 2011 Country Party Music (BMI)
Help Us Spread the Word – On November 9, “This is Just a Test”
[Source: FEMA Public Affairs]
Over the past few months, we have written on this blog about the upcoming nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, which is now less than two weeks away. The test will take place on Wednesday, November 9th at 2:00 pm eastern standard time, and will be the first time this system, which is often tested and used by officials at the local level, will be tested across the entire country.
The national Emergency Alert System is an alert and warning system can be activated by the President, if needed, to provide information to the American public during emergencies. NOAA’s National Weather Service, governors, and state and local emergency authorities also use parts of the system to issue more localized emergency alerts. The test is an important exercise in ensuring that the system is effective in communicating critical information to the public in the event of a real national emergency. It is a critical communications tool that can provide alerts, warning and information rapidly across multiple television and radio platforms.
Our top priority is to make sure that all members of the public know that this test is coming up – and that it is just a test. For most of us, this test will look and sound very similar to the local tests of the Emergency Alert System that we often see on TV or hear on the radio.
But as we always say here at FEMA, we’re just part of the team – and we’re counting on all of you to help us spread the word in your communities, with your co-coworkers, neighbors, friends and loved ones.
To help do that, we have put together a couple of videos you can use to help explain what this test is and what people can expect:
Administrator Fugate and FEMA’s Neil McDevitt explain the test in American Sign language:
FEMA’s Dawn Hart provides key information about the test in Spanish:
We’ve been actively engaged with our partners at the Federal Communications Commission, our state, tribal, territorial and local partners, the broadcast community, and other key stakeholders in getting ready for this test. We hope that you will help us spread the word about the Emergency Alert System test by sharing these videos on your websites – or with your communities.
You can read the blog post when the EAS Test was first announced and visit the FCC website for more information about the test, including additional answers to some frequently asked questions.
This FREE ebook provides information to residents of the Central United States about the threat of earthquakes in that area, particularly along the New Madrid seismic zone, and explains how to prepare for, survive, and recover from such events.
It explains the need for concern about earthquakes for those residents and describes what one can expect during and after an earthquake. Much is known about the threat of earthquakes in the Central United States, including where they are likely to occur and what can be done to reduce losses from future earthquakes, but not enough has been done to prepare for future earthquakes.
The handbook describes such preparations that can be taken by individual residents before an earthquake to be safe and protect property
[Source: ASPCA]
[Picture Source: kevinmiller and Animal Photos!]
Emergencies come in many forms, and they may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different measures to keep your pets safe. The best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared.
This easy-to-use sticker will let people know that pets are inside your home. Make sure it is visible to rescue workers, and that it includes 1) the types and number of pets in your household; 2) the name of your veterinarian; and 3) your veterinarian’s phone number. If you must evacuate with your pets, and if time allows, write “EVACUATED” across the stickers.
To get a free emergency pet alert sticker for your home from the ASPCA, please fill out this online order form (click here) ; please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Your local pet supply store may also sell similar stickers.
Step 2 Arrange a Safe Haven
Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND. Remember, if it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets. They may become trapped or escape and be exposed to numerous life-threatening hazards. Note that not all Red Cross disaster shelters accept pets, so it is imperative that you have determined where you will bring your pets ahead of time:
Step 3 Emergency Supplies and Traveling Kits
Keep an Evac-Pack and supplies handy for your pets. Make sure that everyone in the family knows where it is. This kit should be clearly labeled and easy to carry. Items to consider keeping in or near your pack include:
You should also have an emergency kit for the human members of the family. Items to include: Batteries, duct tape, flashlight, radio, multi-tool, tarp, rope, permanent marker, spray paint, baby wipes, protective clothing and footwear, extra cash, rescue whistle, important phone numbers, extra medication and copies of medical and insurance information.
Step 4 Choose “Designated Caregivers”
This step will take considerable time and thought. When choosing a temporary caregiver, consider someone who lives close to your residence. He or she should be someone who is generally home during the day while you are at work or has easy access to your home. A set of keys should be given to this trusted individual. This may work well with neighbors who have pets of their own—you may even swap responsibilities, depending upon who has accessibility.
When selecting a permanent caregiver, you’ll need to consider other criteria. This is a person to whom you are entrusting the care of your pet in the event that something should happen to you. When selecting this “foster parent,” consider people who have met your pet and have successfully cared for animals in the past. Be sure to discuss your expectations at length with a permanent caregiver, so he or she understands the responsibility of caring for your pet.
Step 5 Evacuation Preparation
If you must evacuate your home in a crisis, plan for the worst-case scenario. If you think you may be gone for only a day, assume that you may not be allowed to return for several weeks. When recommendations for evacuation have been announced, follow the instructions of local and state officials. To minimize evacuation time, take these simple steps:
Step 6 Geographic and Climatic Considerations
Do you live in an area that is prone to certain natural catastrophes, such as tornadoes, earthquakes or floods? If so, you should plan accordingly.
If emergency officials recommend that you stay in your home, it’s crucial that you keep your pets with you. Keep your Evac-Pack and supplies close at hand. Your pets may become stressed during the in-house confinement, so you may consider crating them for safety and comfort.
Special Considerations for Birds
Special Considerations for Reptiles
Special Considerations for Small Animals
Joplin tornado offers important lessons for disaster preparedness – New report offers way forward to reduce deaths during dangerous tornadoes
Image showing damage from the tornado that hit Joplin, Mo., on May 22, 2011. [Credit: NOAA]
Today, NOAA’s National Weather Service released its final assessment report on the May 22 tornado that struck Joplin, Mo. [CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PDF]. The report identifies best practices and makes recommendations to help save more lives during future violent tornadoes. Most importantly, the assessment emphasizes that people must be prepared to take immediate action when a warning is issued.
“The tornado that struck Joplin offers important lessons about disaster preparedness,” said National Weather Service Director, Jack Hayes, Ph.D. “Tragically, despite advance tornado outlooks, watches and warnings, 159 people died and more than 1,000 were injured. At NOAA we will do all we can – working with our partners throughout the weather enterprise and emergency management – to reduce the impact of similar disasters.”
Within days of the tragedy, Hayes sent an assessment team to Joplin to examine warning and forecast services provided to the community, warning communications, community preparedness and the public’s response to tornado warnings.
Radar animation of Joplin tornado on May 22, 2011. View animation here. [Credit: NOAA]
The report includes a number of key recommendations:
Hayes directed National Weather Service staff to move forward to implement the recommendations as soon as possible. The high death toll from the tornado was also catalyst for the August 17 launch of “Weather-Ready Nation”. Building a Weather-Ready Nation will require the efforts of the entire weather enterprise – the National Weather Service, the private weather industry, emergency managers, partners and academia – to provide better information to the public so that they can make better decisions to save lives and livelihoods.
Image showing damage from the tornado that hit Joplin, Mo., on May 22, 2011. [Credit: NOAA]
NOAA’s National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. NOAA’s National Weather Service operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy. Visit the NOAA online at weather.gov.
Five Saint Louis County cooling centers will be opened during the hot weather forecast for Saturday and into next week. Three centers will be opened by the Saint Louis County Parks Department and the Department of Health’s two community health centers will be available during regular business hours. The three cooling centers in county parks will be open beginning Saturday and will remain open through Thursday, and the two health centers will be available beginning Monday.
The cooling centers being opened by the Saint Louis County Parks Department are located as follows:
Affton Community Center
9801 Mackenzie Road, 63123
Noon – 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday
North County Recreation Complex (Veteran’s Memorial Park)
2577 Redman Road, 63136
8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday
Noon – 6 p.m. Sunday
8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday
St. Vincent’s Community Center
7335 St. Charles Rock Road, 63133
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday
Noon – 6 p.m. Sunday
9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday
The locations and addresses for the two county health centers are:
North County Community Health Center
4000 Jennings Station Road, 63121
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Friday
8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday
South County Health Center
4580 South Lindbergh Blvd., 63127
8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
For a complete list of area cooling centers, visit: http://www.stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness/HeatSafetyTips
Whenever temperatures rise above 95 degrees, the Health Department recommends the following:
WEHRENBERG THEATRES BRINGS BACK LOWER PRICING DURING HEAT ADVISORIES
Once again at Wehrenberg Theatres, when the temperature goes up, the prices go down. The nation’s oldest family-owned-and-operated theatre chain is bringing back a popular program introduced in 2005. “Heat Advisory Days” help residents beat the summer heat. From the first full day of summer, Tuesday, June 21 through the end of August 2011, all adult matinee tickets are available for child prices whenever a heat advisory is in effect.
To verify if a heat advisory is in effect in their community, guests should visit www.weather.gov and enter their zip code. The webpage, from the National Weather Service, is the official (and only) determining factor regarding heat advisory status.
The National Weather Service issues heat advisories whenever the heat index (how hot the temperature feels when humidity is factored) reaches 105° F. In addition, if the region reaches 100° F for four or more consecutive days, a heat advisory will be issued. Wehrenberg Theatres will also lower prices during an excessive heat warning which is when heat advisory conditions are met on consecutive days. (Please note an excessive heat watch means the proper conditions are forecast, but the discounts only become official once the conditions are actually met.)
During these times of extreme heat, the government agency advises spending time in air-conditioned buildings and drinking plenty of fluids. Of course, Wehrenberg Theatres not only have air-conditioning, but offer plenty of ice-cold drinks to quench thirsts and cool a body down.
Both guests and community officials warmly welcomed previous “Heat Advisory Days.” Guests can take advantage of this special offer and cool down in any Missouri or Illinois Wehrenberg Theatre. The special pricing is available for any movie starting before 4 PM at any participating theatre on any day, including weekends.
Matinee pricing affects tickets purchased at the theatre box offices only. Purchase must be for movies on the same day as the heat advisory. This matinee pricing does not apply to on-line or phone purchases through Fandango, or for any advance ticket purchases.
“Midwest summers are not easy,” said Ron Krueger, Chairman and CEO of Wehrenberg Theatres. “Everyone wants to get out of the house, but it can be dangerous to be outside. We hope our guests will take us up on this offer to get out and enjoy a movie in the comfort of our air-conditioned auditoriums.”
Bill Menke, Executive Vice President and COO added, “We are proud to give back to the communities which have so graciously supported us for years.”
A list of participating theatres is:
Arnold 14 Cine 1912 Richardson Rd. – Arnold, MO
Campbell 16 Cine 4005 South Ave. – Springfield, MO
Cape West 14 Cine 247 Siemers Drive – Cape Girardeau, MO
Des Peres 14 Cine 12701 Manchester Rd. – Des Peres, MO
Galaxy 14 Cine 1111 Wylie Dr. – Bloomington, IL
Galaxy 14 Cine 450 THF Blvd. – Chesterfield, MO
Mid Rivers 14 Cine 1220 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. – St. Peters, MO
O’Fallon 15 Cine 1320 Central Park Dr. – O’Fallon, IL
Osage Village 5 Cine 4540 Highway 54 – Osage Beach, MO
Ronnies 20 Cine 5320 South Lindbergh – St. Louis, MO
St. Charles Stadium 18 Cine 1830 First Capitol Dr. South – St. Charles, MO
Town Square 12 Cine 7805 Hwy. N – Dardenne Prairie, MO
Summertime provides excellent choices for guests taking advantage of the offer. This summer boasts blockbusters such as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, Cars 2, Horrible Bosses, Captain America, The Smurfs, Crazy Stupid Love, Transformers 3 and more.
Wehrenberg Theatres currently operates fifteen cines in Missouri, Illinois, Minnesota and Iowa.
Having celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2006, St. Louis-based Wehrenberg Theatres is the oldest family-owned and operated theatre circuit in the U.S. Ronald P. Krueger, 3rd Generation, Chairman and CEO of Wehrenberg Theatres.
