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Heat Wave Precautions
Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees but the elderly and very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses including nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating and headaches.  

Red Cross Heat Safety Tips:
Dress for the heat.  Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Drink water and eat small meals more often.
Slow down.  Avoid strenuous activity.  If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the early morning.
Stay indoors when possible.  If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine.  Remember that electric fans don't cool, they simply circulate the air.
Be a good neighbor.  During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood.
Heat cramps.  Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion.  These are less severe but they are an early signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.
Heat exhaustion.  Signalsof heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale flushed or red skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion.  Body temperature will be near normal.
Heat stroke.  Also known as sunstroke, heat stroke is life threatening.  Signals include hot, red and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid shallow breaqthing.  Body temperature can be as high as 105 degrees F.
Learn Red Cross first aid and CPR.

For upcoming First Aid and CPR training dates, click here.

Donate to Emergency Equipment Foundation, P.O. Box 895, Albertville AL 35950
or call 256-302-1330.   Your tax deductible donation is needed & appreciated.
The Emergency Equipment Foundation is local and was set up to provide needed equipment for all municipal and volunteer first responder's use.  There is a wide range of gear, from additional search and rescue equipment to first aid supplies and generators. This consolidation means everyone can have the equipment, when they need it, without having the expense of buying, maintenance or storage. Visit on the web at emergencyequipment.org.

Do you have a NOAA Weather Radio?   (click here for S.A.M.E. codes)
NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio 
County
FIPS/SAME Code
Transmitter
Frequency (MHz)
Call Sign
 Cullman
001043
Arab, AL
Cullman, AL
162.525
162.450
WNG-642
WWF-66
 DeKalb
001049
Arab, AL
Fort Payne (Henagar), AL
162.525
162.500
WNG-642
WWF-44
 Jackson
001071
Arab, AL
Fort Payne (Henagar), AL
Huntsville, AL
Winchester, TN
162.525
162.500
162.400
162.525
WNG-642
WWF-44
KIH-20
WNG-554
 Madison
001089
Arab, AL
Huntsville, AL
Winchester, TN
162.525
162.400
162.525
WNG-642
KIH-20
WNG-554
 Marshall
001095
Arab, AL
Fort Payne (Henagar), AL
Huntsville, AL
162.525
162.500
162.400
WNG-642
WWF-44
KIH-20
 Morgan
001103
Huntsville, AL
162.400
KIH-20
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Tornado Safety 
By Roger Edwards, Storm Prediction Center, Norman, Oklahoma

There is no such thing as guaranteed safety inside a tornado. Freak accidents happen; and the most violent tornadoes can level and blow away almost any house and its occupants. Extremely violent F5 tornadoes are very rare, though. Most tornadoes are actually much weaker and can be survived using these safety ideas...
Prevention and practice before the storm: At home, have a family tornado plan in place, based on the kind of dwelling you live in and the safety tips below. Know where you can take shelter in a matter of seconds, and practice a family tornado drill at least once a year. Have a pre-determined place to meet after a disaster. Flying debris is the greatest danger in tornadoes; so store protective coverings (e.g., mattress, sleeping bags, thick blankets, etc) in or next to your shelter space, ready to use on a few seconds' notice. When a tornado watch is issued, think about the drill and check to make sure all your safety supplies are handy. Turn on local TV, radio or NOAA Weather Radio and stay alert for warnings. Forget about the old notion of opening windows to equalize pressure; the tornado will blast open the windows for you! If you shop frequently at certain stores, learn where there are bathrooms, storage rooms or other interior shelter areas away from windows, and the shortest ways to get there. All administrators of schools, shopping centers, nursing homes, hospitals, sports arenas, stadiums, mobile home communities and offices should have a tornado safety plan in place, with easy-to-read signs posted to direct everyone to a safe, closeby shelter area. Schools and office building managers should regularly run well-coordinated drills. If you are planning to build a house, especially east of the Rockies, consider an underground tornado shelter or an interior "safe room".
Know the signs of a tornado: Weather forecasting science is not perfect and some tornadoes do occur without a tornado warning. There is no substitute for staying alert to the sky. Besides an obviously visible tornado, here are some things to look and listen for:
Strong, persistent rotation in the cloud base.
Whirling dust or debris on the ground under a cloud base -- tornadoes sometimes have no funnel!
Hail or heavy rain followed by either dead calm or a fast, intense wind shift. Many tornadoes are wrapped in heavy precipitation and can't be seen.
Day or night - Loud, continuous roar or rumble, which doesn't fade in a few seconds like thunder.
Night - Small, bright, blue-green to white flashes at ground level near a thunderstorm (as opposed to silvery lightning up in the clouds). These mean power lines are being snapped by very strong wind, maybe a tornado.
Night - Persistent lowering from the cloud base, illuminated or silhouetted by lightning -- especially if it is on the ground or there is a blue-green-white power flash underneath.

WHAT TO DO...
In a house with a basement: Avoid windows. Get in the basement and under some kind of sturdy protection (heavy table or work bench), or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag. Know where very heavy objects rest on the floor above (pianos, refrigerators, waterbeds, etc.) and do not go under them. They may fall down through a weakened floor and crush you.
In a house with no basement, a dorm, or an apartment:
Avoid windows. Go to the lowest floor, small center room (like a bathroom or closet), under a stairwell, or in an interior hallway with no windows. Crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down; and cover your head with your hands. A bath tub may offer a shell of partial protection. Even in an interior room, you should cover yourself with some sort of thick padding (mattress, blankets, etc.), to protect against falling debris in case the roof and ceiling fail.
In an office building, hospital, nursing home or skyscraper:Go directly to an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building -- away from glass. Then, crouch down and cover your head. Interior stairwells are usually good places to take shelter, and if not crowded, allow you to get to a lower level quickly. Stay off the elevators; you could be trapped in them if the power is lost.
In a mobile home:Get out! Even if your home is tied down, you are probably safer outside, even if the only alternative is to seek shelter out in the open. Most tornadoes can destroy even tied-down mobile homes; and it is best not to play the low odds that yours will make it. If your community has a tornado shelter, go there fast. If there is a sturdy permanent building within easy running distance, seek shelter there. Otherwise, lie flat on low ground away from your home, protecting your head. If possible, use open ground away from trees and cars, which can be blown onto you.
At school:Follow the drill! Go to the interior hall or room in an orderly way as you are told. Crouch low, head down, and protect the back of your head with your arms. Stay away from windows and large open rooms like gyms and auditoriums.
In a car or truck: Vehicles are extremely dangerous in a tornado. If the tornado is visible, far away, and the traffic is light, you may be able to drive out of its path by moving at right angles to the tornado. Otherwise, park the car as quickly and safely as possible -- out of the traffic lanes. [It is safer to get the car out of mud later if necessary than to cause a crash.] Get out and seek shelter in a sturdy building. If in the open country, run to low ground away from any cars (which may roll over on you). Lie flat and face-down, protecting the back of your head with your arms. Avoid seeking shelter under bridges, which can create deadly traffic hazards while offering little protection against flying debris.
In the open outdoors: If possible, seek shelter in a sturdy building. If not, lie flat and face-down on low ground, protecting the back of your head with your arms. Get as far away from trees and cars as you can; they may be blown onto you in a tornado.
In a shopping mall or large store: Do not panic. Watch for others. Move as quickly as possible to an interior bathroom, storage room or other small enclosed area, away from windows.
In a church or theater: Do not panic. If possible, move quickly but orderly to an interior bathroom or hallway, away from windows. Crouch face-down and protect your head with your arms. If there is no time to do that, get under the seats or pews, protecting your head with your arms or hands.

AFTER THE TORNADO...
Keep your family together and wait for emergency personnel to arrive. Carefully render aid to those who are injured. Stay away from power lines and puddles with wires in them; they may still be carrying electricity! Watch your step to avoid broken glass, nails, and other sharp objects. Stay out of any heavily damaged houses or buildings; they could collapse at any time. Do not use matches or lighters, in case of leaking natural gas pipes or fuel tanks nearby. Remain calm and alert, and listen for information and instructions from emergency crews or local officials.



 

BE READY!
CERT Classes are free & open to everyone

Prepare yourself, your families and your co-workers to be self-sufficient for a minimum of
72 hours (3 days).  In the event that paid or volunteer professionals are not available, you'll be able to use these life-saving techniques to effectively respond to a disaster.  The CERT training is 9 weeks, one night per week, 3 hours each night.  You must attend all 9 classes to receive a graduation certificate.  Graduates of an active CERT will also receive a starter kit of equipment.  For more information or to register, call the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency at 256-571-7329.


For Family Preparedness in Spanish http://www.ready.gov/espanol/
Shelter-in-Place in an Emergency
There are six basics you should stock for your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container--suggested items are marked with an asterisk(*). Possible containers include a large, covered trash container, a camping backpack, or a duffle bag.
Water
Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more.
Store one gallon of water per person per day.
Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).*
Food
Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
Canned juices
Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)
High energy foods
Vitamins
Food for infants
Comfort/stress foods
First Aid Kit
Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car.
(20) adhesive bandages, various sizes.
(1) 5" x 9" sterile dressing.
(1) conforming roller gauze bandage.
(2) triangular bandages.
(2) 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads.
(2) 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads.
(1) roll 3" cohesive bandage.
(2) germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
(6) antiseptic wipes.
(2) pair large medical grade non-latex gloves.
Adhesive tape, 2" width.
Anti-bacterial ointment.
Cold pack.
Scissors (small, personal).
Tweezers.
CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield.
Non-Prescription Drugs
Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid (for stomach upset)
Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
Laxative
Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
Tools and Supplies
Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils*
Emergency preparedness manual*
Battery-operated radio and extra batteries*
Flashlight and extra batteries*
Cash or traveler's checks, change*
Non-electric can opener, utility knife*
Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type
Tube tent
Pliers
Tape
Compass
Matches in a waterproof container
Aluminum foil
Plastic storage containers
Signal flare
Paper, pencil
Needles, thread
Medicine dropper
Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
Whistle
Plastic sheeting
Map of the area (for locating shelters)
Sanitation
Toilet paper, towelettes*
Soap, liquid detergent*
Feminine supplies*
Personal hygiene items*
Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
Plastic bucket with tight lid
Disinfectant
Household chlorine bleach
Clothing and Bedding
*Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
Sturdy shoes or work boots*
Rain gear*
Blankets or sleeping bags*
Hat and gloves
Thermal underwear
Sunglasses
Special Items
Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons
For Baby*
Formula
Diapers
Bottles
Powdered milk
Medications
For Adults*
Heart and high blood pressure medication
Insulin
Prescription drugs
Denture needs
Contact lenses and supplies
Extra eye glasses
Entertainment
Games and books
Important Family Documents
Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:
Will, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds
Passports, social security cards, immunization records
Bank account numbers
Credit card account numbers and companies
Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the supplies kit in the trunk of your car.
Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

The text on this page is in the public domain. From "Disaster Supplies Kit." developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross.

 

Pandemic Flu information is available at the following internet websites:  
Basic Preparedness:
Develop a checklist for food and drink supplies, as well as other necessities, such as medicines and cleaning supplies your family will need including:
Two-three week supply of food and water. Prescription medicines and non-prescription drugs such as cough and cold remedies, pain relievers, Vitamins, sports drink.
Thermometer, disposable gloves, alcohol-based sanitizers
Have a family plan for staying at home and working from home.  Check with your employer about the plan for your workplace.

Some key things we can do to minimize spread of a virus are:
Wash your hands frequently using soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer
Cough into your sleeve or arm when tissue is not available.
Keep hands away from eyes, nose and mouth.
Stay home if you are feeling ill.
Keep your living and work areas clean.
Avoid sharing objects, glasses, cups, bottles and telephones.


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