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Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) upgrades activation to Level II at the Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center in anticipation of deteriorating conditions

Kentucky Emergency Management upgrades activation to Level II at the Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center in anticipation of deteriorating conditions

Press Release Date:	Friday, December 06, 2013
Revision Date:	Friday, December 06, 2013
Contact Information:	Contact: Buddy Rogers Office: 502.607.1611 Cell: 502.382.6006 Contact: Monica French Office: 502-607-5721 Cell: 502-229-3304
Source:	http://migration.kentucky.gov/Newsroom/dma_kyem/level2.htm

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec 6, 2013) – Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) has upgraded the Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center (CEOC) activation to Level II, effective at 2 pm, in anticipation of possible deteriorating conditions due to the winter storm crossing the Commonwealth.

CEOC Level II operations consists of 24 hour manned posts, which includes KYEM and Kentucky National Guard personnel. The CEOC and partnering agencies stand ready to assist with whatever this storm may bring. Weather officials are predicting freezing rain, sleet, ice and snow, along with potential flooding issues, depending on what portion of Kentucky you reside.

Charlie O’Neal, Deputy Director of Operations offers this advice for Kentuckians “please make sure and monitor your local broadcast stations and radios for important weather information. If you must travel, use caution and drive slowly. Give emergency crews ample access to impacted areas.”

Road conditions throughout the state can be found on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Web site at 511.ky.gov or by calling 511 in Kentucky or 1-866-737-3767 for out-of-state callers.

For additional information and winter safety tips, please visit kyem.ky.gov.

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OFFICIALS BRACE FOR WINTER STORM, ENCOURAGE KENTUCKIANS TO BE PREPARED

Press Release Date:	Wednesday, December 04, 2013
Revision Date:	Wednesday, December 04, 2013
Contact Information:	Contact: Buddy Rogers Office: 502-607-1611
Source:	http://migration.kentucky.gov/Newsroom/dma_kyem/winterweather.htm

FRANKFORT, Ky.: (Dec. 4, 2013) – Forecasts for winter storms for much of Kentucky over the next several days have prompted the National Weather Service (NWS) offices serving Kentucky to issue a Winter Storm Watch for most of the state.

Kentucky’s emergency management officials began tracking the approaching winter weather systems with the NWS early this week and have maintained communications as the weather develops.

NWS representatives held conference calls today with emergency management and elected officials statewide about the possibly stormy forecast.

Statewide forecasts:

Central Kentucky – Rain, sometimes heavy at times, will occur Thursday and Thursday night and will, change to a wintry mix Friday as colder air moves in. Sleet and light ice accumulations can be expected. , Snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches may be expected along the Ohio River counties, and 2 to 3 inches of snow from Bowling Green through Lexington in the more central Bluegrass counties.

Eastern Kentucky – The primary threat is heavy rain Friday through Sunday. Rainfall amounts may vary from 2 to 3 inches, potentially flooding small creeks, streams and poor-draining urban areas. A second system arriving Sunday could bring additional rainfall of 1 to 2 inches for the region.

Western Kentucky – Precipitation has already begun; light rain and scattered showers will continue as the front approaches. The majority of the inclement weather is predicted to begin impacting far western Kentucky late Thursday afternoon. Rain, sleet, freezing rain and snow are in the forecast. Southern Missouri and southern Illinois can expect 4 to5 inches of snow, and Kentucky counties along the lower Ohio River can expect 2 to 4 inches of snow. Most western and west-central counties are expected to receive 1 to 2 inches of snow; however, and up to a quarter inch of freezing rain may be possible. Timing and total accumulations will vary depending on the system movement.

Northern Kentucky – Counties along the Ohio River in extreme northern Kentucky will see a mix of wintry weather and may see up to 3 to 7 inches of snow.

Another weather system is approaching after the first storms pass through Kentucky. The second weather system will impact the state late Sunday through Monday, followed by frigid temperatures. Residents living along rivers and major streams should monitor levels as this second round of precipitation may increase the risk of minor flooding.

The Commonwealth Emergency Operation Center (CEOC), located in Frankfort, remains activated at a heightened level of alert, and additional staffing is on standby if activation of the CEOC to a higher level becomes necessary. Along with local emergency management officials, Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) continues to maintain increased situational awareness and communications with Governor Steve Beshear’s office, the National Weather Service, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Operation Center, and Kentucky State Police.

“If the forecasts hold true, this could be a statewide event,” said KYEM Interim Director Mike Jones. “The forecast includes freezing rain and snow in the west and central part of the state to large amounts of rain in the east and southeastern regions. Everyone should be aware of the potential risks and dangers from these storms and prepare ahead of time. The best advice is to stay home, but if you must travel, allow extra time, take it slow and allow plenty of space between vehicles.”

KYEM recommends all Kentuckians know the risks and review winter emergency plans. Check batteries in flashlights, radios and other devices. If you have a generator, make sure it is working properly and you are familiar with using it safely.

Road conditions throughout the state can be found on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s website at www.511.ky.gov, by calling 511 in Kentucky or 1-866-737-3767 for out-of-state callers.

Complete weather forecasts by region can be found at www.weather.gov .
Safe Driving Information:

* Ice and snow: take it slow!

* Leave early; arrive safely

* Have a winter safety kit in your car with blankets, food, etc.

* In Kentucky, call 511 or visit www.511.ky.gov for statewide traffic Information
Power outage and generator safety:

* Avoid downed power lines

* Do not burn charcoal grills or run generators indoors. Carbon monoxide is odorless and kills silently.

* Check your generator and fuel before the power goes out

* Improperly hooking a generator to your home’s main power can energize lines outside the home and injure workers trying to restore power.

Winter safety tips, including winter driving tips, can be found on the KYEM web site at www.kyem.ky.gov . Follow KYEMPIO on Twitter and ‘like’ us on Facebook.
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Safety Rules For Severe Thunderstorms

...Safety Rules For Severe Thunderstorms - For Media to Broadcast...

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued by the National Weather
Service for much of central Kentucky and south-central Indiana. The
following safety tips are being provided in hope that the broadcast
media will frequently broadcast these messages while the watch
affects their area.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means that conditions are favorable for
the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
area. If you are in the watch area, keep up to date on the latest
weather information. These storms can develop rapidly so there may
be occasions when advance warning is not possible.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means a severe thunderstorm has been
observed or indicated by radar. If you are in the path or near the
storm, take immediate actions to protect life and property. Follow
these safety rules:

1) In open country...you should seek shelter and avoid trees which
can be targets for lightning. If there is no shelter, go to a ditch
or culvert but beware of rising water which can cause flooding.

2) When indoors...stay away from outside walls and windows and go to
an interior room on the lowest level. Avoid using electrical
appliances while the storm is nearby.

3) In mobile homes...you should leave and seek nearby safe shelter.

4) If swimming or on a boat...you should get to shore as quickly as
possible and find shelter.

A thunderstorm is considered severe when it contains one inch of
larger diameter size hail and/or wind gusts of 58 miles an hour or
greater. A severe thunderstorm also produces deadly lightning and
very heavy rain, which can lead to flash flooding.

Remember...with any severe thunderstorm, there is always the
possibility of tornadoes.

$$

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Lightning Safety Week: June 23-29, 2013

Summer is the peak season for one of the nation’s deadliest weather phenomena— lightning. But don’t be fooled, lightning strikes year round. The goal of this Website is to safeguard U.S. residents from lightning. In the United States, an average of 54 people are reported killed each year by lightning.

Hundreds of people are permanently injured each year. People struck by lightning suffer from a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms, including memory loss, attention deficits, sleep disorders, chronic pain, numbness, dizziness, stiffness in joints, irritability, fatigue, weakness, muscle spasms, depression, and more.

Lightning is a serious danger. Through this site we hope you’ll learn more about lightning risks and how to protect yourself, your loved ones and your belongings. As a start, get an overview of Lightning Safety or stop by our comprehensive page of handouts, brochures, links and more.

Additional resources concerning the dangers of lightning–and how you and your loved ones can stay safe:

	Safety: Learn what you need to do to stay safe when thunderstorms threaten.		Victims: Learn what happens to people who are struck by lightning and look at fatality statistics for the U.S.
	Science: Learn how thunderstorms develop and what happens during a lightning discharge.		Myths and Facts: Get answers to many of the questions you have always wondered about
	Teachers: find curriculum guides, presentations games, activities, and more.Kids: Download games, videos, coloring pages and other fun stuff.		More Resources:Download toolkits, posters, pamphlets, and other information to help communities, organizations, and families stay safe from the dangers of lightning

Information regarding aid for Moore, OK

via Kentucky Emergency Management Facebook Page:

Just received communications from our VOAD coordinator reporting that Moore, OK is becoming overwhelmed with unneeded donations and well meaning volunteers who have self deployed. PLEASE help spread the word advising against sending donations and self deploying without proper coordination.

Remember CASH is the most effective and easiest form of donation to manage in disaster recovery.

Below is the official city website with specific needs and instructions:

Please share!

via City of Moore, Oklahoma:

Thanks to all of our friends from all over the world who have called and e-mailed offering support during this difficult time. We are receiving overwhelming generosity of our friends and neighbors.. As we move forward in the recovery process, our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the disaster.
If you are looking for loved ones visit www.safeandwell.org.

Here are ways to help…

Visit the Moore Recovers site at https://moore.recovers.org/

Text STORM to 80888 for Salvation Army.
Text REDCROSS to 90999 for Red Cross.
Text FOOD to 32333 for Oklahoma Regional Food Bank

…note to self for EMA website (regarding photon)…

…to keep photon from trying to rule the NWS graphic on the EMA weather page…

…append functions.photon.php with the following:

/** * Have Photon ignore NWS Louisville's File.png * * ...i think. **/ function my_photon_exception( $skip, $src ) { if ( $src == 'http://www.crh.noaa.gov/images/fxc/lmk/wx/File.png' ) { return true; } return $skip; } add_filter( 'jetpack_photon_skip_image', 'my_photon_exception', 10, 3 );

Charles Carson Jr., 70, Cynthiana, died Monday, April 29, 2013 at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington.

He was born in Wolfe County, July 1, 1942 to the late Charles and Myrtle Stewart Carson. He was a loving husband and father, a member of Indian Creek Christian Church and was attending Leesburg Christian Church and a former employee of the Cynthiana Stockyards, Kawneer, JT Penn Service Station and owner and operator of Charlie’s Marathon for 16 years.

He was a Kentucky Colonel recipient, a foster parent for more than 40 years, a firefighter for 52 years and served as chief for 31 of those years. He was a forest warden and served on numerous boards and committees, was treasurer of the Community Christmas Project, and a recipient of the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Peggy Lavonne Carson, a brother, Robert Carson, three brothers-in-law, Bobbie Whalen, HJ Ritchie and Junior Jolly; three sisters, Laura Conley, Carrie Jolly and Mildred Ritchie, and two sisters-in-law, Wendy Williams and Sherry Carson.
Survivors include: two sons, Charles Allen (Debbie Fryman) Carson and Jeffrey Lynn Carson, both of Cynthiana; a daughter, Patty Lavonne (Marty) Wiggins, Cynthiana; two brothers, Rex (Linda) Carson, Cynthiana and Homer Carson, Dry Ridge; a brother-in-law, Nevel (Tommy) Williams, Stamping Ground; five sisters-in-law, Rosemary (Billy Ray) Sadler, Pam Whalen and Patricia (Billy) Curry, all of Cynthiana, Melissa (Billy) Mitchell, Mt. Olivet and Margie Carson, Carlisle; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; hundreds of foster children and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Friday, May 3 at 2 p.m. at Ware Funeral Home by Sammy Harris. Visitation will be from 5-9 p.m. Thursday. Burial will be in Pythian Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Harrison County Firefighters Association or The Community Christmas Project.
Pallbearers will be Nick Carson, Anthony Carson, Tyler Carson, Andrew Wiggins, Josh Carson and Derrick Knipper.

Honorary pallbearers will be Chris Carson, Mike Ritchie, Kevin Ritchie, Rex Lynn Carson, Gary Carson, Marvin Jones, C.D. Moore and Richard Schwartz.

www.warefuneralhome.com
Published in The Cynthiana Democrat on May 2, 2013

Motorcycle Safety Month

With spring already in full-swing and summer approaching, more motorcyclists are taking to the highways; with that in mind, pedestrians, bicyclists and other motorists should be extra attentive and ‘share the road.’ Motorcycles are one of the smallest vehicles on the road, often hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot. Motorists and bicyclists should always make visual checks for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections. Pedestrians
should also scan for motorcyclists who might be hidden by other traffic.

In an effort to aid in raising awareness of Motorcycle Safety Month, Kentucky Emergency Management and the Cynthiana/ Harrison County Emergency Management Agency would like to offer the following tips and information:

Raising Awareness of Motorcyclists for other Motorists.

Allow motorcycles a full lane. Motorcycles have all of the rights and privileges of any motor vehicle on the road.
Visually check for motorcycles in mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.
Signal when turning, merging or changing lanes.
Be cautious of motorcycle turn signals – they can be misleading. Motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.
Leave plenty of space when following motorcycles to give them enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.

General Guidelines for Riding a Motorcycle Safely.

Be Visible

Remember that motorists often have trouble seeing motorcycles and reacting in time.
Make sure your headlight works and is on day and night.
Use reflective strips or decals on your clothing and on your motorcycle.
Be aware of the blind spots cars and trucks have.
Flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before stopping.
If a motorist doesn’t see you, don’t be afraid to use your horn.

Dress Safely

Wear a quality helmet and eye protection.
Wear bright clothing and a light colored helmet.
Wear leather or other thick, protective clothing.
Choose long sleeves and pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
Remember – the only thing between you and the road is your protective gear.

Apply Effective Mental Strategies

Constantly search the road for changing conditions.
Give yourself space and time to respond to other motorists’ actions.
Give other motorists’ time and space to respond to you.
Use lane positioning to be seen; ride in the part of the lane where you are the most visible.
Watch for turning vehicles.
Signal your next move in advance.
Avoid weaving between lanes.
Pretend you are invisible, and ride extra defensively.
Don’t ride when you are tired or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
Know and follow the rules of the road, and stick to the speed limit.

Know Your Bike and How to Use It

Get formal training and take refresher courses.
Call 800.446.9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org to locate the Motorcycle Safety Foundation hands-on rider course nearest you.
Practice. Develop your riding techniques before going into heavy traffic. Know how to handle your bike in conditions such as wet or sandy roads, high winds, and uneven surfaces.

Remember: Give yourself space. People driving cars often just don’t see motorcycles. Even when drivers do see you, chances are they’ve never been on a motorcycle and can’t properly judge your speed.

Additional information:

Kentucky Motorcycle Rider Education Program – http://transportation.ky.gov/driver-licensing/pages/motorcycle-moped-licenses.aspx

National Bike Month

The League of American Bicyclists and governments across the nation have declared May as National Bike Month. In recognition of National Bike Month, Kentucky Emergency Management and the Cynthiana/Harrison County Emergency Management Agency would like to offer the following to raise awareness for cycling safety.

Bicycles are classified as vehicles in the Commonwealth, thus giving cyclists many of the same privileges and responsibilities as motorists. Bicycles are allowed to travel on all roads/highways–unless otherwise posted/prohibited–and are required to use proper/designated traffic lanes; on roads/highways where a safe, unobstructed shoulder is available, cyclists may take the the shoulder. Cyclists should ride as far to the right as possible–just as any other “slow-moving” vehicle–as long as road conditions permit; where conditions may be hazardous for the cyclist–such as a sloping or damaged shoulder–cyclists are permitted to take the center of the lane.

Cyclists–like motor vehicles–are required to respect turn lanes; additionally, cyclists are required to use hand signals for turning and braking/slowing (signalling may be forgone when road/riding conditions require the cyclist to have both hands on the handlebars). In the event that a cyclist finds conditions unfavorable/dangerous to make a left-turn, cyclists should cross as a pedestrian at the next available crosswalk.

These rules are important for both the cyclist and the motorist to keep in mind, as we must share the road, and be aware of another’s safety and welfare.

Additonal information:

Sharing Kentucky’s Roads: KY Laws for Drivers and Bicyclists – http://transportation.ky.gov/Bike-Walk/Documents/Bike%20Law%20Brochure.pdf
Kentucky Bicycle and Bikeway Commission – http://transportation.ky.gov/Bike-Walk/Pages/Kentucky-Bicycle-and-Bikeway-Commission.aspx
League of American Bicyclists – http://bikeleague.org

Mowing Safety

Spring is here, and the mowing season has begun! Many of us have already pulled our trusted tractors and push-mowers out of the shed; some of us have even had the ability to cut the grass two or three times, while others are just now preparing for yard-work later this week. Since it is such a common activity, there is an unfortunate tendency to view lawn mowing as being less hazardous than it truly is–or can be. The Cynthiana/Harrison County Emergency Management Agency would like to offer the following information as a reminder of some of the dangers that exist, and what methods can be employed to reduce incidence of injury.

The blade on the common lawn mower rotates to provide approximately 52 cuts per second. Translated into feet, the tip of the cutting blade of the mower travels about 300 feet in the same second. This is not an amusing fact. Each year, it is not uncommon to read or hear about the individual’s foot that was caught underneath a walk-behind mower, the person whose eye got hit by an object thrown by a mower, or the child that was backed over by a riding lawn mower. Increasingly, there seem to be more instances of the larger riding lawn tractors overturning and pinning the operator.

Here are a few reminders of techniques for safe operation with a walk-behind mower:

READ the owner’s manual – it contains information about your specific mower.
Wear proper clothing-close fitting clothes and shoes with toes and traction soles (preferably leather).
Eye protection is always recommended.
Ear protection will reduce the level of noise heard.
Clear the area to be mowed of debris that may be thrown – the same updraft that helps raise the grass for better mowing also helps to pick up objects.
Keep children and other bystanders away from the mowing area.
Mow in a FORWARD direction – more difficult at times but safer.
When mowing on a slope mow ACROSS the slope with a walk-behind mower – this keeps a better distance between you and mower in case of a slip.
Wait till the grass is dry before mowing – very difficult to do in years such as this. When the grass is growing rapidly, there is typically more grass left from the previous cutting. This retains moisture and causes slips. This is in addition to the lack of traction normally available on wet grass.
ALWAYS shut off the mower before adjusting or clearing clogs.
Allow the mower to cool before refueling. Use only approved safety containers to store fuel.

The other considerations that need to be followed with riding mowers, in addition to the above, are:

NEVER carry passengers.
Remove the ignition key after each use.
Use age 10 as a guideline to allow youth to operate riding mowers. It is not until this age that many youths have developed the cognitive and motor abilities needed for safe operation. Even at this age, adult supervision is a necessity. The experience gained by safely and successfully operating a riding lawn mower can provide a solid base for operating larger equipment and vehicles in the future.
Use a 15% slope as the maximum to attempt to mow. For a man of 5’8″, this would translate conservatively into three average steps and the height of the knee. If after taking three steps, you have risen more than the height of your knee, the slope is too steep.
Keep all safety devices, switches, guards, and shields in place and working.
Before dismounting, shut off the engine and allow attachments to stop moving.

Addtional information and media:

Riding Mower Operator Safety – The Toro Company

Riding Mower Rescue – Rescue 911

WARNING: The following video depicts the true story a child becoming injured from falling in the path of a riding mower. Due to the nature of this video, Viewer Discretion is Advised.