Tag: public_safety

...SAFETY RULES FOR TORNADOES...

A TORNADO WATCH MEANS CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT
OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WHICH CAN PRODUCE TORNADOES IN AND CLOSE
TO THE WATCH AREA.  IF YOU ARE IN THE WATCH AREA, KEEP INFORMED OF
THE LATEST WEATHER INFORMATION.  THESE STORMS CAN DEVELOP RAPIDLY,
SO THERE MAY BE OCCASIONS WHEN ADVANCE WARNING IS NOT POSSIBLE.

A TORNADO WARNING MEANS A TORNADO HAS BEEN SPOTTED OR INDICATED BY
RADAR.  IF YOU ARE IN THE PATH OF OR NEAR THE TORNADO, TAKE
IMMEDIATE ACTION TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY.  FOLLOW THESE
SAFETY RULES:

IN OPEN COUNTRY, FIND A DITCH, CULVERT, OR OTHER LOW AREA AND LAY
DOWN FLAT.  COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS FOR PROTECTION.

IN HOMES OR SMALL BUILDINGS, GO TO THE BASEMENT OR A SMALL
INTERIOR ROOM ON THE LOWEST FLOOR, SUCH AS A HALLWAY, BATHROOM, OR
CLOSET. USE HEAVY FURNITURE FOR SHELTER OR COVER YOURSELF WITH A
MATTRESS OR BLANKET.

IN MOBILE HOMES OR VEHICLES, ABANDON THEM AND GO TO A SUBSTANTIAL
STRUCTURE OR PLACE OF SAFETY.  NEVER TRY TO OUTRUN A TORNADO IN A
VEHICLE.

IN SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, FACTORIES, OR SHOPPING CENTERS, GO TO
DESIGNATED SHELTER AREAS.  INTERIOR HALLS ON THE LOWEST LEVELS ARE
USUALLY THE BEST. STAY AWAY FROM GYMNASIUMS OR AUDITORIUMS. AVOID
ALL OUTSIDE WALLS AND WINDOWS.

THE KEY TO TORNADO SURVIVAL IS TO BE PREPARED AND TAKE IMMEDIATE
ACTION WHEN A WARNING IS ISSUED OR WHEN YOU FEEL THREATENED.
REMEMBER, THE ACTION YOU TAKE DURING A TORNADO EVENT MAY SAVE YOUR
LIFE AND THE LIVES OF THOSE YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR.

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OFFICIALS BRACE FOR POTENTIAL HAZARDOUS WINTER WEATHER

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb 4, 2014) – Kentucky Emergency Management has activated the Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center (CEOC) to Level II.

Weather forecasts for much of the Commonwealth have prompted Kentucky’s emergency management officials to hold several conference calls with the National Weather Service (NWS) and statewide emergency officials in preparation for another winter storm system approaching the state with a hazardous mix of precipitation in the forecast.

At CEOC Level II, KYEM and Kentucky National Guard personnel staff the CEOC, increasing communications and situational awareness among partners across the state.

KYEM began communications with statewide emergency partners yesterday in advance of the approaching weather system, coordinating preparations and systems and equipment tests. This weather system is expected to bring a wintry mix of snow, freezing rain and heavy rains in southern Kentucky.

Southern Indiana and part of extreme northern Kentucky can expect mostly snow with accumulations of 3 to 6 inches, while most of Kentucky’s biggest threat is ice accumulations from 0.10 to 0.33” and flash flooding due to the rain that will be in the mix. Southern and southeastern Kentucky will see little or no ice or snow, however heavy rain up to 1.75” may occur, increasing the risk of localized flash flooding and river flooding. The NWS Jackson Office has already issued a Flood Warning for the upper Kentucky River near Ravenna, KY.

The icing that will occur that will make for extremely hazardous travel and the possibility of intermittent power outages. KYEM officials and partners encourage everyone to review winter weather safety tips and heed all warnings.

During extreme weather, the best advice is to stay home, but if you must travel, take your emergency kit along (to include blankets), allow extra time, take it slow and allow plenty of space between vehicles. Do not approach down power lines; report any to your local utility provider or 911. Do not attempt to dross flooded roadways, STOP-TURN AROUND-DON’T DROWN!
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.

Kentucky Emergency Management 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.

Possess and monitor a NOAA Weather Alert Radio and monitor local broadcasts for updated
warnings and information.

Winter safety tips can be found at:
• www.kyem.ky.gov
• http://healthalerts.ky.gov/Pages/WinterSafety.aspx
• http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather
• http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/poweroutage/

Complete weather forecasts by region can be found at www.weather.gov .

Additional winter safety tips resources can be found on the KYEM website at
www.kyem.ky.gov., where you can follow KYEMPIO Twitter and ‘like’ us on Facebook.
Kentucky Emergency Management will also have live footage of briefings available at posted
times at: http://www.livestream.com/kentuckyem

*KYEM has established a dedicated media line for this event. All media inquiries should be
directed to 502-607-6666.

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

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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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 - 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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