Happy New Year!

The Pantex Area Emergency Preparedness Calendar is developed every year to provide safety information to those who live or work within a ten mile Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) around the Pantex Plant. Whether a hazardous materials release or a radiological emergency at the Pantex Plant, or tornadoes, winter storms, or wildfires, the calendar provides a basis for citizens to become better prepared. Click on the picture to download and print a copy of the 2012 calendar. And from the Amarillo / Potter / Randall Office of Emergency Management, Happy New Year and here’s to a happy and safe 2012!

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Texas Winter Weather Preparedness Day 11/10/11

Today is Winter Weather Preparedness Day. Yep it will be in the 70s this weekend but as we all know, our weather in the Texas Panhandle is constantly changing. Take the time today to prepare and get your home and vehicle ready for winter weather. Check out our OEM Winter Weather Preparedness sheet here for more information.  Things to Conisder:

• Winter Storm Disaster Kits - Check up on your supplies and don't forget to put one in your car as well.
• Frozen pipes - Take 5 minutes to wrap exposed pipes with insolation tape. Fill tubs or bathtub size bladders with water before a storm in case power goes out or you don't have running water.
• Power outages - Keep LED flashlights on hand. They use much less battery. Plus if you have solar powered lights outside, bring them in at night for additional lighting. An inverter for your car will also let you plug into your car for electricity. Make sure your car is out of the garage.
• You can check up on the latest updates on winter weather through our local NWS office. Stay tuned to your NOAA Weather Radio. You can listen online at the link to the right on our website or tune in to 1610AM around Amarillo. You can also call the Amarillo NWS office at 806-335-1121.
• Wondering if you should venture out? Check out the TXDOT Road Conditions first. You can also call TXDOT at 1-800-452-9292.

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Nationwide EAS Test Coming – Nov. 9, 2011 at 1PM

The first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, or EAS, will take place at 1:00 p.m. (Central Standard Time) on November 9, 2011. The purpose of the test is to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the system in alerting the public. Although local and state components of the EAS are tested on a weekly and monthly basis, there has never been an end-to-end nationwide test of the system. The test will last approximately 30-45 seconds (FCC changed this from the initial 3 minute test period on 11/4/2011). 

• What should you expect from the National EAS test? – Click here for a summary sheet
• Informational Video (English voice and text/ASL) – http://deaflink.com/video/eas/l_eng.html
• Informational Video (Spanish voice and text/ASL) – http://deaflink.com/video/eas/l_span.html

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Winter Weather Preparedness Tips

It’s that time again, cold weather and possible snow! Be sure and take protective measures against the cold. Read below for some winter weather tips or check out our Winter Weather Preparedness page.

• Wear loose, lightweight, warm clothes in layers since trapped air insulates.
• Wear a hat. Half of you body heat loss can be from the head.
• Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
• Avoid traveling alone. Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate routes. Pack a winter survival kit for your car in case you become stranded.
• Plan your travel and check the latest weather reports to avoid the storm.
• Check your emergency supplies.
• If you have pets, bring them indoors.
• Avoid exertion, cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart. If you do have to do heavy outdoor chores, dress warmly and work slowly.

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National Preparedness Month

September 2011

Our Office will be taking part as a coalition member in National Preparedness Month. Led by FEMA’s Ready Campaign, the campaign is a nationwide effort encouraging individuals, families, businesses and communities to work together and take action to prepare for emergencies. National Preparedness Month is supported by a coalition of public, private and non-profit organizations that help spread the preparedness message. At home, at work, or at school, the Amarillo/Potter/Randall Office of Emergency Management encourages everyone to share preparedness information with their families, customers, employees, and neighbors. Check back on this page for daily tips on little things you and your family can do to be prepared next time disaster hits.

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Parents, Schools, Daycares, and Emergency Preparedness

With the new school year ahead, the focus of this month's topic is geared towards being informed of school/daycare emergency plans and preparing your children should disaster strike while they are in school.  Depending on the type of emergency, it may not be safe to pick up your child from school.  Know your child's school/daycare emergency plan for different situations.  Below are some things to consider.

Questions to Ask Your School/Daycare:

• How will parents be notified of an emergency sitatuion?
• What is the process of evacuation?
• Does the school/daycare have an emergency e-mail notification system, phone hotline, social media applications, etc..?
• How will the school/daycare release students in the event of an emergency?
• What will happen if the school/daycare experiences:  a shelter-in-place situation, facility evacuation, lock down, power outage, hazmat emergency, water outage, bomb threat, or missing child situation.
• What resources does the school/daycare have to care for children during a crisis?

What Can You Do?

• Make sure the school/daycare has current contact information (work, cell, home, email) for you and that they know the best way to reach you or other people authorized to pick up your child in case you can't get there.
• Discuss with your children that if an emergency happens while they are at school/daycare that it is important for them to stay calm and listen to their teachers.
• Even though schools may have emergency plans, it makes sense for each household to create their own family-specific emergency plan and include details for communications, meeting places, and having backup copies of important documents and contact information.

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Avoid the Dangers of the Dog Days of Summer

So how hot has it been?  Amarillo has officially hit 23 days of days with temperatures over 100 degrees.  This makes us only 3 days shy of the record of 26 days set back in 1953.  Will we break it?  Well, we are right on track to doing so and with the ridge building in and a couple of more months of summer ahead, we just as might will.  We continue to be the driest start to the year on record since 1892, breaking the 2.88 inches record of 1953. Normal precipitation is 19.71 inches for the year.  Since we keep breaking 1953 records, let's look at how 1953 ended.  The year ended with 13.05 inches (number 6 on the driest year) of rainfall. The year received most of its rainfall in August (2.0 inches) and October (4.56 inches).  Maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel afterall.

As the heat continues though, we must all be sure we take heed of the heat.  Extreme weather conditions can be dangerous to people and pets. Doing too much on a hot day, spending too much time in the sun or staying too long in an overheated place can cause heat-related illnesses. You can get through these times through some preparation and right know-how.

During Extreme Heat

• Protect windows - If you hang shades, drapges, sheets, or awnings on windows you can reduce heat from entering homes by as much as 80%
• Conserve power - During heat waves there are usually power shortages since everyone is trying to cool off, so stay indoors as much as possible
• Conserve water
• Stay Cool - If you don't have air conditioning, try to stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine and use electric fans to help keep yourself cool
• Be Careful - Never leave children or pets in vehicles on warm or hot days
• Hydrate - Drink plenty of water
• Use sunscreen - apply it at least 20 minutes before going out especcially around the face and neck areas

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