PanhandleARES.org

The Amarillo/Potter/Randall Office of Emergency Management would like to invite you to come and learn how to best prepare you, your family, and your property against disasters. Over the next couple of weeks, there will be two opportunities to gather disaster and fire preparedness materials at the designated United Supermarkets below.

Saturday, March 10 – Disaster Preparedness and Fire Safety Information (1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the United Supermarket at 3400 River Road, Amarillo, TX)

Saturday, March 17 – Disaster Preparedness and Fire Sagety Information (1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the United supermarket at 4701 S. Washington, Amarillo, TX)

Information from participating organizations will include:

• Warning systems – making sure you have multiple avenues to get notified
• NOAA All Hazards Radio – ensuring your radio is programmed with the Potter or Randall code so that you get alerted
• Volunteering – opportunities available
• Ready, Set, Go! Fire book – preparing your family and home for wildfire threats
• Disaster Recovery – steps you should take following a disaster
• Business Continuity – planning and prepping your business for a disaster

More information can be found at http://oem.amarillo.gov

Hope to see you there

With winter weather in the forecast, it seems as though this would be a good time for a reminder of a few simple safety tips that could save a life. Dress for the Season Wear loose, lightweight, warm clothes in layers. Trapped air insulates. Remove layers to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded. Wear a hat. Half your body heat loss can be from the head. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold. Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves. Try to stay dry.

In Vehicles:

Plan your travel and check the latest weather reports to avoid the storm! Fully check and winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins.

Road Conditions Hotlines:

For Current Weather Conditions and Forecast: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ama/

Carry a Winter Storm Survival Kit:

• Mobile phone, charger, batteries
• Blankets/sleeping bags
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Knife
• High-calorie, non-perishable food
• Extra clothing to keep dry
• Large empty can to use as emergency toilet. Tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes
• Small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water
• Sack of sand or cat litter for traction
• Shovel
• Windshield scraper and brush
• Tool kit
• Tow rope
• Battery booster cables
• Water container
• Compass and road maps.
• 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.

At Home and Work

Primary concerns are loss of heat, power and telephone service and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day.

Have available:

• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Battery-powered NOAA Weather
• Radio and portable radio to receive emergency information. These may be your only links to the outside.
• Extra food and water. Have high energy food, such as dried fruit, nuts and granola bars, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration.
• Extra medicine and baby items.
• First-aid supplies.
• Heating fuel. Refuel before you are empty. Fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a winter storm.
• Emergency heat source: fireplace, wood stove, space heater. Use properly to prevent a fire. Ventilate properly.
• Fire extinguisher, smoke alarm. Test smoke alarms once a month to ensure they work properly.
• Make sure pets have plenty of food, water and shelter.

On the Farm/Pets

• Move animals to sheltered areas.
• Shelter belts, properly laid out and oriented, are better protection for cattle than confining shelters, such
  as sheds.
• Haul extra feed to nearby feeding areas.
• Have water available. Most animals die from dehydration in winter storms.
• Make sure pets have plenty of food, water and shelter.

For more information, please visit http://www.srh.noaa.gov/images/ama/prepared/winterstorm.pdf