KANSANS URGED TO PREPARED FOR SIGNIFICANT ICE STORM

12/10/2007
News from The Adjutant General's Department Kansas Army National Guard Kansas Air National Guard Kansas Emergency Management Kansas Homeland Security Civil Air Patrol CONTACT: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 www.Kansas.gov/ksadjutantgeneral FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 10, 2007 No. 07-180 KANSANS URGED TO PREPARE FOR SIGNIFICANT ICE STORM Weather forecasters are predicting a powerful ice storm will hit Kansas late this afternoon (Monday, Dec. 10) and will continue through Wednesday, Dec. 12. National Weather Service is forecasting ice accumulations between a quarter inch to two inches across the state with a potential for power outages and downed trees and limbs. The Kansas Division of Emergency Management urges all Kansans to be ready for this storm by having a home emergency kit, including food, water, medications, extra clothing, flashlights and batteries, a battery-operated NOAA weather radio and other necessities. "Kansans have seen plenty of challenging weather conditions this year and it appears we are in for some very difficult hours ahead," said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, director of Kansas Division of Emergency Management and the adjutant general of Kansas. "We are monitoring this storm closely and getting regular updates from meteorologists at the National Weather Service. We're making contact with county emergency managers around the state and we've put our public safety team, which includes the Kansas National Guard, on alert that their services may be needed to help Kansans with critical response assistance for hard hit areas. "With potential power outages, it's critical everyone has an emergency kit in their home," Bunting aid. "You may not be able to travel to a store and you may be without water or heat for several days, so having what you need in advance could be the difference between life and death." Ice Storm Safety After an ice storm you may not have either natural gas or electric heat for your home, you can keep warm by closing off rooms you don't need and use only safe sources of heat, like wood and other fuel-burning stoves. Other guidelines to follow are: * Stay inside. * If you do not have heat inside, close off unneeded rooms, stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors, and cover the windows at night. * When using an alternate heat source, such as a fireplace, wood stove, or a space heater, practice fire safeguards and properly ventilate. Before you start a fire in a wood burning stove or fireplace make sure there are not obvious cracks in the flue and the chimney is structurally sound. It's important that your heating source has been checked. Make sure there is plenty of ventilation. Use only the fuel designed for your heater. Do not use charcoal to warm your house - the fumes may create or emit carbon monoxide. Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids to start a fire. Always keep a screen around an open flame and don't close the damper while ashes are still hot. Never use a generator in enclosed or partially-enclosed spaces. When you use a portable generator, remember that you cannot smell or see carbon monoxide. Even if you can't smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to carbon monoxide. * Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration. * Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing, and wear a cap -- most of your body heat is lost through your head. * Remove layers if needed, if you are actually overheating or perspiring, to avoid becoming chilled. * Keep ahead of the storm by listening to local radio, TV and NOAA Weather Radio, for the latest winter storm watches, warnings, and advisories. When your electricity goes off, you should keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. The refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about four hours if it is unopened. A fully loaded freezer should keep food frozen for one to two days if the door isn't opened. A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed. Be prepared for an emergency by having items on hand that don't require refrigeration and can be eaten cold or heated on the outdoor grill. Shelf-stable food, boxed or canned milk, water, and canned goods should be part of a planned emergency food supply. Make sure you have ready-to-use baby formula for infants and pet food. Remember to use these items and replace them in your emergency preparedness kit from time to time. Be sure to keep a hand-held can opener for an emergency. Do not place food from the refrigerator or freezer out in the snow. Frozen food can thaw if it is exposed to the sun's rays even when the temperature is very cold. Refrigerated food may become too warm and foodborne bacteria could grow. The outside temperature could vary hour by hour and the temperature outside will not protect refrigerated and frozen food. Additionally, perishable items could be exposed to unsanitary conditions or to animals. Animals may harbor bacteria or disease; never consume food that has come in contact with an animal. Rather than putting the food outside, consider taking advantage of the cold temperatures by making ice. Fill buckets, empty milk cartons or cans with water and leave them outside to freeze. Then put the homemade ice in your refrigerator, freezer, or coolers. Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit: * Water <http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/water.html> , one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation * Food <http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/food.html> , at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food for each person * Battery-powered or

Related Links:
Douglas County Emergency Management - http://www.douglas-county.com/depts/em/em_home.aspx

Media Contact:
Teri Smith
Emergency Management Department
785-838-2460
tsmith@douglas-county.com