Active Shooter Readiness
Active shooting incidents, seem to be happening all over the place. Large cities, small towns, schools, movie houses, workplace, almost everywhere. We must become aware of how to deal with an active shooter situation. Welcome to life in the 21st century.
When faced with an Active Shooter situation, you have one of three things you must remember Run - Hide - Fight.
Disclaimer: this information is advisory in nature and is not intended to identify all scenarios or situations a person might encounter. Following these guidelines will not guarantee your safety. Use common sense in all situations.
Flood Awareness
Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. As much as 90 percent of the damage related to all natural disasters (not to include droughts) is caused by floods and associated debris flows. On average Floods cause $3.7 billion dollars' worth of damage and kill 110 people per year. The number one reason is due to flash floods.
A simple definition of flooding is water where it is not wanted. Another, more comprehensive definition of a flood is: A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from overflow of inland or tidal waters from the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.
Portable Generator Safety
Portable Generators
Portable generators are useful when temporary or remote electric power is needed, but they also can be hazardous. The primary hazards to avoid when using a generator are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution, and fire. Every year, people die in incidents related to portable generator use.
Thunderstorm and Lighting Safety
All thunderstorms are dangerous. Every thunderstorm produces lightning. While lightning fatalities have decreased over the past 30 years, lightning continues to be one of the top three storm-related killers in the United States. In 2010 there were 29 fatalities and 182 injuries from lightning. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms.
Other associated dangers of thunderstorms include tornadoes, strong winds, hail and flash flooding. Flash flooding is responsible for more fatalities – more than 140 annually – than any other thunderstorm-associated hazard. Dry thunderstorms that do not produce rain that reaches the ground are most prevalent in the western United States. Falling raindrops evaporate, but lightning can still reach the ground and can start wildfires.