Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Prepare Yourself for Costal Storms
Hurricane season is the time of year when hurricanes are expected to form in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It lasts from June through November, with the peak of activity from August through September.
Nor’easters are storm systems that pick up moisture as they travel up the Atlantic coast. These storms can cause heavy rain or snow, strong winds and coastal flooding. They are most common from September through April.
Preparing for a Storm:
- Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane threats.
- Hurricane Watch: Issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions in 24 to 36 hours.
- Hurricane Warning: Issued when dangerously high water and rough seas are expected in 24 hours or less.
- Plan how you will leave and where you will go if told to evacuate.
- Have a Go Bag of emergency supplies ready in case you have to evacuate.
Secure your property. - To protect your windows from high winds, cover them with pre-cut plywood or hurricane shutters.
- Bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
- Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed.
- If you have a car, fill the gas tank in case you have to evacuate.
During a Storm:
- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.
- Be alert for tornadoes and flooding.
- If you see a funnel cloud or if local authorities issue a tornado warning take shelter underground, if possible or in an interior room away from windows.
- If waters are rising quickly or local authorities issue a floor of flash flood warning, seek higher ground.
Additional Information:
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
ReadyNotifyPA Pushed by Whitemarsh Twp on Fox 29 News
ReadyNotifyPA, the region's emergency text and email alert system, was featured on Fox 29 News as Whitemarsh Township makes a push to register its residents in the system after a recent flood.
Alerts for the City of Philadelphia are also available on this system and citizens can register at ReadyNotifyPA.
Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Be Aware of the Warning Signs of Heat Stroke
Heat Stoke occurs when the body is not able to cool down. It is extremely serious and can result in death or long term disability. It causes:
- Very high body temperature (above 103F)
- Red, hot, and dry skin with no sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
People experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
For more information on staying safe this summer, download the Stay Cool Guide or visit the Extreme Heat page of the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management website.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Be Aware of the Warning Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Heat Exhaustion is a heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures or by not drinking enough fluids. It causes:- Decreased energy
- Nausea
- Faintness
- Slight loss of appetite
- Light-headedness
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Headache
- Muscle Cramps
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Protect You're Health When It's Hot
During summer months, hot weather can be hard to take. High heat can cause health problems, especially for seniors, pregnant woman, infants, and children. You also need to be careful if you:- Have a chronic medical condition
- Take certain prescription and non-prescription medications (read the labels, and talk to your doctor and pharmacist)
- Are over 50 or under 5
- Are obese
- Have had a previous heat-related illness
- Have been drinking alcohol
- Use IV drugs
- Work in a high heat environment
- Engage in strenuous physical activity
Be a Buddy
Check elderly friends and neighbors, as well as those with medical conditions. During extreme heat conditions, the Philadelphia Health Commissioner declares a heat emergency whenever the temperature and relative humidity index exceeds 105F. For further assistance, call the Heat Emergency Hotline at 215-765-9040.
For more information on staying safe this summer, download the Stay Cool Guide or visit the Extreme Heat page of the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management website.