SWOARC is on standby to assist other chapters in Central Oklahoma
with response to the wildfires that occurred yesterday (Thurs 4/9/09).
Fires destroyed many acres of grassland, homes, outbuildings, vehicles,
and anything else in the its path.
Just east of the Dryline in far Eastern Oklahoma, a few tornado's were
experienced. I have not seen or heard any damage reports from the
tornado's in Oklahoma as of yet. I have seen and heard a little from
Mena Arkansas.
News Media is reporting this morning at 7:30 that all fires are out.
Many people in the Midwest City and Chotaw area lost homes.
Several structures we damaged or lost in Stephens Co as well.
Southwest Oklahoma Chapter remains on standby to assist should the
need arise.
For more information, call John at the chapter office 482-5303.
To help those affected by the wildfires, Red Cross needs your help. Make a
donation to the local disaster relief fund at http://www.swoarc.org/helpnow/index.htm
Friday, April 10, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Extreme Wildfire Danger
Click on article name to see lastest info from National Weather Service.
The National Weather Service in Norman has issued a Red Flag Warning for most of
Southwest Oklahoma and North Texas.
A Red Flag Warning means that extreme wildfire conditions with strong winds,
low humidities, and warm temps will make it extremely difficult to extinguish or
gain control of a wild fire.
Please use extreme caution outdoors today and remain aware of possible
fire warnings. Follow Altus Emergency Management at www.twitter.com/altusem
or www.altusem.us for the latest and up to date info.
For more information about wildfire preparedness call the Southwest Oklahoma Chapter
at 482-5303 or come by to see us at 905 N. Willard Street, Altus, OK or visit the web site
below.
http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.86f46a12f382290517a8f210b80f78a0/?vgnextoid=3bade6fd784ea110VgnVCM10000030f3870aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default
The National Weather Service in Norman has issued a Red Flag Warning for most of
Southwest Oklahoma and North Texas.
A Red Flag Warning means that extreme wildfire conditions with strong winds,
low humidities, and warm temps will make it extremely difficult to extinguish or
gain control of a wild fire.
Please use extreme caution outdoors today and remain aware of possible
fire warnings. Follow Altus Emergency Management at www.twitter.com/altusem
or www.altusem.us for the latest and up to date info.
For more information about wildfire preparedness call the Southwest Oklahoma Chapter
at 482-5303 or come by to see us at 905 N. Willard Street, Altus, OK or visit the web site
below.
http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.86f46a12f382290517a8f210b80f78a0/?vgnextoid=3bade6fd784ea110VgnVCM10000030f3870aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default
Monday, April 6, 2009
Wheeler, Texas Wildfire
Large wildfires were reported over the weekend. The closest to us was at
Wheeler, Texas (called the Magic City Fire TX-TXS-990075) which burned about
15,000 acres since Saturday.
8 Homes and 26 outbuildings burned, and an unknown number of cattle
have died. 2 firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation.
Communications was hampered by the power outages in the area. Landlines
and Cellular phones were not working. Radio communications and Satellite was
about the only way to pass a message.
Texas Forest Service advised that over 40 Fire Departments had responded to the
Fire by Saturday evening. Air support was unavailable until late in the evening due to
the winds. 2 large air tankers and 2 SEATs were able to assist late in the evening.
The Nursing Home and Hospital were evacuated to Shamrock, Canadian, and Elk City.
Residents were asked to evacuate to Elk City as Well. I talked to Patty at
Western Oklahoma Capter late in the evening and she advised that 80 people
had signed into the shelter at Elk City and the Baptist Church was preparing
meals.
The evacuation order was lifted Saturday evening and residents were allowed to return
home. Texas Forest Service also advised that the Highways in the area had been reopened.
With the evacuation order lifted, everyone left, and Patty was able to close shelter operations.
On Sunday, the fire continued to burn, but electric crews were able to restore power
to the town of Wheeler around 1:30 PM. No new loss of structures or injuries reported.
As of about 10 PM Sunday night, the fire continued to burn.
Wheeler, Texas (called the Magic City Fire TX-TXS-990075) which burned about
15,000 acres since Saturday.
8 Homes and 26 outbuildings burned, and an unknown number of cattle
have died. 2 firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation.
Communications was hampered by the power outages in the area. Landlines
and Cellular phones were not working. Radio communications and Satellite was
about the only way to pass a message.
Texas Forest Service advised that over 40 Fire Departments had responded to the
Fire by Saturday evening. Air support was unavailable until late in the evening due to
the winds. 2 large air tankers and 2 SEATs were able to assist late in the evening.
The Nursing Home and Hospital were evacuated to Shamrock, Canadian, and Elk City.
Residents were asked to evacuate to Elk City as Well. I talked to Patty at
Western Oklahoma Capter late in the evening and she advised that 80 people
had signed into the shelter at Elk City and the Baptist Church was preparing
meals.
The evacuation order was lifted Saturday evening and residents were allowed to return
home. Texas Forest Service also advised that the Highways in the area had been reopened.
With the evacuation order lifted, everyone left, and Patty was able to close shelter operations.
On Sunday, the fire continued to burn, but electric crews were able to restore power
to the town of Wheeler around 1:30 PM. No new loss of structures or injuries reported.
As of about 10 PM Sunday night, the fire continued to burn.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Prepare for Disasters
With wildfire season here, and spring storm season around the corner, its time to check and exercise your disaster plans for your family.
Are you ready ???
Prepare for Events
Hurricanes, earthquakes, forest fires – make sure you and your family are prepared when disaster strikes your area. Find out what disasters occur in your geographic area and make sure that you have the appropriate supplies and information.
http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d8aaecf214c576bf971e4cfe43181aa0/?vgnextoid=92d51a53f1c37110VgnVCM1000003481a10aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default
Get a kit. Make a Plan. Be prepared.
The Federal Government recommends that each person should be self sufficient for 72 hours
or longer after a disaster strikes. This gives local, state, and federal resources time to get into the area. Your kit should contain items for personal hygeine, food, water, medicines, important documents, money (cash), and others to help you make it through the 72 hours.
Volunteer
Contact your local red Cross and volunteer. We have opportunities to fit whatever skills you may have, and whatever shedule you may need. Call the Southwest Oklahoma Chapter at 482-5303.
Donate
Disaster Response and recovery takes a lot of resources. Many agencies are usually involved in the long term recovery. The American Red Cross is usually the only agency that helps with immediate needs, such as food, clothing, shelter. These immediate needs are met by donations from people like you. Please donate to the Local Chapter Disaster Releif Fund. This fund is used for local disasters like a single family house fire. For more information about this type of donation visit www.swoarc.org or http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main&s_subsrc=RCO_RedTab&s_src=DRF Sometimes help can't wait.
Be READY!
Listen to the latest news and information from loacal media, and local officials. Altus Emergency Management has a blog with a wealth of information at www.altusem.us You can also follow
Altus EM at www.twitter.com/altusem for up to the minute information.
For more information contact the Southwest Oklahoma Chapter of the American Red Cross at 482-5303 or come by 905 N. Willard, Altus, OK 73521 or visit us on the web at www.swoarc.org
For information about Altus Emergency Management, go to www.altusem.us or call 482-8333
Are you ready ???
Prepare for Events
Hurricanes, earthquakes, forest fires – make sure you and your family are prepared when disaster strikes your area. Find out what disasters occur in your geographic area and make sure that you have the appropriate supplies and information.
http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d8aaecf214c576bf971e4cfe43181aa0/?vgnextoid=92d51a53f1c37110VgnVCM1000003481a10aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default
Get a kit. Make a Plan. Be prepared.
The Federal Government recommends that each person should be self sufficient for 72 hours
or longer after a disaster strikes. This gives local, state, and federal resources time to get into the area. Your kit should contain items for personal hygeine, food, water, medicines, important documents, money (cash), and others to help you make it through the 72 hours.
Volunteer
Contact your local red Cross and volunteer. We have opportunities to fit whatever skills you may have, and whatever shedule you may need. Call the Southwest Oklahoma Chapter at 482-5303.
Donate
Disaster Response and recovery takes a lot of resources. Many agencies are usually involved in the long term recovery. The American Red Cross is usually the only agency that helps with immediate needs, such as food, clothing, shelter. These immediate needs are met by donations from people like you. Please donate to the Local Chapter Disaster Releif Fund. This fund is used for local disasters like a single family house fire. For more information about this type of donation visit www.swoarc.org or http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main&s_subsrc=RCO_RedTab&s_src=DRF Sometimes help can't wait.
Be READY!
Listen to the latest news and information from loacal media, and local officials. Altus Emergency Management has a blog with a wealth of information at www.altusem.us You can also follow
Altus EM at www.twitter.com/altusem for up to the minute information.
For more information contact the Southwest Oklahoma Chapter of the American Red Cross at 482-5303 or come by 905 N. Willard, Altus, OK 73521 or visit us on the web at www.swoarc.org
For information about Altus Emergency Management, go to www.altusem.us or call 482-8333
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Fire Ant Quarantine
Click on article name to go to Tulsa World Article.
A new article in the Tulsa World shows 12 more counties have been added to the original 9 counties under a quarantine due to Fire Ants.
The quarantine includes soil, plants with soil attached, grass sod, used soil moving equipment, hay and straw.
Jackson, Tilman, and Comanche counties are included in the quarantine in this area.
Click on the article name above to read more.
A new article in the Tulsa World shows 12 more counties have been added to the original 9 counties under a quarantine due to Fire Ants.
The quarantine includes soil, plants with soil attached, grass sod, used soil moving equipment, hay and straw.
Jackson, Tilman, and Comanche counties are included in the quarantine in this area.
Click on the article name above to read more.
Preparing for a House Fire
Click on article name to go to the Red Cross Web Site for more info.
Make Your Home "Fire Safe"
Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home.
If people sleep with doors closed, install smoke alarms inside sleeping areas, too.
Use the test button to check each smoke alarm once a month. When necessary, replace batteries immediately. Replace all batteries once a year.
Vacuum away cobwebs and dust from your smoke alarms monthly.
Smoke alarms become less sensitive over time. Replace your smoke alarms every ten years.
Consider having one or more working fire extinguishers in your home. Get training from the fire department in how to use them.
Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home.
Plan Your Escape Routes
Determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home.
Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Learn how to use them and store them near the window.
Select a location outside your home where everyone would meet after escaping.
Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
Escape Safely
Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor's home.
If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit.
If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is warm, use your second way out.
If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are.
Contact your Local Red Cross Chapter for more information on home fire prevention and safety.
www.swoarc.org 482-5303 905 N. Willard, Altus, OK 73521
Make Your Home "Fire Safe"
Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home.
If people sleep with doors closed, install smoke alarms inside sleeping areas, too.
Use the test button to check each smoke alarm once a month. When necessary, replace batteries immediately. Replace all batteries once a year.
Vacuum away cobwebs and dust from your smoke alarms monthly.
Smoke alarms become less sensitive over time. Replace your smoke alarms every ten years.
Consider having one or more working fire extinguishers in your home. Get training from the fire department in how to use them.
Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home.
Plan Your Escape Routes
Determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home.
Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Learn how to use them and store them near the window.
Select a location outside your home where everyone would meet after escaping.
Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
Escape Safely
Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor's home.
If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit.
If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is warm, use your second way out.
If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are.
Contact your Local Red Cross Chapter for more information on home fire prevention and safety.
www.swoarc.org 482-5303 905 N. Willard, Altus, OK 73521
Friday, March 27, 2009
Plan and Prepare
Winter Weather is not done with us yet. Blizzard type conditions are being expierenced
in the Panhandles of Oklahoma and Texas, and Southeast Colorado, and Eastern
New Mexico.
ARE YOU READY ???
Make a plan, get a kit, be prepared.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, it is each
persons responsibility to plan for local emergencies and disasters.
Make a plan.... There are several websites, brochures, and books available to help
a person or family prepare a plan.
Get a Kit........ There are several websites, brochures, and books available to help
a person or family prepare and aquire items for a 72 hour kit.
The kit should contain items needed for each person in the
household to survive 72 hours without assistance.
Be Prepared..... Listen to the local media and follow the advise and requests of
Local Officials.
In Altus, follow Altus EM of twitter at www.twitter.com/altusem
or their blog at www.altusem.us for up to date information.
For more information about Winter Storms go to www.swoarc.org or call the Chapter
Office at 482-5303, or come by the Office at 905 N. Willard, Altus, OK.
in the Panhandles of Oklahoma and Texas, and Southeast Colorado, and Eastern
New Mexico.
ARE YOU READY ???
Make a plan, get a kit, be prepared.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, it is each
persons responsibility to plan for local emergencies and disasters.
Make a plan.... There are several websites, brochures, and books available to help
a person or family prepare a plan.
Get a Kit........ There are several websites, brochures, and books available to help
a person or family prepare and aquire items for a 72 hour kit.
The kit should contain items needed for each person in the
household to survive 72 hours without assistance.
Be Prepared..... Listen to the local media and follow the advise and requests of
Local Officials.
In Altus, follow Altus EM of twitter at www.twitter.com/altusem
or their blog at www.altusem.us for up to date information.
For more information about Winter Storms go to www.swoarc.org or call the Chapter
Office at 482-5303, or come by the Office at 905 N. Willard, Altus, OK.
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