Monday, January 29, 2018

EPCRA Notice of Publication

EPCRA Notice of Publication
PUBLIC NOTICE
ACCESSIBILITYOF SARA TITLE III HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE INFORMATION
Section 324 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act, also known as SARA Title III (Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, PL99-499) requires public notice at least once annually informing the public of the means to access information about extremely hazardous substances that are manufactured, stored, and used within their community. Follow-up emergency notices may subsequently be issued.
Accordingly, information concerning LEPC meetings, SARA Title III hazardous materials planning which is included in our Scott County Emergency Operations Response Plan, materials safety data sheets (MSDS), hazardous chemical inventory forms, listing extremely hazardous substances manufactured, stored, or used within Scott County can be obtained during normal business hours by contacting Scott County Emergency Management at 620-874-8547.

More information regarding our Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) can be found under the LEPC tab at the top of this site.  

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Wildfire Awareness Week - Part Three

Wildfires won't stop at the fence line, your property line, or maybe even at the edge of town. If your property is adjacent to crops or grasslands there are some things you can do to mitigate the hazard:

  • Ensure trees are cut back away from structures and fuel/propane tanks
  • Clear gutters and eaves of flammable materials such as leaves, pine needles, etc.
  • Park farm equipment a distance away from fence lines, and ensure the grass and weeds are mowed to a short length
  • Prune trees up to 6-10 feet off the ground, or 1/3 the height of smaller trees
  • Remove flammable materials from under decks and porches
  • Dispose of heavy accumulations of ground litter or debris, including old wooden fence posts, pallets, tree limbs, etc.



Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Wildfire Awareness Week - Part Two

While one of today's topics for Wildfire Safety Awareness Week deals with baler fires, many of the tips in the image below apply to all harvest seasons.  The cleaner and well-maintained our equipment is the less likely we are to start a fire and destroy our investments. 

Additionally, every year, sparks from grinding, welding, cutting cause wildfires across Kansas.  Such activities should only take place in areas clear from combustible debris, and with the proper fire suppression readily available at the site of work.

Take the time to protect your agricultural investments and those of your neighbors.




1/24/18 - Red Flag Warning Issued For Thursday

UPDATE: The Red Flag Warning for our area has been extended until 8:00pm this evening.

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for Thursday afternoon from 12:00pm-6:00pm.  Temperatures into the 60's, low humidity down into the lower teens, and strong southwest winds with gusts up to 45mph.

If a fire should ignite, it would potentially spread rapidly.  Avoid outdoor burning, avoid driving over dry grass, and use caution with cigarettes.  If a fire starts report it immediately by calling 911.

(Click the image to enlarge)






Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Wildfire Awareness Week - Part One

The week of January 21st through the 29th is designated as Wildfire Awareness Week in Kansas, and sponsored by the Kansas Interagency Wildfire Council.

When it comes to wildfires we often think of forested areas in states like California, Colorado, or Montana.  The truth is wildfires can be one of our top hazards, and recent years have proven this right here in Kansas where hundreds of thousands of acres have burned in our state.

We all play a part.  Whether it is preventative actions, being the first to report a new fire start, the response by our local firefighters and farmers, mitigating our properties to prevent the encroachment and damage of fire, or the recovery afterwards, we all play a role in protecting our community.

To learn more about how you can prevent wildfires, visit http://www.kansasforests.org/fire_management/fireprevention.html



Sunday, January 21, 2018

1/21/18 - USD 466 CLOSED, Winter Weather Advisory Extended

All USD 466 Scott County schools will be closed on Monday, January 22, 2018 due to inclement weather.

The Winter Weather Advisory has been extended until 12:00pm on Monday.  Travel conditions are worsening across the county and the region.  Travel only if necessary, and if you do, be sure to have a fully charged phone, a full tank of gas, and an appropriate car kit that includes additional winter clothing.  If you are stranded the best option is to stay with your vehicle and await assistance.

(Click to enlarge the image)


1/21/18 - Winter Weather Advisory

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from this evening through Monday morning.  Below are images furnished by the NWS Dodge City office depicting their latest forecast thoughts.  Snow and blowing snow due to strong winds will be the main impacts in our area.  However, areas to our west and north are under a Blizzard Warning.

If you MUST travel this evening or overnight:

  • Know the road conditions before you go - www.kandrive.org
  • Be prepared for possible road closures, especially areas near and north of I-70
  • Ensure your car kit is up to date, including extra winter clothing
  • Fill it up! Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel to not only make your destination, but also to run your car for heat if you become stranded
(Click to enlarge images)


Saturday, January 20, 2018

1/20/18 - Winter Weather Advisory Issued

A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued from 6:00am Sunday through 6:00am Monday. Rain, sleet, and snow, along with strong winds, will likely impact travel. If you have travel plans during the period be sure to check www.kandrive.org before heading out.

(Click image to enlarge)

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

1/16/18 - Influenza Activity On The Rise

Influenza activity continues to be on the rise across the country, Kansas, and several cases have been reported locally in Scott County as well.  With this in mind, it is important that we understand steps we can take to protect ourselves and our families.

If the flu vaccine is a preventative method you would like to take advantage of, the Scott County Health Department still has vaccines available.  Contact them at (620) 872-5774 for more information.

Information below is courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/consumer/prevention.htm)

Take time to get a flu vaccine.

  • CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses.
  • While there are many different flu viruses, a flu vaccine protects against the viruses that research suggests will be most common. (See Vaccine Virus Selection for this season’s vaccine composition.)
  • Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations.
  • Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year before flu activity begins in their community. CDC recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October, if possible.  Learn more about vaccine timing.
  • CDC recommends use of injectable influenza vaccines (including inactivated influenza vaccines and recombinant influenza vaccines) during 2017-2018. The nasal spray flu vaccine (live attenuated influenza vaccine or LAIV) should not be used during 2017-2018.
  • Vaccination of high risk persons is especially important to decrease their risk of severe flu illness.
  • People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older.
  • Vaccination also is important for health care workers, and other people who live with or care for high risk people to keep from spreading flu to them.
  • Children younger than 6 months are at high risk of serious flu illness, but are too young to be vaccinated. People who care for infants should be vaccinated instead.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs.

  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
  • If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.

Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

  • If you get the flu, antiviral drugs can be used to treat your illness.
  • Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics. They are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) and are not available over-the-counter.
  • Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For people with high-risk factors, treatment with an antiviral drug can mean the difference between having a milder illness versus a very serious illness that could result in a hospital stay.
  • Studies show that flu antiviral drugs work best for treatment when they are started within 2 days of getting sick, but starting them later can still be helpful, especially if the sick person has a high-risk health condition or is very sick from the flu. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking this drug.
  • Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

Sunday, January 14, 2018

1/14/18 - Wind Chill Advisory Issued

A Wind Chill Advisory has been issued from 9pm Monday until 10am Tuesday. Wind chill values may reach as low as -15 to -20F.

Frostbite and/or hypothermia can occur in as little as 30 minutes. Limit time outdoors and avoid exposing bare skin during the period.

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

1/10/18 - High Wind Warning Issued

A High Wind Warning has been issued until noon on Thursday. Winds will be 25-40mph, gusting to 60mph during the period. Blowing dust and snow will be the main impacts. Use caution, and drive safely, especially with high profile vehicles.


1/10/18 - Winter Storm Still On Its Way

Don't let today's warmth fool you, our winter storm is still on its way.  Following an earlier conference call with NWS Dodge City, below is an image depicting their current thinking.

The cold front should arrive around 10pm, strong winds will kick up just ahead of its arrival, and snow should begin around midnight.  Even with minor accumulations the strong and gusty winds will likely cause some visibility issues during the overnight and early morning hours.

As a reminder, there is a Winter Weather Advisory in effect from late tonight through 8:00am Thursday. 

(Click to enlarge the image)


Tuesday, January 9, 2018

1/9/18 - Winter Weather Advisory Issued Wednesday Night Into Thursday

The National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for our area from late Wednesday night until 8:00am on Thursday. Strong winds and snow may cause travel impacts during the period.

If you have travel plans overnight Wednesday into the early hours of Thursday be sure to give yourself extra time, and check road conditions at www.kandrive.org before leaving.

Stay tuned in to the latest forecast details by visiting www.weather.gov/ddc, or if you will be traveling north visit www.weather.gov/gld


Monday, January 8, 2018

1/8/18 - Winter Storm To Impact Area Mid-Week

A winter storm is on track to impact our area mid-week.  However, the exact timing and track of the storm will have a significant influence on whether or not one of the impacts to Scott County will include accumulating snowfall.  What IS known, is that the incoming storm will bring strong and gusty winds to the area on Wednesday and Thursday.

As with any winter storm, stay tuned in to local forecasts for the latest information and details as this information can change.

Images below are courtesy of NWS Dodge City (click to enlarge):