A preparedness guide brought to you by the municipalities of Shelby County and The Commercial Appeal When Disaster Strikes Emergency preparedness can certainly influence the success in overcoming a disaster. Proper emergency planning can mean the difference between life and death and can significantly improve your comfort and ability to cope in a Electricity Safety distressed situation. In an emergency, After a major disaster, shut off the call 528-4465. electricity. Sparks from electrical switches could ignite leaking gas and cause an explosion.
Gas Safety DO NOT USE matches, lighters, or appliances, or operate light switches until you are sure there are no gas leaks. Sparks from electrical switches could ignite gas and cause an explosion.
Generator Safety Never use a generator indoors or in an enclosed area such as a garage. Generators emit toxic Resources: carbon monoxide from the engine Outage Hotline ...... 544-6500 exhaust. 24-Hour Emergency line ...... 528-4465 Customer Care Center .....544-MLGW (6549) For more safety tips, visit Start, Stop, Transfer Service ...... 820-7878 www.mlgw.com or download Claims...... 528-4621 a preparedness manual: MLGWWebsite...... www.mlgw.com www.mlgw.com/stormprep.pdf R E A DYS H E L BY.O RG The Commercial Appeal 11 3 08 06 Taking care of basics: care Taking numbers Emergency and more How to plan for winter for How to plan and driving in some conditions extreme and safety Earthquake efforts the research at the U of M risks, Flash-flood and driving prevention tips for Preparing and tornadoes weather severe in the cool Keeping plus sweltering heat, tips water-safety and Fire education tips, especially safety children for Getting involved in emergency- a local team response tips Power-outage and a Q&A with an leader crew MLGW 7 8 6 9 4 11 Cover illustration Cover Shane McDermott by Appeal The Commercial 12 13 10 What’s inside What’s along with the mayors of the mayors along with This guide is part of the overall campaign. is part of the overall This guide also available simple tips are These easy, of the campaign is goal The overarching response in an emergency or disaster. in an emergency response preparedness a 12-month In December, calendar will be distributed in the Dec. 28 Appeal. It will edition of The Commercial contain month-by-month tips on emergency to different related preparedness In addition, local and disaster situations. will begin stations and radio television tips. airing spots with these preparedness site, Web on the county’s preparedness helby.org. ReadyS for model Shelby County a role to make a community can work the country on how to say: together
Educate Shelby County residents on how to prepare for an emergency, with emergency, an for to prepare on how Shelby County residents Educate the share to sectors nonprofit faith-based and with public, private, Partner This month, a cohesive, coordinated public awareness and education campaign and education awareness public coordinated This month, a cohesive, Their objective is to protect and equip the residents for emergency situations emergency for and equip the residents is to protect Their objective to signed a proclamation and jointly in March came together The mayors THE MAYORS OF MEMPHIS AND SHELBY COUNTY, COUNTY, AND SHELBY OF MEMPHIS THE MAYORS The goal of the campaign is to provide a of the campaign is to provide The goal step is the first guide This preparedness major the five examines The guide with Memphis Light, Gas talked We highlight And we and natural disasters. and natural goals: to accomplish the following collaboratively work the county’s other municipalities, have identified emergency preparedness as a as preparedness identified emergency have the county’s other municipalities, and constituencies. communities their respective for critical focus specific attention given to the first 72 hours after an emergency. 72 hours to the first given specific attention Shelby County with preparedness importance of emergency and overall precepts re s i d e n t s . will launch. on preparedness rallying cry to inspire individuals to take individuals cry to inspire rallying being simple steps toward positive, campaign This countywide prepared. can do to quick tips individuals provides their homes, themselves, prepare better and workplaces their families, their cars, all kinds of emergencies. pets for even for preparedness of better the goal toward of Shelby County. all residents affect Shelby County that disasters natural and the Mid-South (winter storms, and heat tornados, flooding, severe tips offering preparedness earthquakes), safety tips for as fire as well each event for and families. children leader Division crew and Water about his Earnest Holliday in the field experiences during power-restoration and offer tips on efforts to do when the what out.lights go Hoover’s writer Sara in a two-dayexperience Community Emergency where course, Team Response out a she learned tips on putting to aid and other skills related first fire,
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS EMERGENCY Do n ’t flirt with disaster with ’t flirt n Do 06 08 11
4 The Commercial Appeal R E A DYS H E L BY.O RG wide varietyofnonemergency situations. how tocontact resources tohelpyouwitha tn511.com. Also,dial211for information on conditions inthearea, call 511orgo onlineto For information onroadandtraffic Poison Center: MLGW helpdesk: Department: Memphis andShelby CountyHealth Center: Shelby County,Mayor’s Assistance Center: City ofMemphis,Mayor’s Assistance Management Agency: Memphis/Shelby CountyEmergency -7 3 379 13 District 11HomelandSecurity Office: Shelby CountySheriff: Shelby CountyFire: Millington Police: Memphis Police: Memphis Fire: Germantown Police: Collierville Police: Bartlett Police: Assistance numbers For yourkit… diapers andimportantdocuments. batteries andafirstaidkit. radio, aflashlightwithextra battery-powered orhand-crank and nonperishablefood, a 4 5 5 3 2 1 545-4584 576 -650 supply kit. your family’s emergency extra waterfor each petin Have plentyofpetfood and if youhadtoevacuate. that wouldbeeasy tograb container atyouroffice Have anemergency kitina jumper cables. aid supplies, flares and contains food, water,first kitinyourcar that Keep a eyeglasses, infant formula, prescription medication, emergency kitinclude Additional itemsfor your per family memberperday) supply ofwater(one gallon containing athree-day Assemble anemergency kit do togetready easy thingsyoucan 5 4 4 -76 0 5 4-76 458-8281 (800) 222-1222 385-5555 5 4-2677 544-6549 872 -3 3 872 -3 8 53-3207 379 -7070379 75 4-72 2 4 58-11 379 -76379 25 Special toTheSpecial Commercial Appeal By SaraHoover Plan totakecareofbasics READINESS 101 making progress. you take care you’ll ofit, feel like you’re Focus ononethingandmake that happen. If needs tobedoneandwhat canbedone. plan. don’t focus totheexclusion ofthecrisis. drink water soyou canfunction. torest,needs. Itisimportant sleep,eat and individuals duringdisasters. during crises,there are several stepstohelp has written books onstress andcoping research at theUniversity ofMemphis,who counseling, educational psychology and According toDr. Richard James, professor of confusion, anger, exhaustion andinsomnia. include: depression, headaches,fear, shock, psychological impactonaperson. home. dependant lifesupportequipmentat their the power companywithalistofallpower- in acharcoal grillorcampstove outdoors. closed. Food canbecooked inthefireplace or cold for aday ortwo ifthedoors remain as muchpossiblesincefood canbekept out age. the power isrestored, causingasecond since theycouldoverload electric lineswhen are fire hazards. Turn offallmajorappliances andavoidflashlights usingcandlessincethey everyonecontact cancheckinwith. include ameetingplaceandanout-of-state separated. Family plansshould disaster should have away toget intouchiftheyare cash, booksflashlights, andextra medication. NOAA weather radio andbatteries, multiple three days. and agallon ofwater perperson for at least include enoughfood for eachfamilymember appropriate resources onhand.Itshould kitisessentialtohavingdisaster the seem scaryandchaotic. and transportation fail,thesituation can Define aproblem anddeterminewhat withhavingCoping mechanismsstart a It’s OKtocry, swear andletoffsteam,but The first thingistotake care ofthebasic There are someways tolessenthat impact. ofthephysical symptoms Some andmental A chaotictimecanalsohave a People withspecialneedsshouldprovide Keep refrigerator andfreezer doors closed When thepower goesyou out, shoulduse In casecommunication fails,families otherbasics tostoreSome are blankets, a Preparation step.A isthemostimportant When basicslike power, communication locked invehicle(nochildinside). events, runaways, legal advice andkeys and roadconditions, scores for sporting outage, drugsale, loudparties, weather dogs, burglarizedproperty,power a minoraccident withnoinjuries, barking you shouldnotcall911about,include Examples ofnonemergencies, which and achildlocked inavehicle. wounds, someonestruckby avehicle poisoning, drowning,stabbing,gunshot problems, choking,unconsciousness, crime inprogress, fire, breathing Examples ofemergencies include medical services. police officer, firefighter oremergency requires immediateassistance An emergencyisanysituationthat experiencing life-threatening conditions. or someoneelseisseriouslyhurt Call 911onlyinemergencies dial 911. following tipsonwhenand Communications Districtoffers the The Shelby County Emergency to someonewhomightreally needit. time andmoney andriskdelaying help Nonemergency calls placed to911waste CALLING 911 day CERT course. of fireextinguishers duringatwo- offers instructionontheproperuse Emergency ManagementAgency The MemphisandShelby County Ben Fant/Special totheCommercial Appeal , whenyou not of a a to city yourcall concerns. him orherexactly which the dispatcherifyoutell proper agency. Ithelps transferred tothe you may needtobe boundary lines. Often beyond municipal wireless signalstravel point because the public safety answering routed totheproper not automatically Cellular calls areoften Be patientandcalm. a rives. before anambulance stabilizing apatient you withinstructionsfor emergency orprovide questions regarding the dispatcher may ask operator oremergency information. The operator hasallthe hang upuntilthe Stay ontheline. your emergencyis. Clearly statewhat to describe thelocation. markers, buildings, etc., billboards, mile use landmarks suchas address isnotavailable, the address. Ifan important for verifying street, whichisvery nearest intersecting address ANDthe you are. Clearly statewhere an ambulance. you need: emergency agency operator which Calmly tellthe location anddial911. pull overtoasafe emergency situation witness anaccidentor If youaredrivingand YOUR CELLPHONE DIALING 911FROM Communications District County Emergency Give your police, fireor Source: Shelby Source: Do not , R E A DYS H E L BY.O RG
11 The Commercial Appeal 08 06 5 . ® Water Damage ners ners ation ation OVEROVER Smoke Smoke ECEC alist alist estor estor e& e& ssss Ow Ow 732-6837 Fir Fir eR eR peci peci , S r sine sine agag e t 2-4 hours BuBu a On-site within W Dam Dam www.866RECOVER.com 1-866-R1-866-R 24/7/365 PONDPOND ners ners 737-7663 omeome Ow Ow H When your home or business experiences Water, Fire or Damage Smoke Damage, call the experts at ServiceMaster Clean www.800RESPOND.com Fire & Smoke 1-800-RES 1-800-RES 06 08 11
6 The Commercial Appeal R E A DYS H E L BY.O RG cold … For extreme storms … For winter 4 4 5 5 3 3 2 2 1 1 5 inside ortoawarmerarea. Bring alloutdoorpets inside. Ever. Never useagenerator heater anddefroster work. Make surethatyourcar’s enough heating fuel. snowed in)by having Prepare for beinghome(or cancellations andclosings. know howtofindoutabout Be surethatfamily members back-up generator inside. circumstances usea Never underany burst pipes orpowerloss. blankets handyincase of Keep extra waterand enough tread. Be sureyourtires have in case ofemergency. contacting thesameperson every family member Develop aplanthathas severe weather threatens. stock uponessentials when Check theforecast and do togetready easy thingsyoucan Special toTheSpecial Commercial Appeal By SaraHoover Prepare cars aheadoftime WINTER DRIVING and out,” said Shaw. said and out,” the emergency peoplecanget in so fire stations, policestations — hospit spots weals, needtohit— route. Thesheethasonthere the roads clear. are responsible for keeping the weather. Shawand20otherdrivers the roadssalts duringinclement driver for thecityofMemphisand winter accidentrates. also doingtheirparttohelp lower Tennessee DepartmentofSafety. present, according tothe roads where hailorsnow was sleet, car accidentsinShelbyCountyon wearingcertainly belts.” safety got tobeadefensive driver. ...And year, notjustthewintermonths. classes are relevant throughout the winter months.” ensure itwillmake itthrough the the vehicle (are to important) preparations andmaintenanceon has aneffectonthebattery. weather Early “Cold said. he we at h e r, ” always tendstogo badduringcold to amazepeopletheirbattery operating condition.Itnever ceases making sure thevehicle isingood planning, and preparations t h e re ’s awareness issues. aboutsafety groups toheightenpeople’s and makingpresentations toother todriver’stalking education classes 10 countiesinWest Tennessee Highway Patrol, travels throughout education officerfor theTennessee prepare for inclementweather. properly theircarand maintain forit’s important drivers to prepared That’s tohandleit. why catch drivers offguard andill- the area, even asmallamountcan thinking abouttheMid-South. things that cometomindwhen “We get agridsheetwith our Shaw, truck 42,isasand-salt But peoplelike Edward Shaware In 2007,there were about200 yo snow,“Rain, sleet, ice— u ’ve offers tipsSmith The safety to “Even before thebadweather, asafety Smith, Zane Lt. When snow, sleetoricedoeshit Snow andiceare notthefirst Motorists shouldpreparetheirvehicles before wintersetsin. Snow, sleetoricecanmakedrivinghazardousduringthewinter. WINTER DRIVINGTIPS time toslowdownfor astoplight. stopping, turning.Giveyourselftimetomaneuverby drivingslowly.Andtake the best methodfor retrainingtractionandavoiding skids. sand, etc.). crystallize inyourgas line. been withthecityfor 10years. Shaw, said who’s each destination,” kind oftake your timetomake itto and get around your curves. You got to yo u ’ve got totryget upyour hills that isalittle more hazardous because icy. Freezing rain orsomethinglike and overpasses. He hasn’tencountered aday yet “It’s alittle bittreacherous ifit’sreal Each driver alsocovers bridges rv sol. vrtig ae lne o so-oee ras a ccelerating, — roads snow-covered on longer takes Everything slowly. Drive On slickroads,leave moreroombetweenyouandthecar infrontofyou. Accelerate anddecelerate slowly. Applyingthegas slowlytoaccelerate is Visit yourmechanicfor atune-uporotherroutinemaintenance. Do notusecruisecontrol whendrivingonanyslipperysurface (water, ice, If possible, avoid usingyourparkingbrake incold, rainyandsnowyweather. Keep yourgas tankatleast halffull.Aircarries moisturethatcan freeze and Never warmupavehicleinanenclosedarea, suchasagarage. keep moving.” knowing you’re helping thecityto gives you alittle satisfaction “It hesaid. stores andhospitals,” t racion. following himtoget better Shaw oftenseesalineofcars hesaid. and serve thepublic,” “where we weren’t abletoget out “People have needstoget to When he’soutinthetruck, Source: AAA Source: R E A DYS H E L BY.O RG
11 The Commercial Appeal 7 08 06 Keep basic first-aid supplies on hand, first-aid supplies basic Keep and pain medication including bandages, soap. antibacterial For bug bites and stings, apply ice and stings, bug bites For and remove immediately to the area it’s visible and seek if the stinger if there is difficulty treatment medical With bleeding, apply direct pressure With until the bleeding with a towel or gauze has stopped. Apply antibiotic ointment and a bandage. immediately to sprains, apply ice For the next swelling and then off and on for the area. 48 hours and elevate water or a minor burns with cool Treat is blistering, see If there compress. cool of the a doctor to determine the extent injury. Stock at least three days worth of three days Stock at least each water for and food nonperishable including pets. your family, member of and cell that phone lines Remember be down, so work out a towers could each to contact members family plan for other or meet up. that all tall furniture in your sure Make wall so that it home is bolted to the over on someone. won’t fall 911, children when and how to call Teach or the fire department. the police a pet is wearing sure each Make with contact collar securely fastened i n fo r m a t i o n . easy things you can you things easy get ready do to 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 breathing, extreme swelling or if the affected extreme breathing, color. changes area For first aid … For For shaky ground … ground shaky For Visits are free and by free are Visits to date ancient earthquakes, to date local and global real-time historical displays, earthquake documentation, earthquake lesson plans and classroom activities. The center appointment only. with the Pink is working a similar to create Palace as well. there exhibit Ben Fant/Special to the Commercial Appeal to the Commercial Ben Fant/Special 3890 Central 3890 ce r i . m e m p h i s .e d u ce r i . m e m p h i s .e 678 - 20 07 During an earthquake, stay inside until the shaking stops. Stand in stay an earthquake, During and telephone trees, from buildings, stand away If you’re outside, hold and “drop, cover one, time you feel Every aftershocks. Expect The museum’s goal is to The museum’s goal Sources: The Center for Earthquake Research and Information, The Earthquake Center for Research Sources: The a doorway or crouch under a desk or table, well away from windows well away or table, or crouch under a desk a doorway and glass dividers. to the ground. Drop lines. electrical on.” CENTER FOR EARTHQUAKE RESEARCH EARTHQUAKE CENTER FOR AND INFORMATION Ad d r es s : Phone: Online: TIPS SAFETY Cub Scouts (from left) Chase Brown, William Lancaster and Chase Brown, William (from left) Cub Scouts watch a demonstration that shows what earthquake Duff Dalton University of a home at the vibrations can do to the foundation and Information. Research Earthquake of Memphis Center for an earthquake. The boys learned how to be ready for kids, is the center’s mini- make can museum. Visitors with a earthquake their own and oscilloscope. geophone of earthquake awareness raise earthquake hazards, It engineering and seismology. includes a full-scale exhibit liquefaction trench used techniques demonstrating American Red Cross Red American
At the center, the most the center, At To help with the area’s help To “It’s a long-term link to It also provides teacher It also provides The center has a graduate Founded in 1976, the center Founded Seismic monitoring is vital The Center for Earthquake for The Center
By Sara Hoover By Appeal Commercial Special to The U of M center on watch on center M of U EARTHQUAKES MONITORING EARTHQUAKES popular attraction, at least with at popular attraction, disaster preparedness, the disaster preparedness, the and oversees center formed Seismic Safety Tennessee West a Commission, which received the Assisi from $500,000 grant of Memphis to do Foundation an assessment of local mass . s h el t e rs community that is more than is more community that just talking typical about very aspects. Kids are earthquake on their TCAP doing better service. If tests. It’s a valuable talk to 30 middle school we and they talk to 50 teachers a big impact,” that’s kids a day, the said Gary Patterson, services center’s information and a geologist. director workshops to science teachers workshops state students reach to help of learning. standards program in Earth Sciences, program which includes students from who are the world all over studying to become seismologists. is the regional center for over center for is the regional the advanced for 26 states The seismic system. national in 10 center has 130 stations monitoring the New states Madrid and Southern Appalachian seismic zones. to meet the nation’s need for to meet the nation’s and accurate timely used in reducing information the loss of life and property tsunamis earthquakes, from eruptions. and volcanic Research and Information, on and Information, Research of Memphis the University and campus, studies the causes consequences of earthquakes, specializing in seismic monitoring of the central United States. 06 08 11
8 The Commercial Appeal R E A DYS H E L BY.O RG water … For deep several days. zoning department. management office orplanningand 4 clean andstreetsfromflooding: What youcan dotokeep grates Flood prevention Bag them. them orleave themonthelawn. the clippings inthestreet.Bag 5 3 2 1 5 Do n ’t putleaves inthestreet. Do n ’t mowyourlawn andput Do n ’t throwtrashinstreets. Source: MemphisSource: Public Works hours orsteadily rainingfor raining hardfor several a floodifithasbeen Be alerttothepossibilityof home thatmay beflooded. they areinareas ofyour heater orelectricpanelif Raise yourfurnace, water Cross chapter,emergency contact yourlocal Red risk. Ifyoudon’t,can Know yourarea’s flood i nformato. stations for flood Listen tolocal TVandradio fa mily. evacuation routewithyour Plan andpractice aflood do togetready easy thingsyoucan D epartment Special toTheSpecial Commercial Appeal By SaraHoover Vehicles don’ttaketowater FLOOD PATROL usually going tokillthecomputer. If into theelectronic components,it’s computer system. interior ofthecarcanruin onboard, getting water in the job tobe$150$175. stopping. Lesterestimated abrake thecarwillhavedries out, trouble untilthebrake So lubricant. line water inthem,thewater actsasa susceptible aswell. Ifthebrakes get t rouble.” eventually you’re going tohave Itmaymay runagain. dryitout. But it’s going tomesssomethingup.You no guarantees. water andisstillrunning,there are $250 to$5,000. engine repair canbeanywhere from Lester.said damage theelectronic components,” damage totheengineoryou can thenyou’ve Ifnot, gotstart. some to dryitoutandhopefullywill engine. floodwater andgot water inthe experience. Heoncedrove through repair facilityinMemphis. Shell Station,approved AAA’s auto Lester, amechanicat Ballinger’s yo u Ben said ’re drivingthrough,” engine. That’s what your stalls carif water intotheengine,stops the enginetohydrolock. Itsucks water through theintake andcause isit’sgoing totake in the time— 90percent of happen toyour car— the caraswell. butcanseriouslydamage trucks — vehicles, includingSUVs andpickup feet ofwater willcarryaway most since2 — risk notonlytheirsafety sometimes withseveral feetofwater. falls for hours, citystreets doflood, Memphis,but whenheavyflood rain “Water cominginand gets starts most carsSince have computers Other areas ofthecarare “If you get water intheengine, Even ifyour cargoes through the According tohim,thecostfor “You canpullthespark plugs out Lester knows from personal “The first thingthat’s going to Drivers whoenterfloodwaters The MississippiRiver may not If youareoutdoors: In theevent offlashflooding,follow these tipstostay safe: FLASH FLOOD TIPS If youliveinaflood-pronearea: electrically charged fromundergroundordownedpowerlines. water. Thedepthofthewaterisnotalways obvious. Also,watermay be and 2feet ofwaterwillcarry away mostvehicles, includingSUVs andpickups. If youaredriving: the water. inches can sweepyouoffyourfeet. Wild animalsincludingsnakes may bein L estr. s acaroutrealtotal easy,” aid thenyou’reit, inamess.You can the car’sgot alotofelectronics on threat tolife andpropertyfor thoseattemptingtodrivethroughit. A heavy downpourcanleave roadsandfieldsunderwater,posinga The estimated costfor computer Never trytowalkorswimthroughwateraboveyourankles. Climb tohighgroundandstay there. Listen toaNOAA weather radio. policies donotcover flooding. Consider floodinsurance. Homeowners’ Stay away fromunderpasses, whichcan fillrapidlywithwater. Many floodfatalities arecaused by peopleattemptingtodrive through As littleas6inches ofwatermay cause youtolosecontrol ofyourvehicle Turn aroundandfindanotherrouteifyoucome uponrapidlyrisingwater. Many floodfatalities arecaused by peopleplaying inhighwater.Even 6 don’t takeacar.” muchtoflood deep, Iwouldn’tcauseit touchit, imports canbeashigh$2,000. repair ondomesticcars is$650and “If that water’s over 6inches Source: AmericanSource: Red Cross R E A DYS H E L BY.O RG
11 The Commercial Appeal 08 06 9 Pick a . The Listen to local It should Listen to l ca o l Watch out for fallen out for Watch A tornado watch means Make sure all family members, especially members, sure all family Make ”location in your fe a the “s children, know weather. severe home for flashlight or crank-powered a battery Keep and radio in your home’s ” fe a “s . n o i t ca o l that kit in your car an emergency Keep water, first aid supplies, food, contains jumper cables. and flares at kit in a container an emergency Keep to grab if you that would be easy your office to evacuate. are asked water for and extra plenty of food Have emergency family’s pet in your each supply kit. easy things you can you things easy get ready do to Sources: American Red Cross, National Weather National Cross, Red Sources: American 1 2 3 5 4 power lines and stay out of the damaged area. out of the damaged and stay power lines a tornado is possible in your area. A tornado a tornado is possible in your area. a tornado has been sighted. warning means When a tornado watch is issued: further updates. radio and TV stations for When a tornado warning is issued: If you are be approaching your area. tornado may sturdy building or lie hurry to a nearby outside, If you are in a car flat in a ditch or low-lying area. safety. for out and head get or mobile home, the tornado passes... After Tornado tips Tornado your home. plan for a tornado Prepare medications; kit and essential a first-aid contain three opener; at least and can food canned of water per person; protective clothing, gallons and radio, flashlight bedding or sleeping bags; and instructions on how to turn batteries; extra and water if necessary. off electricity, gas storm warnings. tuned for Stay storm information. radio and TV stations for watch between a tornado Know the difference and a tornado warning. place where family members could gather: members could where family place or closet on bathroom hallway, center basement, uncluttered. this place floor. Keep the lowest supply kit. a disaster Assemble Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency Emergency Service, Federal For severe weather … weather severe For 5 “This is hard work. How do How work. “This is hard happens, Belles Until that This includes making sure Jim Weber/The Commercial Appeal files Appeal Commercial Jim Weber/The “community shelters for “community shelters or a shelter mobile home parks in a ball park. a community?” retrofit you he s aid. “I planning. adequate stresses what to undercut don’t want planning can do,” he said. families, schools and an established businesses have tornadoes and their plan for a f t e r m at h . To lower the risk of tornado lower To people try to encourage “We defined March-June tornado defined March-June season, the Mid-South can get almost any time of year. hit at Belles, Jim fatalities, the National at meteorologist Service in Memphis, Weather is the shelter said adequate In lieu of main ingredient. comes a being prepared that, close second. very to consider storm shelters building in new when engaged construction,” Belles said, Students were shocked by the devastation of the tornado that the devastation Students were shocked by slammed Union University in Jackson, Tenn.
Experts point to a number Experts The Great Plains region still Plains region The Great The large death toll in the death The large Tornadoes that struck the that Tornadoes
By Eunice J. Hart Eunice J. By Appeal Special Commercial to The Twisters traverse region traverse Twisters TORNADO WATCH TORNADO of factors for the high for of factors the type of from fatalities, storms, the times of their and the region’s occurrence number of mobile homes. large many of the plains And unlike is a well there where states, gives rise to the greatest gives a number of tornadoes. But Little near from zone stretching Memphis and on through Rock the to Birmingham accounts for number of fatalities largest to an according twisters, from of data of 126 years analysis in Weather published last year a journal of the and Forecasting, American Meteorological S ociety. state highlighted an state Mid- the statistic: unfortunate South has become the nation’s twisters. for top killing ground Mid-South on Feb. 5 this year, Mid-South on Feb. which caused extensive Hill in the Hickory damage of Memphis, killed 31 area people alone in Tennessee. Thunderstorms are often associated with severe weather. When in doubt, head for safety. head for weather. When in doubt, associated with severe Thunderstorms are often 06 08 11 10 The Commercial Appeal R E A DYS H E L BY.O RG safety … For water heat … For triple-digit 4 2 4 5 5 3 3 2 1 1 5 first. Always enterthewaterfeet body ofwater. swimming poolorother pets unattendedina Never leave childrenor swimming poolarea. emergency numberinthe 911 oryourlocal Post CPRinstructionsand current. and keep thatcertification household certified inCPR Have amemberofyour swim. Teach yourchildrenhowto their bodytemperature. is overheated andmonitor you believe afamily member Notify 911immediatelyif is cooler. early evening hourswhenit to theearly morningor Limit exercising yourpets your car. the temperatureinside Use asunshadetolower closed shades orblinds. conditioning, fans and possible withair Keep yourhomeascool as hot andhumidweather. avoid vigorous activityin Have yourfamily members do togetready easy thingsyoucan Special toTheSpecial Commercial Appeal By EuniceJ. Hart Agencies teamup,cooldown SUMMER HEAT delivery volunteers help keep track Association Meals-On-Wheels throughout theMid-South. individuals andcompanies 15.Thefansare donatedSept. by betweenthe disabled June 15and have beendistributedtoseniors and distributed in2007. 1,800fanswereCommission, said development officerfor theAging applicants. distribute fanstotheirelderly to Commission oftheMid-South coordinate withtheAging assist ance. applicants alsoreceived utility delivered 249units.Ofthose,26 this pastsummer, theagency requests for air-conditioning units LIHEAP subsidy. of theunitisdeductedfrom the conditioner intheirhome.Thecost applicants withnoworking air providing air-conditioning unitsto Agency,Services call545-4630. to Kaye Lawler, administrator. CSA both winterandsummer, according applicants canreceive for assistance making itmore likely that as $600. program andasubsidyofasmuch is potentiallyeligible for the ($26,500 ayear for familyoffour) of federal poverty guidelines income doesnotexceed 125percent Gas andWater Division. a cutoffnoticefrom MemphisLight, county residents whohave received Energy Program Assistance for federally fundedLow IncomeHome AgencyServices operates the months. related deaths duringthesummer throughout theyear toprevent heat- government agencies work together Metropolitan Inter-Faith For 15years, the20-inchbox fans Kathryn Coulter, chief continuesto Lawler theCSA said Lawler that said outof893 This year, theagency began To theCommunity contact The program runsJuly 1-June 30, An applicantwhosehousehold The ShelbyCountyCommunity A network ofnonprofit and odtoe ntehm fLcl ihpinSouth Memphis. conditioner inthehomeofLucileBishop MLGW customerservicetechnicianJames Young helpsinstallanair refresher, ifsafety isfollowed. to beattheswimmingpoolfor a To beatthesummerheat,it’shard go onlineat plus1memphis.org. more information ontheprogram, MIFAcontact at 527-0208.For guidelines for applicants,shesaid. situations andthere are strict administer theprogram. sends themoneytoMIFA to monthly utilitybill,andMLGW customers canadd$1totheir program. Maynard-Garrett said throughassistance MLGW’s Plus-1 public relations. Garrett, MIFA’s vicepresident of according toElizabethMaynard- recipients inneedofafan, of elderly meal ordisabled If you needPlus-1assistance, Plus-1 isonlyfor emergency MIFA alsoprovides utility HEAT WAVE TIPS Emergency ManagementAgency National Weather Federal Service, stay inthecoolest available place. the day. Individualsatriskshould rescheduled tothecoolest timeof should bereduced, eliminatedor dissipation thatmuchmoredifficult. Sunburn makes thejobofheat affords someprotection. in anair-conditioned environment time each day (during hotweather) an airconditioner, spendingsome from theheat. Ifyoucannot afford buildings greatly reduces danger conditioning inhomes andother air-conditioned places. thirsty. plenty offluidseven ifyoudon’tfeel needs watertokeep cool. Drink non-alcoholic fluids. increase waterloss. metabolic heat productionalso Foods (like proteins)thatincrease maintain normaltemperatures. and sunlighthelpsyourbody light-colored clothingreflects heat Sources: AmericanSources: Red Cross, Do n ’t gettoomuchsun. Spend moretimein Drink plentyofwaterorother Put less fuelonyourinnerfires. Dress for summer. Slow down. Mike Brown/TheCommercial Appeal files Strenuous activities Your body Lightweight, Air R E A DYS H E L BY.O RG
11 The Commercial Appeal 08 06 11 Teach every family member how member family every Teach and Roll”to “Stop, Drop if clothes on fire. catch ’t plug in too many n Do at once. in your house appliances member family every sure Make of a fire knows what to do in case meeting place and choose a safe outside of the home. that your smoke sure Make detectors are working. windows and doors to see if Test open easily. they easy things you can you things easy get ready do to Pick a safe place to meet outside place Pick a safe with your home fire drills Practice and Go”“Get Low a fire. to escape opening. If a closed door before Feel into a burning house back go Never fire department after the Call 911 for Keep matches and lighters out of matches Keep in bed. not smoke Do on the cooking food leave Never detectors on every Install smoke a detectors once the smoke Test Sources: Fire Museum of Memphis, of Museum Sources: Fire 1 2 3 5 4 after escaping from a fire. after escaping a year. twice family on hands and knees) (Crawl out. it is warm, use another way or building. the building. exited you have reach of children. reach stove unattended. sleeping areas. near floor, especially every the batteries month and change six months. Fire-safety tips Fire-safety American Red Cross, National Fire National Cross, Red American Association Protection For home fires… home For 5 But Raven Collins, 5, liked Raven But I was in the movie. brave “I was which is Museum, The Fire in the The museum is located Ben Fant/Special to the Commercial Appeal to the Commercial Ben Fant/Special includes maybe the most includes maybe important exhibit, a six-minute safely simulates that film is shown Star On the recent on fire. a room of the 5- and some Academy tour, started crying and 6-year-olds during the fire screaming in which the simulation, inside actually rises temperature billows. and smoke safety on her learning about fire visit to the museum. first part,” on every brave she said. its 10th anniversary, celebrating detector smoke a free offers as well. program Engine House No. 1 historic Fire 118 Adams in Downtown at information, more Memphis. For online at call 320-5650 or go f i re m u s e u m . c o m . times the 2 / 1 The mission of the museum is More than 112,000 children More stop is Ol’The first a Billy, Young Patricia Educator Safety Kids learn in the Fire which Room, Fire In the FedEx to teach fire safety education, to teach fire re especially since Memphis’i f is 1 rate fatality national average. national since the participated have offering the free museum began in 2001. tours history the tells that talking horse Students of Memphis firefighting. back to equipment dating look at the 1800s, including the 1910 Crump Steamer. teaches safety tips by singing the and Roll”“Stop, Drop song and “Don’t hide, go like phrases outside.” video stations, House and at African- including one on the first in Memphis. American firefighters
“We reimburse them for the them for reimburse “We The museum offers fire The museum offers The group of 30 schoolchildren The group They even put on “turnout” They even Kindergartners and first-graders Kindergartners
Special to The Commercial Appeal Special Commercial to The Kids learn about fire safety Kids learn Sara Hoover By FIRE SAFETY Christopher Richardson, 8, (foreground) and Jalique Coston, 8, pretend they are firefighters reacting to are firefighters Coston, 8, pretend they and Jalique Christopher Richardson, 8, (foreground) Fire Museum with their class from Star Academy. an emergency while on a field trip to the transportation, as well, so it’s as well, transportation, to the student and the totally free school,” said Brier Turner, of the Fire director executive Mu s e u m . education tours free to Shelby free tours education County school children. was in the Guardsmark Play Area, Play in the Guardsmark was the final stop on the tour of the of Memphis. Museum Fire gear gear ’ rs e — t h g i f coats re i f and h at s . from Star Academy in Memphis from behind poles, got fire slid down engine and of a fire the wheel in the back of an played ambulance. 06 08 11 12 The Commercial Appeal R E A DYS H E L BY.O RG my city… For helping their area. hazards thatmay impact m. Tea their community. preparedness projectsin various emergency- taking amoreactiverolein help. not immediatelyavailable to event whenprofessionals are community following an rescue andfiresafety. organization, light search and operations, team 5 4 5 3 2 1 can dotogetready easy thingsyou preparedness for people aboutdisaster educates andtrains The CERT program Emergency Response Co munity member ofyourlocal Become atrained response agencies by support emergency- also encouraged to CERT membersare others intheir members can assist training, CERT By usingtheir disaster medical training include taught duringCERT Basic response skills Special toTheSpecial Commercial Appeal By SaraHoover Class helpsbefore helparrives COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM just wanted tolearnmore. there asawork requirement andothers from were localmiddleschools.Some Research andadministrators Hospital JudeMemphis andSt. Children’s the Regional MedicalCenterat troop, Scout fromincluded aBoy staff 40 participants. CERT classes,whicheachhave about trained ofthelocal sincethestart Emergency Management Agency. program coordinator for the interim training officerandreserve Cheryl said Ballard, they’ll beready,” can, sowhensomethinghappens We are tryingtoreach asmanywe preparedness withourselves. starts before help arrives. Basic to respond intheevent ofadisaster to lendahandothers. community members canbetrained last orwhenprofessionals willarrive, willstrike,a disaster how longitwill nooneknowsindividuals. Since when andbetterdisaster prepare volunteers how tohelp duringa weekdays. Theconceptistotrain offered monthlyonweekends and Response Team classes. recent CommunityEmergency Emergency Management Agency’s Memphis andShelbyCounty to bringherdaughteroneofthe daughter, Hailey. Nelson, referring toher14-year-old s to beaspreparedaid asshecan,” as prepared asIcanandwanted her turn itoff.Ever sincethen,I’ve been because ofgas. Nobodyknew how to injuries. Houseswere exploding depression. People diedandhad prepared. There was alotof in 1994. Northridge earthquake inCalifornia family manage. days andsheboiledwater tohelp her Fla. Thepower was outfor several got caughtinahurricaneDestin, During arecent class,participants About 4,300peoplehave been “The CERT classprepares people CERTThe two-day classisfree and That was thereason Nelson decided “You justrealized peopleweren’t Nelson, 44,later survived the Leslie Nelson, astay-at-home mom, techniques letscommunitymemberscopeuntiltheprofessionals arrive. CERT trainingteaches howtosuppress afire. Learning emergency triage, lightsearch andrescue, suppression, medicalfirst aidand like preparedness, kits,fire disaster andhands-on.” in-depth training at herwork, but“thisismore to dosurvive.” to findoutmore aboutwhat we need expressway andIthoughtwe needed and DaMarcio, along. brought heradultchildren, Leandrea has beenanurse for 30years. She Health Departmentfor 15years and for theMemphisandShelbyCounty Cherylsaid Fowler, whohasworked The classcovers arange oftopics she’sdonedisaster said She “We staybytherefinery andthe “I decidedtoget arefresher course,” 2605 orgo onlineatmscema.org. Emergency ManagementAgency at515- contact theMemphisCounty andShelby CERT IDbadge. students receive acertificate anda down, suchasawater heater. also learnhow tostrap heavy objects gas, electric andwater utilities.They Each participantpractices shutting off wrap apencilstuckinsomeone’seye. bandage includinghow to andsplint, test fire. Instructors teachhow to use fire extinguishers andputouta psychology.disaster hazardous materials, terrorism and For more information onCERT classes, Upon completionofthecourse, Students learnwhenandhow to Ben Fant/Special totheCommercial Appeal psychology. disaster materials, and hazardous rescue, handling search and and triage, includes firstaid Other training disaster kit. should gointoa what items means knowing s Pr epardnes R E A DYS H E L BY.O RG
11 The Commercial Appeal 08 06 13 Check the pressure in your home Check the pressure and buy a new fire extinguisher one if needed. a full-service in for your car Take checkup around the holidays. Be sure that your office kit is well stocked emergency year. new the before a microship put getting Consider to season in your pet this holiday ensure that you would be separated. reunited if you got Give family members presents of presents members Give family might not that they preparedness as a such buy themselves, or hand-cranked battery-powered Sources: MLGW, American Red Cross Red American Sources: MLGW, easy things you can you things easy get ready do to Turn off electrical equipment you off electrical Turn If you use a motorized wheelchair or inside a not run a generator Do close to not touch or come Do hotline at outage Call MLGW’s Keep flashlights and Keep be sure to place If you use candles, 1 2 3 5 4 were using when the power went out. battery. an extra have scooter, home or garage. Call MLGW’s downed power lines. number emergency 24-hour immediately at 528-4465. via 544-6500 to register your outage the automated system. battery-powered radios and televisions battery-powered batteries. handy along with extra from away them in open areas fire. catch anything that could and other open all candles Extinguish to sleep. going before flames Power outage Power a weathering Here are some tips for power outage: weather radio. weather For gift giving … gift giving For 5 M LGW service are crews on the front often lines, working in dangerous conditions, when power off in goes the area. Linemen work around the clock to get power r es t o r e d . W h at ’s the best part of your at h W It’s a brotherhood. Everyone It’s a brotherhood. A: It’ll put backfeed on us and it’s Q: People are relying on us. You relying are People after the best moment was My job? voltage back into primary voltage. voltage out working A lot of times, we’re hear a generator. and stop if we pauses. Everybody A lot of the dangerous. very of this. aware people aren’t just comes together because it’s just comes together so hazardous. to the side because put everything It makes city needs you. your now gear. kick into a different you see people clapping, When you cheering when those lights come I party. a birthday on, it’s like all reward the biggest think that’s the linemen get. ice storm hit. how I don’t know sent me a a customer, this lady, and a croqueted letter thank-you was she made. That cross that heartfelt. I couldn’t believe time out of take someone would her busy schedule and pay someone doing for homage It was that. something like me. for memorable What is the biggest concern is the biggest What The biggest concern for us is concern for The biggest It just shook really bad, and I’m It just shook really Something I will always Q: A: s h a k i n g. The entire up 60 feet in the air. pole had ice on it. The only thing actually holding me up was that my prines, or my hooks. was long Their sharp points were past the ice and enough to get belt, My stick in the pole itself. just was which is made of leather, with 40 sliding up and down pounds of tools along with all my body weight. It’s just part of the job. remember. just fortunate. I was during restoration? called “backfeed.” It is when up and someone starts a generator a changeover they don’t have secondary switch. It generates
Can you tell me about one of tell Can you A few years ago, when I was when ago, years A few Earnest Holliday, 42, has worked at MLGW for 21 years and serves as and serves 21 years for MLGW at 42, has worked Earnest Holliday, When the lights go out, Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division out,When the lights go Memphis Light, Water Gas and The pole starts swinging. I just The pole starts swinging. It was freezing cold. All the freezing It was Q: A:
Special to The Commercial Appeal Special Commercial to The Crew leader sees rewards leader sees Crew Sara Hoover By POWER OUTAGES POWER a crew leader. In an interview, he talked about his often dangerous, yet about his often dangerous, he talked In an interview, leader. a crew in the field. work rewarding, dispatches crews of linemen to restore power in Shelby County. power of linemen to restore crews dispatches knew it was over with, knew the with, knew over it was knew I was to break. going pole was terrified. The pole started poles were frozen on both sides. It frozen poles were belt made it difficult to climb. My on slipping because ice was kept some tree was the pole. There about an eighth working trimmers me. They from of a mile down couldn’t couldn’t see us and we tree see them. They cut this huge lines limb and it hit the power up on the pole. when I was a lineman, a sister public utility to like if I would called and asked during an ice to Arkansas over go storm. your experiences during a power- experiences your effort? restoration 06 08 11 14 The Commercial Appeal R E A DYS H E L BY.O RG ihsg out, go lights the When rwn ito hlyCut eiet h r aig“’ ready.” saying,“I’m are the who Join residents challenge. County the Shelby through of come can list – advance growing community in whole it your about and thinking – just you that how anyone improve shows But study occur. after might study outage fact, power ready. In a be long how can for or when predict can batteries. one extra No and flashlight a have Always Never underestimate the power of teamwork.
FedEx is proud to work with the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Direct Relief International and other world-class organizations to act quickly and effectively when disaster strikes. It is because of our firm commitment to disaster preparedness and relief that FedEx is pleased to support Shelby County’s I’m Ready Preparedness Campaign.
fedex.com
© 2008 FedEx THINK IT CAN’T HAPPEN TO YOU? YOU’RE WRONG. GIVE BLOOD.
When disaster strikes local response is critical. Lifeblood is the Memphis-area’s only full service community blood center. All of the blood Lifeblood collects stays here for patients in our local hospitals. At least 300 volunteers are needed each and every day to donate enough blood and help patients in need. We cannot predict disasters, but we can prepare in case you, your loved one or your neighbor should ever need blood. Please visit a Lifeblood community donor center or mobile blood drive today. Give blood. Give life. For our community.
SCHEDULE YOUR DONATION. CALL 901.529.6320 OR VISIT WWW.LIFEBLOOD.ORG.
TENNESSEE - Medical Center, 1045 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 38104 | Bartlett, 7505 Highway 64, Suite 109, Bartlett, TN 38133 | Collierville, 875 West Poplar, Suite 18, Collierville, TN 38017 | East Memphis, 4934 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38117 | Germantown, 2095 Exeter, #75, Germantown, TN 38138 | Tipton County, 826 A Highway 51 N., Covington, TN 38019 | University of Memphis, Rawlins Service Court Bldg., Suite 201, 501 University Street, Memphis, TN 38152 ARKANSAS - Blytheville, 320 North 6th, Blytheville, AR 72315 MISSISSIPPI - DeSoto County, 577 Goodman Road, #5, Southaven, MS 38671