NYS ANNUAL BURN BAN:
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation reminds residents that the annual statewide ban on residential brush burning is in effect through May 14th. Since 2009, DEC has enforced the annual brush burning ban to help prevent wildfires. Learn more at: https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/air-quality/open-burning.
SPRING WEATHER PREPAREDNESS:
Spring weather can be unpredictable. When severe weather hits unexpectedly, the risk of injury and weather-related death increases, so planning makes sense. Thunderstorms cause most of the severe spring weather. They can bring lightning, tornadoes, and flooding. Whenever warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air, thunderstorms can occur.
Find more spring weather safety information from the National Weather Service here.
SPRING SKYWARN CLASS OFFERED MAY 8th:
The National Weather Service Binghamton Office will be offering a basic SKYWARN spotter class on May 8th at the Department of Emergency Response in Ithaca. The class offers an overview of different types of severe weather, what to report, and how to report it. Spotters often relay critical information that give NWS forecasters ground truth information when it comes to issuing warnings. The class begins at 6:30 p.m. To register, click here.
WHAT3WORDS:.
What3words is a geocode system for the communication of locations with a resolution of three meters. What3words encodes geographic coordinates into three dictionary words; the encoding is permanently fixed. If help is needed (whether on the water or on hiking trails), providing a what3words address on a 9-1-1 call can pinpoint your location quickly. Learn more and download the What3words app here.
COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS:
Register to attend a Citizen Preparedness Corps training near you and learn how to prepare for any type of disaster or emergency, respond accordingly and recover. Learn more at: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/citizen-preparedness-corps. The next training in Tompkins County will be on Thursday, May 16th at 5:00pm at the Tompkins County Public Library BorgWarner Community Room in Ithaca.
Topics include how to develop a family emergency plan, how to prepare your family and home for a potential emergency such as fire, what to do in specific situations such as active shooter, and covers evacuation or sheltering-in-place due to a life-threatening event, and much more. The training also discusses what to do when returning home after an emergency, including re-entry procedures, checking for and documenting damage safely, addressing emotional and other personal needs in the aftermath of a catastrophic event, and being wary of post-disaster scams.
The Department of Emergency Response offers presentations to community groups and organizations to provide basic information on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters or emergencies. Learn which ones are more likely to occur in our area and how you can reduce their impact on you, your family, and the community. Contact Geoff Dunn, Community Preparedness Coordinator, at gdunn@tompkins-co.org.
Additional Preparedness Checklists:
Generator Maintenance Checklist
https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/generator-maintenance-checklist
72 Hour Emergency Kit List
https://www.rent.com/blog/72-hour-kit-checklist/
Car Emergency Kit List
https://www.utires.com/articles/car-emergency-kit-list/
Important Legal Documents
https://www.justgreatlawyers.com/legal-documents-to-prepare-for-emergency-preparedness
Emergency Preparedness Checklist
https://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/emergency-preparedness-checklist/
Disaster-Proof Home
https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/how-to-disaster-proof-your-home/
Home Emergencies & Safety Tips
https://www.mymove.com/moving/guides/new-home-emergency-ready/
Construction Site Safety
https://primeweld.com/blogs/news/disaster-safety-preparedness-in-construction-sites-guide
Additional Resource Information
https://couponfollow.com/research/disaster-preparedness-on-a-budget
TUNE IN:
Disaster and emergency information will broadcast from these local radio stations:
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870AM WHCU
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97.3FM WYXL
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91.7FM WICB
If your TV is working, monitor a regional all-news channel, such as Spectrum News, or the Weather Channel. A weather radio will also provide accurate and current information.
National Weather Service in Binghamton
http://www.weather.gov/bgm/
WHAT TYPES OF EMERGENCIES CAN HAPPEN IN TOMPKINS COUNTY?
There are certain basic concepts of preparedness that apply to any type of situation:
- Be Informed
- Make a Plan
- Build a Kit
- Get Involved
Learn more at www.ready.gov.