SPRING RAINS

I would like to urge all residents to pay close attention to the weather over this rainy spring season.

It is imperative that we watch our part of the Meramec very closely as the potential for further flooding does exist. If you have access to a computer you can view weather changes affecting the river at www.crh.noaa.gov or www.weather.gov and click on rivers & lakes forcast. We have already been through one round of major flooding this season and rising water just last weekend. We will see this all throughout April and possibly even May according to sources at the National Weather Service.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact my office at 636-257-2424 Ext. 163. I encourage all households to invest in a NOAA Tone Alert Weather Radio for up to date weather monitoring.

FLOOD INFORMATION AND CONTACTS

Resident Information

Please be patient during power outages and storms as the dispatch office of the Pacific Police Department handles many calls during these hectic times. Often times we get calls from citizens who want to know how much longer till someone will get to them. We are a small town and our resources are small, it takes time to get to everyone who calls during these crisis times. Everyone's emergency is important, the first responders will prioritize calls to life threatening first. Fires must be put out and live wires must be dealt with accordingly. Cooperation from everyone involved makes response more effective. The Police Department often will not know how much longer the utility will be out. Make a list of important utility numbers to keep on hand to make those contacts as often they need your address/phone or billing information.

In the event of a disaster it is recommended to be prepared for at least 72 hours. First Responders are generally busy with the most severe of incidents first working in order to the very minor of incidents.

The Pacific Fire District offers CERT (Community Emergency Response Team Training). This training allows citizens to help themselves, family members, neighbors and coworkers within those first 72 critical hours. In turn this also helps the first responders. The training takes a total of 20 hours and teaches citizens the basics of first aid, fire suppression, disaster psychology and information about the different types of hazards.

If you are interested please contact the Pacific Fire Protection District, Capt. Pete Gallagher at 636-257-3633 or Dian Becker, City of Pacific Emergency Management Director at 636-257-2424 to form a class. This would be beneficial training for neighborhoods, get together with your neighbors we will train you with the tools you need to help yourself.

STATEWIDE SEVERE WEATHER WEEK

The State of Missouri Emergency Management has designated March 10th-March 14th, 2008 Sever Weather Week. The annual Statewide Tornado Warning Drill is scheduled for March 11th at 1:30 pm. This gives the residents and business's the opportunitiy to test their home or business disaster plans. More information on Severe Weather Week will be posted as it becomes available.

Winter Awareness Day Set for Wednesday, Nov. 14

Missouri experienced severe winter storms in December and January, which knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of citizens and caused private property damages. The National Weather Service, the State Emergency Management Agency and your local Emergency Management Agency set Wednesday, November 14, 2007, as Winter Awareness Day.

"As we approach winter, this is the perfect time for our citizens to prepare for snow, blizzards, ice storms, and freezing weather," said Ronald M. Reynolds, State Emergency Management Agency Director.

The winter awareness campaign encourages citizens to prepare for the winter season and reminds them how to protect themselves during a severe winter storm. A winter storm may range from moderate snow over a few hours to blizzard conditions with blinding, wind driven snow or freezing rain that lasts for several days. After the December 2006 and January 2007 winter storms, many communities were impacted for days. Some rural residents were without electricity for weeks.

Preparing for Winter Weather...
The two most important terms are Winter Storm Watch and Winter Storm Warning.
~A Winter Storm Watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area.
~A Winter Storm Warning indicates severe winter weather is in the area or expected immediately.

Before the winter storm:

~Buy a tone alert weather radio and extra batteries for your regular radio. Listen to your weather radio, local AM/FM radio or television station for the latest weather updates.
~Secure an alternate fuel source such as firewood or a generator.
~Make sure your fireplace functions properly.
~If you have a generator, make sure you have fuel and your generator functions properly.
~If you have a kerosene heater, refuel your heater outside and remember to keep the heater at least 3 feet away from flammable objects.
~Insulate attics and windows.
~Keep a winter car kit in the trunk of the car. This includes a blanket, a spare radio with batteries, snacks or energy-type food, jumper cables, flares, a shovel, sand or shingles to give your tires traction.

During and after the winter storm:

~During a winter storm, your local emergency management agency will provide the media with emergency sheltering or alternate travel information.
~Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Wear mittens rather than gloves. Wear a warm, woolen cap on your head.
~Conserve fuel by reducing your home thermostat and close unused rooms.
~Do not use charcoal or gas grills to cook or heat indoors.
~Check on your elderly neighbors.

Driving during a winter storm:

~Stay on the main roads. If you must stop your car, remain inside your car. Use a bright distress flag or your hazard lights to draw attention.
~If trapped in a blizzard, clear your tail pipe and run your engine and heater for 10 minutes every hour. Open your window slightly.
~During the night hours, keep the dome light on in your car so that rescue workers can see your car.
~If your car has 4-wheel drive, remember speed and ice are a dangerous combination.
~Make sure you can get to your car safety kit (flares, shovel, sand for traction, battery cable, blankets, and snacks).