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Text to 911

How to text 911

  • enter 911 into the “to” field
  • text your exact location and type of emergency
  • send the message
  • promptly answer questions and follow instructions
  • use simple words
  • do not use abbreviations, emojis, pictures or slang (IDK, thnx, 2day, btw)
  • do not text and drive

Texting 911 may be the first contact for 

  • individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or those with speech impediments
  • in pressure situations when someone must remain quiet to remain safe
  • a discreet way to report domestic violence, home invasions, human trafficking, and suicidal
  • anyone who cannot safely make a voice call

Summer Weather

Summer safety is not something we often think about, especially following a cold winter when all we want to do is be outdoors!

Some of the things that everyone should consider though is keeping everyone safe and having a plan for when an emergency strikes.Check these tips from Ready.gov on thunderstorms, tornado, heat, and all the other dangers that summer weather can bring.

This is always a good time to test your own plans, and to check in to the plans of work, school, daycare.

Update the copies of your important papers, prescriptions, banking and insurance. Make sure you have all recently practiced your family and/or work communications plans.

Be safe, educate yourself, practice your plan.

Winter Weather Home and Away

An emergency supply kit should include a three-day supply of food and water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio and extra flashlights and batteries. Thoroughly check and update your family’s emergency supply kit and add the following supplies in preparation for winter weather:

  • Rock salt to melt ice on walkways;
  • Sand to improve traction;
  • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment;
  • And adequate clothing and blankets to help keep you warm.
  • Ensure your family preparedness plan and contacts are up to date and exercise your plan. Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government, and ensure your home and car are prepared for the winter weather.
  • An alternate heat source that is safe for indoor use. http://campsafe.org/2014/02/07/hello-world-2/

Finally, everyone should get familiar with the terms that are used to identify a winter storm hazard and discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued. Terms used to describe a winter storm hazard include the following:

  • Freezing Rain creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
  • Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.
  • Winter Weather Advisory means cold, ice and snow are expected.
  • Winter Storm Watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.
  • Winter Storm Warning means severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon.

Flood preparations

With a late melt we always have the concern that it will be a fast melt. To protect your home, shop or other building from the damages of flooding, a sandbag dike is economical and fast. See the link below for directions.

http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/ageng/safety/ae626w.htm

North Dakota State University has a wealth of information on protection measures for flooding, from checking your sump pumps to plugging your drains.

http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/flood

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