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Importance of Emergency Preparedness
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Storm season appears along with daylight savings time, lawn mower usage, and 2016’s spring flowers. It is also time for everyone to update their personal/family emergency plans for storm season.
A couple of years ago, Sedgwick County suffered from a tornado in Oaklawn which did substantial damage and injured a number of people. In my opinion, this community was incredibly fortunate that no one was killed by this tornado. It destroyed a number of homes, did millions of dollars in damage to a number of businesses, and caused a disruption in utility services for a large part of our county for several days.
We live in an area which actively prepares for the threat of tornados. In the past, Kansas tornados have been deadly. The Greensburg tornado nearly destroyed that community and took a large number of lives, including folks who had taken shelter below ground and thought that they were ready.
This spring, Kansans are also facing problems arising from fires that have devastated thousands of acres across the southern area of our state as well as northern Oklahoma. The good news that I’m hearing from meteorologists is that the seasonal weather patterns have changed. It is an interesting fact that the unusual Easter snow that fell in south central Kansas helped to bring the wildfires in southern Kansas under control. Sedgwick County Fire District #1 provided manpower and equipment along with a large number of other Kansas fire departments to help fight this wildfire. In addition, earthquake preparation is something that should be considered. Over the past few years, the state of Kansas has seen an increasing number of earthquakes; luckily they have caused minimal damage.
Any of these events can create emergency situations. Sedgwick County has developed a
guide for emergency preparedness. There are a number of steps we all need to take to be prepared for emergency events. Talk this over with your family, your neighbors, co-workers, and friends.
Additionally, local weather expert, Mike Smith, provides excellent weather updates to help me stay informed. Check him out
here.
Karl Peterjohn
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Severe Weather Season -- Are You Ready?
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Severe weather season has hit Sedgwick County. It’s no secret that our community would like rain but do you know what to do in the event that a light rain shower turns into something more severe?
Sedgwick County Emergency Management has developed some tools to help you and your family prepare for severe weather.
Make a Plan - Involve your family members in developing a plan, then remember to post the plan somewhere everyone can see the details. Discuss the dangers of fire, severe weather, hazardous materials spills, floods and other emergencies. Talk about the ways in which you will respond to each situation. Identify two ways out of each room in your home. Talk about where your family will meet if you have to evacuate. Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1.
Build a Disaster Kit – This kit should include a three day supply of food and water for every family member, a complete change of clothes and footwear for each person, battery operated/ non-electronic tools and supplies, and a first aid kit. Include copies of your important documents like birth certificates, social security cards, and insurance information. Don’t forget about your pets and their needs!
Stay Informed – In emergency situations such as severe weather, flooding, and other disasters, Sedgwick County Emergency Management will be able to report information and developments to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). This information will be posted to the
Emergency Log. NOAA Weather Radio, local television and radio stations, and social media are other methods to help you stay informed. Be sure to like and follow Sedgwick County to get up to date information about local government and emergencies in our area!
More details about emergency preparedness can be found on our
website.
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Sedgwick County Saves $1.6 Million on EMS Post
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Sedgwick County Commissioners voted to renovate an existing EMS post rather than build new. The original proposal for a new EMS Post was projected to cost over $2 million but by renovating a current county facility the costs were kept to just over $400,000. Commissioner Ranzau who recently toured the facility commented, "by doing this instead of building a new facility and borrowing money we're going to save the tax payers about $1.6million."
The post in Park City is a combined use facility for EMS, Emergency Management vehicles and storage, and Sheriff's Office large vehicles. The facility has been in partial use since Fire District 1's departure from the facility, placing maintenance on hold until the recent decision to renovate. Click here to watch the video.
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Governor's Veto Protects Property Owners
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Governor Brownback’s recently vetoed SB 338 has caused great discussion among our local community. I stand by my earlier comments supporting this veto. The vetoed bill was a flawed attempt to remove Kansas property rights protections created after the odious Kelo decision from the U.S. Supreme Court. I understand the City of Wichita’s concern but I also recognize that there are already other avenues local governments can use to address blighted properties.
If this bill had passed, cities would have had the power to strip a person’s property based on loosely defined, subjective terms. Current laws and statutes surrounding blight offer various methods for cities to dutifully and responsibly handle blighted properties. Cities do not need another, easier alternative to taking a private citizen’s property.
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You may have noticed an increase in road construction on your regular commutes. Many cities, counties, and states across the United States have started road construction projects that may impact travel plans. It is important to practice safe driving particularly when driving through work zones.
Last year, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) there was an average of four work zone crashes every day in Kansas resulting in four deaths. The number one reason for work zone crashes is inattention. It is trailed by following too close and driving too fast for the conditions among a few others.
This spring and summer, please use caution and remember the following tips when driving through work zones:
- Stay alert and watch for workers
- Follow traffic control and obey the posted speed limit
- Allow plenty of space between vehicles – don’t tailgate
- Be patient and expect delays
Sedgwick County Public Works tracks these County projects and you can find out more information on the department’s website.
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A Special Arbor Day Celebration
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Today, the Bel Aire Tree Board planted a tree at Sedgwick County Fire Station 37 to honor the men and women of Sedgwick County Fire District #1. This tree donation is a Survivor Tree Sapling which grew from a seed from the Native American Elm that survived the blast at the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995.
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Attend the 9-1-1 Citizen's Academy on May 21st!
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Sedgwick County Emergency Communications gives residents opportunities to experience the emergency system from a call-taker's perspective through the 9-1-1 Citizen's Academy. Residents who participate will get an inside look at the system, listen to live 9-1-1 calls and radio traffic, and observe dispatch operations. Classes are offered quarterly. Sign up to participate in the next 9-1-1 Citizen's Academy by May 7, 2016. Click here for 9-1-1 education opportunities.
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Contact Interim Public Information Officer:
Kate Flavin, 316-660-9370
525 N. Main, Ste 343, Wichita, KS 67203
Contact Corporate Communications Manager:
Jill Tinsley, 316-660-9370
525 N. Main, Ste 343, Wichita, KS 67203
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Connect with Sedgwick County
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