Weather Info and Tips

Protect Yourself from the Sun

Wed, 08 May 2013 17:13:00 GMT

When the sun comes out, you want to go out! But before you head outdoors, it's important to protect yourself from sun exposure which can cause premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, cataracts, and skin cancer.

Cover up. Wear tightly-woven clothing that blocks out light. Try this test: Place your hand between a single layer of the clothing and a light source. If you can see your hand through the fabric, the garment offers little protection.
Use sunscreen. A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 blocks 93 percent of UV rays. You want to block both UVA and UVB rays to guard against skin cancer. Be sure to follow application directions on the bottle.
Wear a hat. A wide brim hat (not a baseball cap) is ideal because it protects the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp.
Wear UV-absorbent shades. Sunglasses don't have to be expensive, but they should block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation.
Limit exposure. UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you're unsure about the sun's intensity, take the shadow test: If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun's rays are the day's strongest.

Prepare for Unpredictable Spring Weather

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:41:00 GMT

Spring weather can be unpredictable. When severe weather hits unexpectedly, the risk of injury and death increases, so planning ahead makes sense. Prepare for storms, floods, and tornadoes as if you know in advance they are coming, because in the spring, they very likely will.

Advance planning for thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes and floods requires specific safety precautions. Still, you can follow many of the same steps for all extreme weather events. You should have on hand:

A battery-operated flashlight, a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio, and extra batteries for both
An emergency evacuation plan, including a map of your home and, for every type of severe weather emergency, routes to safety from each room
A list of important personal information, including
- telephone numbers of neighbors, family and friends
- insurance and property information
- telephone numbers of utility companies
- medical information
A first aid kit including
- prescription medication
- hydrogen peroxide
- antibiotic ointment
- over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin and diarrhea medicine
- bandages and dressings for injuries
A 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food
Personal hygiene items
Blankets or sleeping bags
An emergency kit in your car

Prepare your family members for the possibility of severe weather. Tell them where to seek appropriate shelter as soon as they are aware of an approaching storm. Practice your emergency plan for every type of severe weather. Show family members where the emergency supplies are stored, and make sure they know how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity in your home.

Source: cdc.gov

Driving Safety Tips for Extreme Weather

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:48:00 GMT

Follow these tips for save driving in severe storms:

Tune in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms.
If you see a tornado or hear a tornado warning, don’t try to outrun it. View tornado driving safety tips.
Turn on your headlights (low beams) and slow down. Many states require the use of headlights during rain.
Allow extra distance for braking.
Do not drive unless necessary.
Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside.
An automobile provides better insulation against lightning than being in the open.
Avoid contact with any metal conducting surfaces either inside your car or outside.
Avoid flooded roadways.
Avoid downed power lines.
Check your windshield wipers and tires regularly to insure that they are ready for severe weather.
Approach intersections with caution
Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs.

Source: FEMA.gov

As Warm Weather Arrives, Brush Up on Water Safety Tips

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:58:00 GMT

Make Water Safety Your Priority

Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone. Even at a public pool or a lifeguarded beach, use the buddy system!
Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and Learn-to-Swim courses.
Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
Establish rules for your family and enforce them without fail. For example, set limits based on each person’s ability, do not let anyone play around drains and suction fittings, and do not allow swimmers to hyperventilate before swimming under water or have breath-holding contests.
Even if you do not plan on swimming, be cautious around natural bodies of waterincluding ocean shoreline, rivers and lakes. Cold temperatures, currents and underwater hazards can make a fall into these bodies of water dangerous.
If you go boating, wear a life jacket! Most boating fatalities occur from drowning.
Avoid alcohol use. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination; affects swimming and diving skills; and reduces the body’s ability to stay warm.

http://www.redcross.org

What to do After a Flood

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:14:00 GMT

The following are guidelines for the period following a flood:

Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
Avoid moving water.
Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.

Before Winter Weather Strikes, Be Prepared

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Before a storm strikes, be prepared.

At home or work, the following items should be available:

-flashlights and extra batteries
-canned food and a manual opener
-bottled water
-essential medications
-first aid kit
-sufficient heating fuel
-a working fire extinguisher and smoke alarm
-salt and sand
-a battery powered radio

Make sure your pets have plenty of food, water, and shelter.

Make sure your vehicle is fully checked and winterized. Carry a winter storm survival kit including blankets, cell phone, a flashlight with extra batteries, a shovel, and map.

If you become stranded in your vehicle, make sure the tail pipe is clear then stay inside, run the engine 10 minutes each hour for heat, keep your window open to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, and from time to time exercise body parts to keep blood circulating and to keep warm. Tie a colored cloth to your vehicle.

If you are caught outside, try to stay dry and cover exposed body parts.

Driving in Snow and Ice

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:22:00 GMT

The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it.

Don't go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.

If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared, and that you know how to handle road conditions.

It's helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you're familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner's manual for tips specific to your vehicle.

Driving safely on icy roads

Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
Keep your lights and windshield clean.
Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If your rear wheels skid...

Take your foot off the accelerator.
Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.
If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

If your front wheels skid...

Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.
As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

If you get stuck...

Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.

Sources: weather.com, National Safety Council, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Washington State Government Information & Services

Frostbite and Hypothermia

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:51:00 GMT

Frostbite and hypothermia are cold-related emergencies that may quickly become life or limb threatening. Preventing cold-related emergencies includes not starting an activity in, on, or around cold water unless you know you can get help quickly in an emergency.

How to Prevent Cold Related Illness

Be aware of the wind chill.
Dressappropriately and avoid staying in the cold too long.
Wear a hat and gloves when appropriate with layers of clothing.
Drink plenty of warm fluids or warm water but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Stay active to
maintain body heat.
Take frequent breaks from the cold.
Avoid unnecessary exposure of any part of the body to the cold.
Get out of the cold immediately if the signals of hypothermia or frostbite appear.

Frostbite

Frostbite is the freezing of a specific body part such as fingers, toes, the nose or earlobes.
Signals of frostbite include—lack of feeling in the affected area;skin that appears waxy, is cold to the touch, or is discolored (flushed, white or gray, yellow or blue).

What to do for frostbite:
1. Move the person to a warm place.
2. Handle the area gently; never rub the affected area.
3. Warm gently by soaking the affected area in warm water (100–105 degrees F) until it appears red and
feels warm.
4. Loosely bandage the area with dry, sterile dressings.
5. If the person’s fingers or toes are frostbitten, place dry, sterile gauze between them to keep them
separated.
6. Avoid breaking any blisters.
7. Do not allow the affected area to refreeze.
8. Seek professional medical care as soon as possible.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is another cold-related emergencies. Hypothermia may quickly become life threatening. Hypothermia is caused by the cooling of the body caused by the failure of the body’s warming system. The goals of first aid are to restore normal body temperature and to care for any conditions while waiting for EMS personnel.

Signals of hypothermia include—shivering, numbness, glassy stare;apathy, weakness, impaired judgment;loss of consciousness.

What to do for hypothermia:
1. CALL 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
2. Gently move the person to a warm place.
3. Monitor breathing and circulation.
4. Give rescue breathing and CPR if needed.
5. Remove any wet clothing and dry the person.
6. Warm the person slowly by wrapping in blankets or by putting dry clothing on the person. Hot water bottles and chemical hot packs may be used when first wrapped in a towel or blanket before applying. Do not warm the person too quickly, such as by immersing him or her in warm water. Rapid warming may cause dangerous heart arrhythmias. Warm the core first (trunk, abdomen), not the extremities (hands, feet). This is important to mention because most people will try to warm hands and feet first and that can
cause shock

Source: http://www.redcross.org

Winter Weather Safety Tips for Seniors

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:40:00 GMT

As potentially dangerous winter storms become a threat, local senior care experts encourage families to help their senior loved ones and neighbors prepare for the possibility of heavy snow, ice and frigid temperatures.

The extreme temperatures and snow of winter can be especially dangerous for older adults. The elderly and those with heart disease are at special risk, according to the American Heart Association.

“As people age, their ability to maintain a normal internal body temperature often decreases,” said Jeff Huber, president of Home Instead, Inc., franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care® franchise network. “Because elderly people seem to be relatively insensitive to moderately cold conditions, they can suffer hypothermia without knowing they're in danger.”

The following tips, from the local Home Instead Senior Care® office, will help you safeguard a senior loved one or neighbor.

• Fill the cupboard. Help your senior stock the staples and groceries they’ll need in the event of a large snowstorm or cold spell.

• Maximize energy. Encourage your senior to make sure they have adequate insulation and to check and clean the fireplace and furnace. Replace furnace filters monthly.

• Minimize drafts. Help your senior fill old socks with sand and use them in drafty windowsills and door jams. Weather-strip around windows and doors. Keep doors closed to unused rooms and close curtains at night.

• Stay toasty. Advise your senior to add an extra blanket to the bed and warm the bed in advance with a hot water bottle. Never use electric blankets. A senior may not be able to operate the controls if the temperature needs to be adjusted in the night.

• Dress warmly. A senior’s circulation decreases with age. Encourage your senior to wear an extra sweater or sweatshirt, and sweat pants during the winter.

• Monitor the thermostat. Check with your senior to make sure that they’re keeping the thermostat above 65 degrees during the cold weather. Older adults are particularly susceptible to hypothermia, which can develop over a few days and weeks even in the mildly cool indoor temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees.

• Beware of budget problems. Make sure your senior isn’t trying to save money by keeping the thermostat down. Many communities have energy assistance programs for low- and fixed-income households.

• Avoid slips. Make sure your senior has made arrangements to have driveways and walkways cleaned. Salt and sand should be available to speed melting.

• Stay in touch. Check on your neighbor or loved one frequently during periods of cold and snowy weather.

• Build a network. You can’t always be around to help your elderly loved one. Call on neighbors, family and church members to help or contact your local Home Instead Senior Care office.

For more information about senior and caregiver well-being, please visit www.caregiverstress.com.

On Behalf Of Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce: Can You Help?

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 20:43:00 GMT

Food Needed in Old Bridge (for convenience drop off at our New Brunswick office)

The Old Bridge residents have been hit hard by Sandy. The Old Bridge Food Bank needs your help. There is no such thing as too much - the food bank works with six other food banks and shares what is needed. They have been helping residents from the waterfront properties of Old Bridge, Sayreville, Union Beach and Keyport.

Need: Non perishable food, toiletries, adult diapers, baby diapers, baby food.

You donate these items to the red barn at the Municipal Building (1 Old Bridge Plaza, Municipal Complex, Old Bridge)

OR You may drop off these items to the Chamber office by 5pm tomorrow, Tuesday 11/6 at 109 Church St., New Brunswick and we will drop it off.

Other places that need help:

South River

New food bank at 9 Jeffery Ave., South River (the old one is flooded).

Need food and toiletries for 200 people. Drop off on Wednesday when the new shelter is opened.

Contact Debbie 732 257 1999

Edison

Valley Manor apartment complex is a site for seniors who are displaced from their homes without power.

Need pillows (30).

2963 Woodbridge Ave, Edison

Contact Jay Elliott 732 407 2025

Edison

State PBA collections to bring to first responders at the shore. Donations collect at the Edison Municipality office. Will drop off this Saturday. Taking collections of the following:

Canned goods (non-perishable), Boxed cereals, cookies, etc.

Soap

Water

Kids/Baby Clothing

Shampoo

Toilet Paper/Toothbrushes/Toothpaste, etc.

Batteries/Flashlights

Socks/Underwear (men's and women's)

Sweatshirts/Pants/Thermals

Linens/Blankets

Razors/ Shaving Cream

Diapers (Baby and Adult)

Contact Jeff, state PBA liaison. 732 261 7621

Highland Park

Needs batteries, flashlights

Senior Center 220 South 6th Ave.

Jamesburg

Food pantry is in desperate need for food and water.

Presbyterian Church of Jamesburg 175 Gatzmer Ave.

Contact 732 521 1711

Middlesex Twp.

Needs batteries and flashlights (two fires in homes from candles)

Municipal office 1200 Mountain Ave., Middlesex

Sayreville

First Aid Squad needs oxygen masks

Contact Mary Novak 732 236 5678

Please check your local religious organizations to see how you can help throughout the next few weeks. If your town or organization needs assistance, let us know. We will announce to our membership.

___________________________________

Office of the Governor - Gas Rationing for Middlesex County

Please read announcement here.

SBA Disaster Loans

SBA provides low interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, nonprofit organizations to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery & equipment, inventory and business assets that have been damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster. Informational can be found here.

FEMA

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of New Jersey.

FEMA is now accepting applications from residents and business owners who sustained losses in Atlantic County, Cape May County, Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County and Union County.

Register online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov, by web-enabled mobile device atm.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

Volunteer

NJ volunteer line : Please also call the state's volunteer emergency response hotline at 1-800-JERSEY-7 (1-800-537-7397). If storm conditions preclude the hotline from being answered by live operators, volunteers may call one of two backup hotline numbers: 609-775-5236 or 908-303-0471. Volunteers may also send an email to rowena.madden@sos.state.nj.us. If you are already a trained volunteer affiliated with an emergency response organization, please contact that agency to register your readiness to receive an assignment.

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