Services
& Utilities

McCreary County
Emergency Management
Rudy Young, Director

Public Service Announcements from
McCreary County Emergency Management

Citizen's Guide to Radon:
The Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Radon

Overview
Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas. You can't see radon. And you can't smell it or taste it. But it may be a problem in your home. Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of deaths each year. That's because when you breathe air containing radon, you can get lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.

Radon can be found all over the U.S.
Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breath. Radon can be found all over the U.S. It can get into any type of building - homes, offices, and schools - and result in a high indoor radon level. But you and your family are most likely to get your greatest exposure at home, where you spend most of your time.

You should test for radon.
Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. EPA also recommends testing in schools.

Testing is inexpensive and easy - it should only take a few minutes of your time. Millions of Americans have already tested their homes for radon.

You can fix a radon problem.
Radon reduction systems work and they are not too costly. Some radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99%. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.

New homes can be built with radon-resistant features.
Radon-resistant construction techniques can be effective in preventing radon entry. When installed properly and completely, these simple and inexpensive techniques can help reduce indoor radon levels in homes. In addition, installing them at the time of construction makes it easier and less expensive to reduce radon levels. Every new home should be tested after occupancy, even if it was built radon-resistant. If radon levels are still present, having a qualified mitigator install a vent fan should activate the passive system.

How Does Radon Get Into Your Home?
Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.

Radon from soil gas is the main cause of radon problems. Sometimes radon enters the home through well water. In a small number of homes, the building materials can give off radon, too. However, building materials rarely cause radon problems by themselves.

RADON GETS IN THROUGH:

v Cracks in solid floors

v Construction joints

v Cracks in walls

v Gaps in suspended floors

v Gaps around service pipes

v Cavities inside walls

v The water supply

Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated radon levels. Elevated levels of radon gas have been found in homes in your state. Contact your state radon office for general information about radon in your area. While radon problems may be more common in some areas, any home may have a problem. The only way to know about your home is to test.

Radon can also be a problem in schools and workplaces. Ask your state radon office about radon problems in schools, daycare and childcare facilities, and workplaces in your area.

NEIGHBOR HELPING NEIGHBOR

If someone you know is elderly or dependent on life-sustaining or health-related equipment such as a ventilator, respirator or oxygen concentrator, you should make plans now to ensure their needs are met during severe winter weather and possible power outages.

Help them stock a home disaster kit including a flashlight and extra batteries, a battery-operated radio, bottled water, non-perishable foods, essential medicines, and extra blankets or sleeping bags. Check on them after a storm or power outage. Register them, as a special needs customer with their utility so they will become a priority customer. Notify others who could provide help such as neighbors, relatives, nearby friends and local emergency responders such as the fire department.

Have a list of emergency numbers readily available. Have a standby generator or an alternative source of power available. Be aware of the safety rules for its use.

What Carbon Monoxide Does to You

Too much carbon monoxide in your blood will kill you. Most of us know to try to avoid this. Less well known is the fact that low-level exposure to this gas also endangers your health. One of the truths of our human bodies is that, given a choice between carbon monoxide and oxygen, the protein hemoglobin in our blood will always latch on to carbon monoxide and ignore the life-giving oxygen. Because of this natural chemical affinity, our bodies – in effect – replace oxygen with carbon monoxide in our bloodstream, causing greater or lesser levels of cell suffocation depending on the intensity and duration of exposure.

The side effects that can result from this low-level exposure include permanent organ and brain damage. Infants and the elderly are more susceptible than healthy adults, as are those with anemia or heart disease. The symptoms of low-level carbon monoxide poisoning are so easily mistaken for those of the common cold, flu or exhaustion, that proper diagnosis can be delayed. Because of this, be sure to see you physician about persistent, flu-like symptoms, chronic fatigue or generalized depression. If blood levels of carbon monoxide are found to be high, treatment is important. Meanwhile, it makes good sense to put heating system inspection and maintenance on your annual get-ready-for winter list. Prevention is the best cure.

Winter Electrical Service: IF THE LIGHTS GO OUT

If you lose electrical service during the winter, follow these tips:

1. Call your utility company first to report the power outage and determine area repair schedules. Turn off or unplug lights, appliances, and furnace to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored. Leave one light on to indicate power has been restored.

2. To help prevent freezing pipes, turn the water off to your home or turn on faucets slightly. Running water will not freeze as quickly.

3. Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning:

DO NOT operate generators indoors; the motor emits deadly carbon monoxide gas.

DO NOT use charcoal to cook indoors. It, too, can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide gas.

DO NOT use your gas oven to heat your home – prolonged use of an open oven in a closed house can create carbon monoxide gas.

Make sure fuel space heaters are used with proper ventilation.

4. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help reduce food spoilage. As a rule, as long as you do not open the doors, a freezer that is half-full should remain in tact for 24 hours, and freezer that is totally full 48 hours. If the power is going to be off for substantial amount of time, take your food out of the refrigerator or freezer and place it in a cooler outside of your home. As long as the temperature outside remains freezing or below, you should be able to maintain your food’s quality.

Winter Weather Awareness: Emergency Kits

The Kentucky Department of Homeland Security and The Red Cross say the best way to stay safe from the weather is to have a disaster plan and a disaster kit readily available. Primary concerns are the loss of heat, power and/or shortage of supplies.

At home or at work, have extra food stocked that requires no refrigeration or cooking in case of power failure. Have an extra emergency water supply in case water pipes freeze, and have batteries on hand for flashlights, radios, smoke alarms and cell phones. In addition, you should keep on hand extra medicine, first aid, and baby supplies in case you are unable to leave home for several days.

Have an alternative heating source lined up in case your primary heating source becomes unavailable. A fireplace, wood stove or ventless stove that does not require power are good alternatives. If your home requires heating fuel or propane, make sure you have plenty of fuel in case your supplier cannot reach you for days.

On the farm, move you animals to sheltered areas. Haul extra feed to feeding areas and have water available.

In vehicles, items in your winter travel kit should include blankets or extra clothing, first aid, a flashlight and a small shovel.

Turkey Fryer Safety

A longtime food favorite in the southern United States, the delicious deep-fried turkey has quickly grown in popularity thanks to celebrity chefs such as Martha Stewart and Emeril Lagasse. We're worried by the increasing reports of fires related with turkey fryer use. Based on UL test findings, the fryers used to produce those great-tasting birds are not worth the risks. And, as a result of these tests, Here's why using a deep-fryer can be dangerous:

• Many units easily tip over, spilling the hot oil within the cooking pot.
• If the cooking pot is overfilled with oil, the oil may spill out of the unit when the turkey is placed into the cooking pot. Oil may hit the burner/flames causing a fire to engulf the entire unit.
• Partially frozen turkeys placed into the fryer can cause a spillover effect. This too, may result in an extensive fire.
• With no thermostat controls, the units also have the potential to overheat the oil to the point of combustion.
• The sides of the cooking pot, lid and pot handles get dangerously hot, posing severe burn hazards.

Here are some tips for safer use:

• Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other material that can burn.
• Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages.
• Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
• Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you don't watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
• Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use. Even after use, never allow children or pets near the turkey fryer. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot, hours after use.
• To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer.
• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water don't mix, and water causes oil to spill over, causing a fire or even an explosion hazard.
• The National Turkey Federation recommends refrigerator thawing and to allow approximately 24 hours for every five pounds of bird thawed in the refrigerator.
• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. Remember to use your best judgment when attempting to fight a fire. If the fire is manageable, use an all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire
increases, immediately call 911 for help.

Chimney Safety Can Save Lives

New home heating patterns may increase potential for chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. With record-setting home heating prices anticipated this autumn and winter, efficiency is
at the forefront this year. As many homeowners address their financial concerns by turning to solid fuel appliances, like wood or pellet stoves, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) sends the reminder that the new heating patterns, including an increase in solid-fuel use, have the potential to increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and chimney fires.

According to the most recent statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), chimneys and chimney connectors accounted for the largest share (36 percent) of home heating fire incidents in 2005, with “failure to clean” accounting for two-thirds of those fires. Responsible operation of heating appliances calls for annual maintenance. Surprisingly
few homeowners realize that the chimneys venting their furnaces, water heaters and stoves, as well as the fireplace in the living room, need to be inspected by a qualified professional each year.

The most recent estimates available from the Consumer Product Safety Commission show an average of 25,700 residential structural fires related to fireplaces, chimneys and chimney connectors resulting in 30 deaths and $627 million in property losses annually. In addition to encouraging that chimneys and vents be inspected on an annual basis and maintained as needed to reduce the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning due to creosote buildup or obstructions in the chimney, the CSIA also recommends the following winter heating safety tips:

Ensure that new appliances are installed with the correct venting components as defined by the manufacturer.
Install a carbon monoxide detector on every level of the home.
Check smoke alarms. Replace batteries in both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors when clocks are reset for Daylight Savings Time.

For further information on chimney and venting safety, chimney inspections, what to expect when you hire a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep and to locate a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep, homeowners are encouraged to visit www.CSIA.org or (800) 536-0118.

Emergency Planning and Checklists:

Now that you’ve learned about what can happen and how your community is prepared to respond to emergencies, prepare your family by creating a family disaster plan. You can begin this process by gathering family members and reviewing this information (hazards, warning systems, evacuation routes and community and other plans). Discuss with them what you would do if family members are not home when a warning is issued.

Additionally, your family plan should address the following:
Escape routes;
Family communications;
Utility shut-off and safety;
Insurance and vital records;
Special needs;
Caring for animals;
Safety Skills

Escape Routes
Draw a floor plan of your home. Use a blank sheet of paper for each floor. Mark two escape routes from each room. Make sure children understand the drawings. Post a copy of the drawings at eye level in each child’s room. Establish a place to meet in the event of an emergency, such as a fire. Record the locations below:

Where to meet...
Near the home For example, the next door neighbor’s telephone pole; outside the immediate area, for example, the neighborhood grocery store parking lot.

Family Communications
Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another. Think about how you will communicate in different situations. Complete a contact card for each family member. The card should include the following:
Contact Name, Telephone Number, Out of State Contact Name, Telephone Number, Neighborhood Meeting Place, and Meeting Place Telephone Number. Have family members keep these cards handy in a wallet, purse, backpack, etc. You may want to send one to school with each child to keep on file. A copy should be included in the family disaster supplies kit.

Utility Shut-off and Safety
In the event of a disaster, you may be instructed to shut off the utility service at your home. Below is some general guidance for shutting off utility service:
Modify the information provided to reflect your shut off requirements as directed by your utility company(ies).

Natural gas leaks and explosions are responsible for a significant number of fires following disasters. It is vital that all household members know how to shut off natural gas. Because there are different gas shut-off procedures for different gas meter configurations, it is important to contact your local gas company for guidance on preparation and response regarding gas appliances and gas service to your home.

When you learn the proper shut-off procedure for your meter, share the information with everyone in your household. Be sure not to actually turn off the gas when practicing the proper gas shut-off procedure.

If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get everyone out quickly. Turn off the gas, using the outside main valve if you can, and call the gas company from a neighbor’s home.

CAUTION - If you turn off the gas for any reason, a qualified professional must turn it back on. NEVER attempt to turn the gas back on yourself.

Water quickly becomes a precious resource following many disasters. It is vital that all household members learn how to shut off the water at the main house valve. Cracked lines may pollute the water supply to your house. It is wise to shut off your water until you hear from authorities that it is safe for drinking. The effects of gravity may drain the water in your hot water heater and toilet tanks unless you trap it in your house by shutting off the main house valve (not the street valve in the cement box at the curb—this valve is extremely difficult to turn and requires a special tool).

Locate the shut-off valve for the water line that enters your house. Make sure this valve can be completely shut off. Your valve may be rusted open or it may only partially close. Replace it if necessary. Label this valve with a tag for easy identification, and make sure all household members know where it is located.

Electrical sparks have the potential of igniting natural gas if it is leaking. It is wise to teach all responsible household members where and how to shut off the electricity.

Locate your electricity circuit box. Teach all responsible household members how to shut off the electricity to the entire house. FOR YOUR SAFETY: Always shut off all the individual circuits before shutting off the main circuit breaker.

Obtain property, health, and life insurance if you do not have them. Review existing policies for the amount and extent of coverage to ensure that what you have in place is what is required for you and your family for all possible hazards.

If you live in a flood-prone area, consider purchasing flood insurance to reduce your risk of flood loss. Buying flood insurance to cover the value of a building and its contents will not only provide greater peace of mind, but will speed the recovery if a flood occurs.

You can call 1 (888) FLOOD29 to learn more about flood insurance.

Make a record of your personal property, for insurance purposes. Take photos or a video of the interior and exterior of your home. Include personal belongings in your inventory.

Store important documents such as insurance policies, deeds, property records, and other important papers in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box away from your home. Make copies of important documents for your disaster supplies kit. (Information about the disaster supplies kit is covered later.)

Consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used in any crisis. It is advisable to keep a small amount of cash or traveler’s checks at home in a safe place where you can quickly access them in case of evacuation.

If you or someone close to you has a disability or a special need, you may have to take additional steps to protect yourself and your family in an emergency.

Hearing impaired Need to make special arrangements to receive warnings. Mobility impaired May need special assistance to get to a shelter. Single working parent May need help to plan for disasters and emergencies.

Non-English speaking persons may need assistance planning for and responding to emergencies. Community and cultural groups may be able to help keep people informed. People without vehicles May need to make arrangements for transportation. People with special dietary needs Should take special precautions to have an adequate emergency food supply.

If you have special needs: Find out about special assistance that may be available in your community. Register with the office of emergency services or the local fire department for assistance so needed help can be provided.

Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends, and coworkers to aid you in an emergency. Discuss your needs and make sure everyone knows how to operate necessary equipment. Discuss your needs with your employer. If you are mobility impaired and live or work in a high-rise building, have an escape chair. If you live in an apartment building, ask the management to mark accessible exits clearly and to make arrangements to help you leave the building. Keep specialized items ready, including extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, food for service animals, and any other items you might need. Be sure to make provisions for medications that require refrigeration. Keep a list of the type and model numbers of the medical devices you require.

Animals also are affected by disasters. Use the guidelines below to prepare a plan for caring for pets and large animals. Plan for pet disaster needs by identifying shelter, gathering pet supplies, ensuring your pet has proper ID and up-to-date veterinarian records, providing a pet carrier and leash.

Take the following steps to prepare to shelter your pet: Call your local emergency management office, animal shelter, or animal control office to get advice and information. Keep veterinary records to prove vaccinations are current. Find out which local hotels and motels allow pets and where pet boarding facilities are located. Be sure to research some outside your local area in case local facilities close. Know that, with the exception of service animals, pets are not typically permitted in emergency shelters as they may affect the health and safety of other occupants.

If you have large animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, goats, or pigs on your property, be sure to prepare before a disaster. Use the following guidelines:

1. Ensure all animals have some form of identification.

2. Evacuate animals whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance.

3. Make available vehicles and trailers needed for transporting and supporting each type of animal. Also make available experienced handlers and drivers. (Note: It is best to allow animals a chance to become accustomed to vehicular travel so they are less frightened and easier to move.)

4. Ensure destinations have food, water, veterinary care, and handling equipment.

5. If evacuation is not possible, animal owners must decide whether to move large animals to shelter or turn them outside.

It is important that family members know how to administer first aid and CPR and how to use a fire extinguisher. Take a first aid and CPR class. Local American Red Cross chapters can provide information about this type of training. Official certification by the American Red Cross provides, under the “good Samaritan” law, protection for those giving first aid.

Be sure everyone knows how to use your fire extinguisher(s) and where it is kept. You should have, at a minimum, an ABC type. But before attempting to use the fire extinguisher, look at your situation. Can you extinguish the fire safely? Is it worth your life to try to extinguish the flames? Please examine the safety of attempting to put out a fire on your own.