As the effects of Sandy continue to bear down on the east coast, the City is working to make sure that we are prepared for whatever challenges she throws at us.  Part of those activities will be the activation of our Emergency Operations Center at noon to monitor the event, to track resource allocations and to disseminate emergency warning information.  The Emergency Services Department continues to participate in the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC)  weather briefings at 10AM and 5PM each day.  These calls allow us to coordinate with State agencies such as the DOT and National Guard as well as the American Red Cross and National Weather Service. We have been working all weekend to check our available resources, to share information and to ensure that we are as ready as possible to protect our community.  

We are working hard to make sure that we are ready, how about you?   Did you take a few minutes to check your Disaster Supply Kit?  Are you ready for the high potential we have for long-term power outages?  West Virginia will always be suspectiable to severe weather events ... don't panic or fear what could happen, but take a few minutes to be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least 72 hours.  Below are a few tips from www.ready.gov on how to prepare for a power outage.     

To prepare for a blackout you should do the following:

• To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
• Follow energy conservation measures to keep the use of electricity as low as possible, which can help power companies avoid imposing rolling blackouts.
• Fill plastic containers with water and place them in the refrigerator and freezer if there's room. Leave about an inch of space inside each one, because water expands as it freezes. This chilled or frozen water will help keep food cold during a temporary power outage, by displacing air that can warm up quickly with water or ice that keeps cold for several hours without additional refrigeration.
• Be aware that most medication that requires refrigeration can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem. If unsure, check with your physician or pharmacist.
• Keep your car tank at least half full because gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.
• Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it. Garage doors can be heavy, so know that you may need help to lift it.
• Keep a key to your house with you if you regularly use the garage as the primary means of entering your home, in case the garage door will not open.