County Qualifies for FEMA Money for Recent Snowstorm

Unofficial Minutes for the Thursday, February 10th meeting for the Worth County Commission provided by County Clerk Roberta Owens:

Meeting was called to order at 2:10 am by Presiding Commissioner Ted Findley. Members present: Findley, Ruckman and Gabbert.

1. Commissioner Ruckman made a motion to approve the agenda and minutes. Gabbert seconded, motion carried.

2. Commissioner Gabbert made a motion to approve the bills and payroll. Ruckman seconded. Motion carried.

3. Linda Brown, County Treasurer presented the shortened financial report.

4. Ruckman reported gas prices from MFA, gasoline 3.009 and diesel 3.419

5. Pat Kobbe, Emergency Management Coordinator came by to ask the Commissioners if they would be interested in being the handling agency for a Grant to buy defibulaters. Julia Cox is interested in filling out the Grant information. The Commissioners are interested and will pursue the issue further and see what all it entails. Kobbe also told the commissioners that we will qualify for the FEMA money for the latest snow storm. Kobbe also reported that she is going to visit with Matt Robinson, school Superintendent about hooking up with the school's text alert system. It will be good for Emergencies.

6. After looking over mechanic reports and oil samples. Plus much discussion the commissioners decided to look at the dozer, loader, and stump grinder at Government Surplus in Jefferson City MO. Motion by Gabbert to appraise the bulldozer, two wheel loader, and the stump grinder. See what kind of price they can get. If there is a pickup reasonably priced the commissioners will look at it also. Ruckman seconded. Motion carried.

7. Commissioner Ruckman adjourned the meeting at 5:40 pm

Blackouts a serious national security issue.

We need to find answers to why there were blackouts in Texas during the recent blizzard and find out fast. This is a serious national security issue, as the Defense Department recognized as early as 2008.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/2/5/941435/-RWSM-Deception-on-Texas-Blackouts-Threatens-American-Prosperity-and-Security

MoDOT allows heavier loads on state highways to help farmers

Farmers will be allowed emergency permits to transport heavier-than-usual loads of agricultural supplies in an effort by the Missouri Department of Transportation to keep livestock feed supplies from running low after the blizzard.

The permits legalize loads that are 10 percent heavier than normal, the department said in a news release. They're free and are set to expire at noon Sunday (Feb. 6).

But they might not be what farmers need, said Albert Kennett, an MU Extension livestock specialist. He said the biggest problem is not that feed supplies are running low, but farmers are struggling to clear paths through the snow to get the supplies they do have to their animals.

"The feeding is just really horrible. Just as difficult as it has been to get our cars out, it is that difficult to get feed to livestock," says Kennett.

Sandra Rankin from Rankin Farms said her farm is lucky to have equipment to clear enough snow to get to the cattle. But it's hard to get water to their animals because ponds have frozen over, she said.

"That's just the best you can do is see that they have feed and water. In this type of weather, it's an all-day job and sometimes part of the night," Rankin said.

The executive vice president of the Missouri Cattlemen's Association, Jeff Windett, said a herd of cattle can withstand the cold temperatures, but problems are linked instead to the moisture they will have to endure. Windett said the presence of moisture requires farmers to provide significantly more feed for the cattle in their pastures, and the drifts created by the high winds obstruct the paths farmers need to get to their herds.

Estimated $5.5 million spent to clear up roadways

As Missourians shovel out from under this week's massive snowfall, the state

Transportation Department has a big bill to pay.

MoDOT spent $5.5 million, said a spokesman, Jorma Duran. That estimate includes the more

than 40,000 hours of overtime labor and the 20,000 tons of salt used during

the storm, he said.

"There's never going to be a time where MoDOT says, 'We've got to stop our winter operations because of money,'" he said. "We want to make sure that the motorists are safe out there. So, if it costs however much it costs, it's what it is."

Duran said the amount of salt used during the historic storm only accounts for 10 percent of the

department's annual salt supply.

The transportation department's salt supplies are divided among districts across the state. On Monday (Jan. 31), the state's most populated districts still had at least half of their salt supplies remaining. Crews in St. Louis had begun salting the roads Sunday (Jan. 30) with a mixture of salt and sand to conserve their supply.

Storm Outages Low So Far

Missouri's electric cooperatives are not currently experiencing any significant outages as a major winter storm moves through the state. However, electric cooperative crews remain on high alert as strong winds are expected later in the day.
The National Weather Service has downgraded its original ice accumulation predictions across much of Missouri below the Interstate 44 corridor. While some areas still may receive as much as a 3/4-inch accumulation, most cooperative members will see a 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch of ice in the area ranging from Branson to north of Sikeston to south of St. Louis. In the path of this storm are White River Valley Electric, Se-Ma-No Electric, Webster Electric, Howell-Oregon Electric, Intercounty Electric, Black River Electric, Ozark Border Electric, SEMO Electric, Citizens Electric and Crawford Electric cooperatives.
Freezing rain will collect on power lines and trees, and can cause outages if the accumulation is heavy enough. The combination of heavy ice and strong winds are a recipe for extended outages for any electric utility.
"The reduced ice accumulation is encouraging," said Ron Klein, vice president of operations at Ste. Genevieve-based Citizens Electric, during a conference call between electric cooperative employees and the National Weather Service's Steve Reynolds. "I would say winds of 30-40 mph are our biggest concern. We are still telling members to be prepared for a multi-day outage. We are not going to back off of that."
In the early hours of Feb. 1, Intercounty Electric in Licking reported 341 members without power near Cabool in south-central Missouri.
Besides the strong winds and blizzard conditions expected Tuesday afternoon and evening, electric cooperatives are preparing for difficult travel conditions statewide as the National Weather Service is calling for as much as 2 feet of snow in some areas. While snow does not damage power lines, it does lead to accidents that can cause outages and will lengthen the response time for any outage.
Electric cooperatives are closely monitoring this situation and are prepared for the worst. Despite this preparedness, it is important that cooperative members have a plan in place in the event power is interrupted for an extended period. Information on emergency shelters can be found by calling 211 (or 1-800-427-4626). For the latest information on how the storm is affecting Missouri's electric cooperatives visit http://www.amec.coop/IceStormInfoCenter.html

Winter Visibility - Turn On Your Headlights

The Missouri Department of Transportation would like to remind drivers that the current blowing and drifting snow conditions are making visibility a problem for our drivers.

TURN ON YOUR HEADLIGHTS! If you absolutely must be driving during extreme weather conditions, help us to see you. Missouri State Law states the following:

"When you're driving on Missouri's roadways you must turn on your headlights if you are using your windshield wipers. In addition, motorists are required to use their headlights during periods of fog, regardless of wiper use. A rainy or snowy day can result in decreased visibility. Turn on those headlights! It's better to be seen than to be in a traffic crash."

In addition, we ask that you: Slow down. Use common sense; adjust your speed to suit driving conditions; give snowplows plenty of room, and don't pass them; always wear your seat belt; keep mirrors, windows and lights clean; keep your fuel tank at least half full; and if you do not feel comfortable and safe driving, park at the first safe place and wait for the weather to clear.

Let us all Arrive Alive.

KCP&L contact, safety info in the event of an outage

The National Weather Service issued warnings for extreme weather conditions in KCP&L’s service territory through the next few days. Both KCP&L crews and contract crews have been placed on standby alert and additional restoration materials have been staged at various locations throughout the service territory.

If power outages occur as a result of this storm, these crews will be called upon to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible. In addition, employees in KCP&L’s 24-hour Emergency Operations Center are currently working with local communities to prepare customers for the storm.

KCP&L wants to remind customers of tips to stay safe during this storm:

• Prepare a winter storm kit by gathering extra supplies for your home and your car, including:
  • First-aid kit and essential medications
  • Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries
  • Canned food and can opener
  • Bottled water
  • Warm clothing, blanket, coat, gloves, hat and water-resistant boots for each family member
• Stay indoors during the storm, if possible.If you must move to an alternate location, dress warmly with several layers of clothing, wear gloves and a hat to avoid exposing your skin to dangerous wind chill.
• Walk carefully on snowy and icy surfaces. Avoid traveling by car and risk being stranded, but if you must travel:
  • Carry a "disaster kit" in the trunk.
  • Keep the car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
  • Always let someone know your destination, route of travel and expected time of arrival.
  • Carry a cell phone if you have one.
• For family members on a life support system, plan for arrangementsto get them to a location where their needs can be met in the case of a power outage. In addition, contact KCP&L at 888-471-5275 to make sure we've noted that a life support system exists at that service location.
• In the event of a power outage, call 1-888-LIGHTKC(1-888-544-4852) to report the outage. And, keep the following in mind:
  • Never touch or attempt to pick up a fallen power line. Assume any downed power line is energized. If you see a downed power line, call KCP&L immediately at 1-888-LIGHTKC (1-888-544-4852).
  • During an outage do not open your refrigerator or freezer more than necessary. Undisturbed food will remain frozen in most freezers for up to 48 hours.
  • If using a portable generator during an outage, follow the manufacturer’s safety and operating guidelines. Operate the generator in a well-ventilated area; never indoors or your garage. Dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can build up and cause serious injury or death.
  • If you have access to the internet, visit the KCP&L Storm Center at www.kcpl.com/stormcenter for storm information and additional safety tips.

Governor Declares State of Emergency, Mobilizes National Guard

Gov. Jay Nixon has declared a state of emergency in Missouri and activated the Missouri National Guard in preparation for a severe winter storm that is moving into the region. The Governor and state emergency officials began monitoring the storm over the weekend, when the Governor ordered that emergency generators be deployed to staging locations across the state.

Earlier this afternoon, Gov. Nixon signed Executive Order 11-03 to declare a state of emergency in Missouri. The executive order activates the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, which allows state agencies to assist local jurisdictions with their emergency preparation and response. The Governor also signed Executive Order 11-04, which activates the Missouri National Guard in response to the storm. Under the Governor’s orders, Citizen-Soldiers from the Guard will be deployed to support local emergency agencies.

“Most of Missouri is expected to be affected by this severe winter storm, which is predicted to cause treacherous road conditions and possibly widespread power outages,” Gov. Nixon said. “My chief concern is the safety of Missourians, and these orders make state agency resources and the Citizen-Soldiers of the Missouri National Guard available to help communities respond. As state emergency officials continued to track the storm over the weekend, we worked closely with local agencies and faith and community groups to ensure that Missouri is as prepared as possible.”

Before signing these orders, Gov. Nixon received an updated briefing from his emergency management team, including senior officials from the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Missouri National Guard, Missouri State Highway Patrol and State Emergency Management Agency to assess the current weather situation and review the latest forecasts.

Under Gov. Nixon’s orders, the State Emergency Operations Center is now operating 24 hours a day. Liaison officers from the National Guard will begin working with county and local officials to determine where the Guard’s help is needed.

National Weather Service forecasts call for significant ice in some areas, widespread heavy snowfall of a foot or more, and sustained winds. These extreme conditions create a strong possibility of power outages. The Governor also cautions Missourians who see downed power lines to report them immediately to their electric utility; to stay away from the downed lines; and to warn others to do so as well.

The forecast also calls for temperatures to drop into the single digits or below in parts of Missouri later in the week. Gov. Nixon encourages Missourians to take steps to protect themselves and their families, including:

· Listen to radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for weather reports and emergency information, or visit the state’s Web site – MO.gov – for comprehensive emergency information.

· If you must drive, check MO.gov for road conditions before departing. Dial the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s emergency line – *55 from a cellular phone – if you encounter an accident while driving.

· Check on the elderly and neighbors who may be in need of additional assistance. For information about emergency services and resources, visit MO.gov.

Missourians who need disaster information, shelter information, and referrals are urged to call 211. The 211 service is now available for most areas of Missouri. In areas where the 211 service is not operational, citizens may call 800-427-4626.

In addition to the National Guard, state agencies that can be activated for duty under the order include: Missouri Department of Public Safety, State Emergency Management Agency, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Division of Fire Safety, Department of Agriculture, Department of Conservation, Department of Corrections, Department of Health and Senior Services, Department of Mental Health, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Social Services, Department of Transportation and the Office of Administration.

Non-government and volunteer working with the State Emergency Operations Center include the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, AmeriCorps, and the Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Service Partnership for Disaster Recovery.

Online Resources for Winter Weather

MU Extension has compiled a list of websites, extension publications, news releases and other online resources for coping before, during and after winter storms.

MU Extension news releases

• Advice for safe snow shoveling: http://extension.missouri.edu/news/DisplayStory.aspx?N=1032.
• Elderly at special risk during frigid weather: http://extension.missouri.edu/news/DisplayStory.aspx?N=632
• MU expert recommends precautions to avoid frozen pipes: http://extension.missouri.edu/news/DisplayStory.aspx?N=631
• Winter power outages can lead to generator concerns: http://extension.missouri.edu/news/DisplayStory.aspx?N=1033
• Ice dams on the roof can damage your home: http://extension.missouri.edu/news/DisplayStory.aspx?N=637

-MU Extension Community Emergency Management Program (CEMP) http://extension.missouri.edu/cemp

-CEMP severe winter weather Web links http://extension.missouri.edu/main/DisplayCategory.aspx?C=261#websites

-MU Extension winter weather publications http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/seasons/winter.aspx
Publications include:

• EMW1001, Statewide Disaster Response/Recovery Contact List http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=EMW1001
• EMW1012, Disaster Supplies Kit http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=EMW1012
• G6867, First Aid for Storm-Damaged Trees http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G6867
• GH5117, Preparing for an Emergency: Home Heating in an Emergency http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=GH5117
• GH5118, For the Unprepared: Home Heating in an Emergency http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=GH5118

See also: http://extension.missouri.edu/main/DisplayCategory.aspx?C=261#publications

MU Extension –MissouriFamilies - Coping with Disaster feature articles http://missourifamilies.org/features/copingarticles/

Other resources

Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) resources http://eden.lsu.edu/Topics/Hazards/SnowIce/

University of Illinois Extension Winter Storm Resource Center: http://urbanext.illinois.edu/winter/

North Dakota State University Extension Service: Winter Storm Information http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/disaster/winterstorm.html

University of Minnesota Extension: Ice dams on roofs http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/housingandclothing/DK1068.html

National Weather Service: Winter Weather Safety and Awareness http://www.weather.gov/os/winter/

Statement from the Worth County Emergency Management Agency regarding the winter storm

Have just finished with a conference webinar with the National Weather Forecast and the substance of that information follows:

They are using terms such as “Historic” “Extreme”, etc. for this storm. As always, the path may change. They do not expect to do another conference call. They have provided two web-sites that will be updated about every 6 hrs. or so. They are as follows:

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/eax/briefing and

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/eax/?n=dss main

More freezing rain today with a lull this afternoon before the snow begins. The amount of snow for us looks to be 7.3” here and to the SE part of our county 10.3”. They expect it to begin with wet/heavy snow, going then to light fluffy snow. It will begin this evening and progress throughout tomorrow & tomorrow night. They recommend that people be where they want to be by tomorrow afternoon late because they may have to stay there for some time. They expect blizzard conditions with 30-40mph winds beginning Tuesday afternoon and a possible power outage because of the winds. Wind chills by Thursday will be -25 degrees below zero. They expect the wind to decrease to 15 to 20 mph late Wednesday morning.

If we need to establish shelters, we will open the school and the WCCC is available. My home phone number is (660)564-3514 and my cell is (660)582-0315.