This time of year we expect the hot days are here to stay for a while.  Arkansas weather experts are currently predicting high temps in the range of 100’s. These hot days create the need for extra caution when working and playing outside. Here are some reminders on how you can remain safe and comfortable.

General Recommendations

1. Stay cool and if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall, library, recreational facilities or heat-relief shelters.
2. Electric fans should be used with caution. Use only if they bring in cool air from outside. Do not use if they only circulate hot air. Instead take cool showers or baths.
3. When outdoors, stay in the shade whenever possible (natural or artificial structures).
4. When in the sun, cover up. Wear a wide brimmed hat, UV protective sunglasses, and loose-fitting long shirts and pants.
5. Stay well hydrated. Plain water is the liquid of choice, diluted fruit juice is okay. Drink less caffeinated and alcoholic beverages on hot days.
6. Check regularly on children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities or with chronic illnesses; be sure they are well hydrated.
7. Be aware of signs and symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Follow first aid procedures promptly.
8. Apply sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher), 20-30 minutes before going outside to ensure absorption.
9. When using DEET insect repellent, apply 20-30 minutes after sunscreen has been applied.
10. Sunscreens/insect repellents are not recommended for infants under six months of age. Keep babies under one year of age out of direct sunlight.
11. NEVER leave anyone (including pets) in a closed, parked vehicle.

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Ferndale – A 5- year old boy who was reported missing Wednesday night was safely found early Thursday morning.The boy disappeared from his locked home on Kanis Road 8:40 p.m. after it was suspected he exited the structure from a doggie door and entered the heavily wooded area surrounding his home.

Over 60 people joined the nighttime search from WPFD, Pulaski County Sherrif’s Dept, and Arkansas State Police who brought in their helicopter and night vision capabilities in the early hours of the search to view the dense woods with infrared cameras. After 6+ hours of searching with 50+ searchers, the boy was located around 3 a.m in the woods east of his residence by one of the searchers using bloodhounds brought in from the Arkansas Department of Corrections search team . The boy was treated by MEMS ambulance paramedics and was found to have had some minor visible scratches but was not injured otherwise.

The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) Shelter Rebate Program will begin accepting applications on Monday, pharmacy July 15, see 2013. The Arkansas Legislature approved the program to receive $1, 250,000 for the new fiscal year. Reimbursements will be awarded based on the date of installation.

Applicants are responsible for mailing the application after it is signed by the County Judge/Coordinator. ADEM will not process electronic applications or those received before July 15. The rebate program will close when ADEM receives enough applications to expend all the funding. After all funding has been obligated and the program is closed, the remaining applications will be retained. Shelter Rebate applications that were received prior to December 9, 2011, but were not funded on the July 2012 cycle, will be honored first. If future funding becomes available a notification will be posted regarding the application acceptance period.

Eligibility is limited to individuals who own their home at the time of application and who have installed an above-ground safe room or in-ground shelter after January 21, 1999. ADEM will provide reimbursement for cost associated with individual above-ground safe rooms or in-ground shelter installation. Reimbursements will be 50% of the associated costs or $1,000, whichever is less.

Although an individual, above-ground safe room or in-ground shelter can be designed in a number of ways, it must meet requirements established in FEMA Publication 320 and/or meet the National Performance Criteria for Tornado Shelters dated May 28, 1999. The program will require that it be constructed of a waterproof material, properly ventilated and the door must meet the National Performance Criteria for Tornado Shelters. The shelters must meet city and/or county codes if there are any. Previously owned or used shelters will not be eligible for the grant. Only shelters that come originally from the manufacturer or contractor are eligible.

Click on this link to find out more information and access applicable forms:  http://www.adem.arkansas.gov/ADEM/Divisions/Admin/Mitigation/shelter.aspx

Today we celebrate our Independence by remembering the efforts and lives it took to GAIN our freedom and honor those that continue the tradition of service to make sure our freedom ENDURES.

We would like to send a heart felt THANK YOU to ALL that serve and have served our country, states, counties, search cities and communities across this great land to protect our freedoms and ensure our safety.

Please celebrate safely!

On July 3rd, story WPFD participated in Rapid Response Team Camp 2013 at the Arkansas 4-H center in Little Rock. The camp was sponsored by the American Red Cross- Greater Arkansas Chapter. Our personnel participated with Squad 1, Engine 2, Rescue 2, Rescue 3 and Brush Truck 2 to simulate the fire -rescue response to a Tornado Event. Each year, ARCGA sponsors a preparedness camp to Jr. and Sr. High School kids from around the state of Arkansas. Student leaders spent all week instructing the younger participants with valuable first aid, CPR, and how they should respond to a community disaster. After several days learning their skills, the campers put their skills to use in a mock-disaster that simulates a major community response.  This years mock-tornado event was more realistic that every before as we had a larger participation from MEMS (our regional ambulance service) and Baptist Hospitals Med-Flight helicopter.  Campers were “dispatched” in an organized response to the general area where they found scattered patients (nursing students and instructors to provide realistic injury responses) needing immediate care.  Patients, once stabilized by the responders, with WPFD and MEMS assistance, were transferred to the MCI (Mass Casualty Incident) triage location to further assess and treat the patients.  A very realistic event for this year was the landing of a medical helicopter near the MCI triage landing zone so that a “critical” patient (consenting adult mock-patient) could be air-lifted by helicopter for rapid medical care. WPFD Fire Chief Ronnie Wheeler said, “The campers did a great job putting their skills to use. The got to see how things go, even unexpectedly, in an emergency event. Their help and assistance in a real large event will be valuable to provide immediate help until dispatched response organizations, like ours, can arrive on-scene. I am really glad we get a chance to participate each year”.

To learn more about the American Red Cross – Rapid Response Camp, visit http://www.redcross.org/arkansas/programs/rapid-response to learn more. If you are a rising 8th through 11th grade student, contact Gayla Bowden, State Volunteer Specialist, at 501-748-1080 find out how you can participate in next years camp.

Check out these images at the Continue Reading link….

Continue reading WPFD Participates in American Red Cross Arkansas – Rapid Response Camp 2013 →