Estill County EMA/CSEPP

The Estill County Emergency Management Agency(EMA)/Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) is proud to announce that residents of Estill County can now receive up to date emergency alerts via e-mail and/or text messaging on your phone.

To sign up for this service simply go to http://www.nixle.com and make an account. Once your account is active and you have entered your address in Estill County you should automatically be subscribed to our feed.  If you check your locations and are not automatically subscribed just go to http://local.nixle.com/estill-county-emergency-management-agency/ and you should be able to subscribe from there.

Users will have to supply a cell number in order to receive text messages and an e-mail address to receive e-mails.  Everyone receives all e-mails genereated by us and any other agency you choose to sign up for.  Users can, however, set what level of messages they would like to receive from us via text message. The levels are traffic, community, advisory, and alert. All users will receive text message alerts but users may choose whether or not to receive the other levels of messages (traffic, community, and advisory) via text message.

*We do not receive any information that you enter when creating your account. nixle promises in their terms and conditions that they do not share your user information with anyone else, either.

**Please remember that you will be charged your normal rate for receiving a text message on your cell phone unless you have a text messaging plan that covers it. This charge is generated by your phone company as it sees this as a normal text message. Both our portion and nixle's portion of the service is offered free of charge.

News Release

Dangers of Alternative Heating Sources

For More Information Contact:

Melissa A Jessie PIO

Estill County EMA/CSEPP

606-723-6533

4 Jan. 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dangers of Alternative Heating Sources

Alternative power sources such as generators and kerosene heaters are commonly used during electrical power outages or for added heat source during extreme cold weather. Improper usage of these devices can cause carbon monoxide to build up in homes or garages, resulting in sudden illness and death.

Seek medical attention if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning and are experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Early symptoms include headache, fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. Individuals who are sleeping or who have been drinking alcohol may die from carbon monoxide poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms. It is important to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home just like smoke detectors. You can purchase ones separately or there are carbon/smoke combination detectors; all can be purchased at any hardware store.

Safety Steps to Take When Using Portable Generators

• Properly follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully for your specific generator model.

• Never operate a generator inside a home, garage or partially enclosed space, even if doors and windows are open.

• Operate a generator at least 25 feet from your home, far away from windows, doors and vents.

• Secure the generator with a steel link chain and lock to prevent theft.

• Make sure your generator is properly grounded. Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to help prevent electrocution and electrical shock injuries. Do not overload the generator.

• Use a heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cord that is free of cuts or tears and has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin.

• Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors in your home according to the manufacturer’s instructions and replace the batteries on a regular basis. If the detector sounds, leave your home immediately and dial 911.

Tips on Proper Kerosene Heater Use

• Properly follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully for your specific heater model.

• Be sure that wick is set at proper level as instructed by manufacturer and is clean.

• Operate a kerosene heater in a well-vented area. Leave a door open to rest of the house or keep an outside window open to ensure adequate flow of fresh air.

• Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors in your home according to the manufacturer’s instructions and replace the batteries on a regular basis. If the detector sounds, leave your home immediately and dial 911.

• Use only 1-K grade kerosene fuel. Colored or cloudy kerosene will give out an odor and smoke when burned and will also gum up the wick.

• Store kerosene in container intended for kerosene only. Don’t store in a gasoline can or container that contained gasoline. This will avoid using contaminated fuel or the wrong fuel by mistake. Kerosene containers are usually blue and gasoline containers are red.

• Never refuel heaters inside the home. Fill the tank outdoors, away from combustible materials and after the heater is turned off and allowed to cool. Do not fill the fuel tank above the “full” mark. This area allows the fuel to expand without causing leakage when the heater is operated.

• Never attempt to move a lighted kerosene heater. Even a carrying handle could cause burns.

• To avoid risk of fire, place the kerosene heater several feet away from all furniture, curtains, paper, clothes, bedding and other combustible materials.

• Infants, small children and pets should be kept away from heaters to avoid serious burns.

NEVER USE A CHARCOAL/PROPANE GRILL, CAMP STOVE OR PORTABLE OUTDOOR PROPANE HEATER INSIDE YOUR HOUSE FOR HEAT! These devices put out carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be deadly.

For more information please contact the Estill County EMA/CSEPP office at 723-6533.