Monthly Outdoor Warning Siren Test Will be Conducted Today

Contact Information:
Nick Crossley
Director
913-782-3038
www.jocoem.org

Olathe, Kansas, May 6, 2009

Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security, in coordination with the National Weather Service, will be conducting the monthly test of the outdoor warning siren system as scheduled today at 11:00 AM. The outdoor warning siren system is tested on the first Wednesday of every month at 11:00 AM.


For more information about emergency management or notification, please visit www.jocoem.org.

Update on Swine Flu

JOHNSON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT UPDATE:

Swine Flu: Questions & Answers

What is swine flu?

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses

that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human

infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-toperson,

but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?

In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1)

viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S.

states (including Kansas) have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have

been reported internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in

the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm CDC and local and

state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?

CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading

from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between

people.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and

include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have

reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia

and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like

seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How does swine flu spread?

Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that

seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or

sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching

something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and

up to seven or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the

flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?

First and most important: wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or if none is

available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of

sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food..

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Current as of 4/28/09 9:00 a.m.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir for the treatment and/or

prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription

medicines that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you

get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may

also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon

after getting sick (within two days of symptoms).

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?

People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long

as they are symptomatic and possible for up to seven days following illness onset. Children,

especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?

Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and

then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected

person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets

from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose

before washing their hands.

How long can viruses live outside the body?

We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria

tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting

contamination from these common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions

that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take

these everyday steps to protect your health:

 Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue

in the trash after you use it.

 Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.

Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

 Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

 Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

 If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school

and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water. or clean

with alcohol-based hand cleaner. We recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap

and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available,

alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most

supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't

need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with

influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or

vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are

Current as of 4/28/09 9:00 a.m.

worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza

testing or treatment is needed.

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible

to keep from spreading your illness to others.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical

care.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

 Fast breathing or trouble breathing

 Bluish skin color

 Not drinking enough fluids

 Not waking up or not interacting

 Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

 Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

 Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

 Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

 Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

 Sudden dizziness

 Confusion

 Severe or persistent vomiting

How serious is swine flu infection?

Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005

until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths

occurring.

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?

No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating

pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

For more information, go to http://health.jocogov.org/swine_flu.shtml or

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/?s_cid=swineFlu_outbreak_internal_001

Johnson County Urges Citizens to Prepare for Weekend Winter Weather

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact Information:
Nick Crossley
Director
913-782-3038
www.jocoem.org

Olathe, Kansas, March 27, 2009

A significant winter weather event has moved into Kansas and will impact Johnson County and the entire Kansas City Metro area over the weekend. This event is predicted to bring a mixture of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow with significant accumulation by Saturday evening. Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security will monitor the event through the weekend.

These conditions will make travel difficult and often dangerous. All Johnson County residents are encouraged to use caution on the roadways during the duration of the event to minimize the risk to themselves as well as others on the road such as critical snow plows and emergency service vehicles. If travel is required, all citizens should make sure they have emergency supplies in their vehicle along with a full tank of gas in case they are stranded or delayed.

Preparing to stay at home is also critical. “It is absolutely vital to have an emergency preparedness kit in your home or residence that allows you to stay safe during significant weather events,” stated Nick Crossley, Director of Johnson County Emergency Management and Homeland Security, “This kit needs to include bottled water, non-perishable food, medications, blankets, flashlights, and weather radio.” This is particularly critical if electrical power is disrupted due to the storm.

For more information about the contents of a home emergency supply get, citizens can visit the Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security website at www.jocoem.org or the Johnson County – A Community Prepared Website at www.jocoprepared.org.

Monthly Outdoor Warning Siren Test Will be Conducted Today

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact Information:

Nick Crossley
Director
913-782-3038
www.jocoem.org

Olathe, Kansas, March 10, 2009

Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security, in coordination with the National Weather Service, will be conducting the monthly test of the outdoor warning siren system as scheduled today at 1:30 p.m. The outdoor warning siren system is tested on the first Wednesday of every month at 11:00 a.m. except in December and January.


For more information about emergency management or notification, please visit www.jocoem.org.

Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 9-13

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact Information:

Adam Crowe
Assistant Director – Community Preparedness
913-782-3038
www.jocoem.org

Olathe, Kansas, March 5, 2009

The Johnson County Board of Commissioners has passed a proclamation stating that March 9-13 is Severe Weather Awareness Week. This declaration is part of a Statewide coordinated effort to encourage local residents to prepare for severe weather such as flooding, flash flooding, strong wind, lightening, thunder, hail, and tornadoes that might impact their homes, businesses, and schools.

Local citizens are encouraged to maintain a constant awareness of the danger of severe weather by staying informed of any threats in the area. This can be done by monitoring your NOAA All-Hazard Weather Radio or other trusted information source. Johnson County encourages citizens to own and maintain these radios as part of the county’s comprehensive emergency warning system. For more information about this system, visit www.jocoem.org.

“The NOAA All-Hazard Weather Radios are a critical component of a citizen’s comprehensive preparedness efforts,” Nick Crossley, Director of Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security, stated, “These radios serve as a constant presence for individuals and families when severe weather strikes during the middle of the night when most citizens are asleep”.

Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security has also released a new text-based notification system called JOCOAlert. This system is available to the public to provide information about severe weather or other hazardous conditions. For more information about this system, visit www.jocoem.org/CIT/jocoalert.shtml.

Because of the observation of Severe Weather Awareness Week, the regular test of the outdoor warning siren system has been postponed until Tuesday, March 10, at 1:30. The time and day of the week have changed.

For more information about Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security, visit www.jocoem.org or subscribe to the Johnson County Emergency Preparedness Blog at www.jocoprepared.blogspot.com.



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Severe Weather Awareness Seminar Series

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:


Severe Weather Awareness Seminar Series

Contact Information:

Adam Crowe
Assistant Director – Community Preparedness
913-782-3038
www.jocoem.org

Olathe, Kansas, March 4, 2009

Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security in conjunction with the Johnson County – A Community Prepared public awareness campaign are offering a series of free educational sessions for selected community groups or business who are particularly vulnerable to severe weather. These organizational types include assisted living and nursing homes, indoor entertainment facilities, religious & faith centers, and outdoor recreation areas. The date and time for each session is as follows:

Indoor Entertainment Facilities: March 9, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Outdoor Recreation Areas: March 10, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Nursing/Assisted Living Facilities: March 11, 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Religious & Faith Centers: March 12, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM

All sessions will be held at the Johnson County Conference Center on the lower level of the Johnson County Administration Building at 111 S. Cherry St., Olathe, Kansas.

Each presentation will provide information about how each organization can prepare for, respond to, and recovery from severe weather threats such as heavy rains, flash flooding, hail, strong winds, and tornadoes. Each session will also provide an opportunity for attendees to engage representatives from other organizations in their industry.

For more information and to register for these trainings, visit http://training.jocogov.org and click on “EMM”.

For more information about Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security, visit www.jocoem.org or subscribe to the Johnson County Emergency Preparedness Blog at www.jocoprepared.blogspot.com.



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Monthly Outdoor Warning Siren Test Will Not be Conducted in Johnson County Today

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Monthly Outdoor Warning Siren Test Will Not be Conducted in Johnson County Today

Contact Information:
Nick Crossley
Director
913-782-3038
www.jocoem.org

Olathe, Kansas, March 4, 2009

In March, the siren test is not performed on the first Wednesday, as it is performed as part of a statewide tornado drill in conjunction with Severe Weather Awareness Week. Therefore, the regularly scheduled monthly test will not be held today (March 4th, 2009), but will instead be held next Tuesday, March 10th at 1:30pm. In the event of inclement weather, the test day will be postponed to Thursday, March 12th, also at 1:30pm.

For more information about emergency management or notification, please visit www.jocoem.org.


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