When natural foods are scarce, especially in the spring or dry summers, bears will venture into backyards and fields in search of easily accessible food such as bird feeders, garbage, grills and pet foods. While hundreds of conflicts between bears and people are reported each year in Maine, many can be prevented by simply removing or securing common bear attractants. Removing these food sources will also limit other backyard visitors (raccoons, skunks, etc.). Take these steps now to prevent conflicts...

With thousands of miles of beautiful trails across the state, we know you are looking forward to riding! Please remember that many of Maine’s ATV trails do not open until after Memorial Day weekend and several trails will remain closed for an extended period due to storm damage. Always check with the local club to make sure the trails are open. We hope you have a safe, memorable season on the trails.

Generators are emergency equipment that provide a secondary source of power when there is an electric failure. Generators can be helpful during a power outage, but they present serious health and safety concerns. Safety Tips Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use the generator. Carbon monoxide poisoning ​​​​​​​Electrocution or electric shock ​​​​​​​Fire

https://www.redcross.org/…/smoke-alarm-request-nh-vt.html Need a smoke detector installed in your home? The American Red Cross, offers free smoke alarms and instillation. For more information please use the link above to register today! You can also check out there website at: www.redcross.org/endhomefiresNNE

Creosote buildup may not look dangerous, but it ignites at a mere 451 degrees F, and once it starts burning, it expands like foam sealant. In less than a minute, it builds to more than 2,000 degrees F and can engulf your entire chimney and destroy your home. Even if you clean your chimney regularly, you should still have it inspected by a qualified chimney sweeper once a year. Certified chimney sweeps are trained to recognize chimney deterioration and venting problems and can assess your fireplace...

The Aroostook County Emergency Management Agency would like to thank the Caribou Community School and the Caribou High School for allowing us to participate in their first practice of a full scale evacuation of students and staff.  AKEMA staff observed the loading of students and staff onto buses and the unloading at the school’s relocation sites, to practice attendance and the reunification process. It was a very successful practice run and both students and staff did a great job. The Caribou...

Before beginning any food preparation, always wash your hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds and dry with a disposable paper towel or clean hand cloth. Clean food contact surfaces (e.g., countertop, cutting boards, utensils, etc.) often, between tasks, and if they become contaminated. Wash food contact surfaces with hot, soapy water and either air dry or use a clean cloth, or disposable paper towel to dry. Sanitizers can be used for added protection. Clean lunch boxes often...

Accidents happen and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Here are some tips for common dental emergencies: For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it in between your cheek and gums, in milk, or use a tooth preservation product that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Then, get...

We are aware of the heightened level of stress that world events such as what is going on in Ukraine can bring to each of us.  We’ve been asked, “What can we do to prepare?”  While we all know that you can’t prepare for everything, taking small steps in personal preparedness can be empowering and lower stress.  Here are some things that you can do and that you can share with others: Increase your cyber-awareness.  This includes taking steps that...

Overview for Senior Officials (Executives, Elected, and Appointed) Three Opportunities Available – Virtual Delivery via Zoom

Are you a retired medical worker or someone who has time that would like to help during a disaster? Signing up for this program does NOT commit you, it simply puts you in a database that would get you information when there is a need.  You decide if you are available or not when it happens.  See below for more information: Looking to volunteer? Then, your invited you to join Maine Responds and the Maine Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) today!...

Anyone wanting to learn more about Emergency Management or Local EMA Directors that want to excel should check into this recognition program. Feel free to reach out to us with suggestions. The Maine County Directors Council has updated their Maine Basic Emergency Manager 1 & 2 program. This is a great way for people to learn about Emergency Management and a good start for Local Emergency Managers. Get more information on the program at: https://www.maine.gov/mema/maine-prepares/plans-trainings-exercises/training/basic-emergency-training-program?fbclid=IwAR21UjXO9kMBplsQj7c9Uo36iXJOXPIpR5nX2WWSIHRNnkDMz6c2NOVMYxQ