National Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time.  The Ready Campaign’s 2023 National Preparedness Month theme is “Take Control in 1, 2, 3”. The campaign will focus on preparing older adults for disasters, specifically older adults from communities that are disproportionally impacted by the all-hazard events, which continue to threaten the nation. We know older adults can face greater risks when it...

Whether children walk, ride their bicycle, or take the bus to school, it is extremely important that they take proper safety precautions. Here are some tips to make sure your child safely travels to school:  Walkers » Review your family’s walking safety rules and practice walking to school with your child. ● Walk on the sidewalk, if one is available; when on a street with no sidewalk, walk facing the traffic ● Before you cross the street, stop, and look...

Here are some definitions and guidelines to follow to help keep you and your family safe, during a thunderstorm: Severe Thunderstorm Watch – issued when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms, people located in and around the watch area should keep an eye to the sky and listen to their NOAA weather radio all hazards or tune to local broadcast media for further weather information. The watch is intended to give you time to prepare, time to...

Dew Point vs. Humidity The dew point is the temperature where the air needs to be cooled to (at constant pressure) to achieve a relative humidity (RH) of 100%. At this point the air cannot hold more water in the gas form. If the air were to be cooled even more, water vapor would have to come out of the atmosphere in the liquid form, usually as fog or precipitation. The higher the dew point rises, the greater the amount...

While our dogs may love basking in the sunshine with us, this time of year means we need to take extra precautions to prevent them from heatstroke or heat exhaustion. This is especially true for flat-faced breeds like French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus. None of us like to see our pets suffering from the heat. So, when summer temperatures rise, we need to be sure to provide them with easy ways to stay cool. Signs that your dog is overheated...

1. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids; drink about 16 ounces before starting and 5 to 7 ounces every 15 or 20 minutes. 2. Avoid dehydrating liquids. Alcohol, coffee, tea and caffeinated soft drinks can hurt more than help. 3. Wear protective clothing. Lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing helps protect against heat. Change clothing if it gets completely saturated. 4. Pace yourself. Slow down and work at an even pace. Know your own limits and ability to work safely in...

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