Category: Local Conditions

Chimney Fires Destroy Homes

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...

Caribou School Reunification Drill

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...

FAMILY SAFETY PLAN

A home safety plan is an essential tool for keeping your family safe, as it establishes what to do in case of an emergency. All families should prepare for fire safety, natural disasters, power outages, extreme heat and cold. Families should have a plan to take care of any contingency. First you should Identify two safe meeting areas in your home! Choose the two safest spots in your house: One as your primary meeting spot, and the other as your backup....

Food safety tips for packing lunch box:

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...

Dental Emergency!

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...

Personal Security in Troubling Times

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...