Thunderstorms & Lightning - What To Do

Thunderstorms are very common in the Spring and Summer months. Despite their small size in comparison to hurricanes and blizzards, all thunderstorms are dangerous. Every thunderstorm produces lightning and has the potential to produce associated dangers such as tornadoes, destructive winds, hail and flash flooding. Of the estimated 100,000 thunderstorms each year in the U.S., about 10% are classified as severe, meaning it produces hail, at least ¾” in diameter, has winds of 58 mph or higher, or produces a tornado. Thunderstorms must be taken very seriously.

MEMA offers thunderstorm, and more particularly, lightning safety tips:
Before the Thunderstorm
Know the terms used by weather forecasters:
Severe Thunderstorm Watch – Tells where and when severe thunderstorms are likely to occur. Watch the sky and stay tuned to the Media.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning – Issued when severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated on radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm.
Before a thunderstorm strikes, keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind.
Thunderstorms can occur singly, in clusters or in lines. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter, producing heavy rain for a brief period from 30 to 60 minutes.
When a thunderstorm approaches, secure outdoor objects that could be blown away or cause damage. Shutter windows, if possible, and secure outside doors.
If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be affected by lightning, and should go inside to safe shelter immediately.
Remember that lightning can strike up to 10 miles ahead of or after the arrival of the storm. Listen to weather forecasts on NOAA Weather Radio, or to local radio and television stations for the latest information. Lightning kills an average of 73 people in this country annually, more than tornadoes or hurricanes. In general, lightning will travel the easiest route from the clouds to the ground, which means it often strikes the tallest object.
During this season people are taking part in activities that place them in locations most vulnerable to being struck by lightning, such as on golf courses, ball fields, beaches and large bodies of water. In the U.S., an average of 300 people are injured and 80 killed each year by lightning.
During the Thunderstorm
If you are caught outside during a thunderstorm, you should protect yourself from lightning by going to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles or metal object, which can serve as a natural lightning rod. (Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding).
Make yourself the smallest target possible by squatting low to the ground and by placing your hands on your knees with your head between them. Be as low to the ground as possible, with as little of your body touching the ground as possible. (Don’t lie flat; this will make you a larger target!).
Do not stand on a hilltop, in an open field, on a beach or in a boat on the water.
If boating, or swimming, get to land immediately.
Avoid isolated sheds or small structures in open areas.
Get away from anything metal such as tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, bicycles, wire fences, clotheslines, metal pipes, rails, and other metallic paths that could carry lightning to you from a distance.
In a forest, seek shelter in a low area under a growth of smaller trees.
If indoors, avoid metallic objects and fixtures.
Avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
Avoid using a corded telephone, except for emergencies. Cordless or cellular telephones are safe to use.
Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers. Turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
Use your battery operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.
Note that rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection, if you are not touching metal. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes you car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.

Deerfield’s Operation Neighborhood (DON)

If a disaster were to occur in the Town of Deerfield residents may experience a loss of power, disruption of normal services, damage to their home, or contamination of drinking water. In the event of an Avian Flu Pandemic, closing of schools, canceling of public meetings, church services, closing of stores and businesses, and sheltering in place could be a reality.
To face these challenges and best prepare its residents the Town of Deerfield has developed Deerfield’s“Operation Neighborhood” (DON). This program has several goals. First, to determine the status of the safety and health of your neighbors in a disaster, and to gauge the amount of assistance that might be needed. This determination will lessen the burden of the already taxed Emergency Medical System (EMS) and other Town services. Secondly, aid in communication of reliable information. Communication in time of disaster is a major concern. Information given to the residents in the Town of Deerfield will decrease fear and anxiety and will reduce the impact of the disaster. With the help of our neighborhood coordination system information will be dispersed in a timely manner without flooding the Police and Town Offices with individual phone calls. Our third objective is to encourage all families to make a Personal Preparedness Plan and Kit. These steps are critical for the well being of your family and pets and are the best defense against any disaster. Lastly, education of the various types of disasters that could occur in our Town will give us a better understanding of what to expect. This knowledge will lead to a reduction of uneasiness and an increased understanding of how to prepare. Then ultimately, a successful recovery will occur.
To accomplish these goals, the streets of Deerfield have been placed in groups. Each group of streets has been assigned one or several “Neighborhood Coordinators” who will carry out the objectives of “Operation Neighborhood.”
The Town of Deerfield is taking a Proactive rather than a Reactive philosophy concerning disasters. Making a Family Preparedness Plan and Kit is that Proactive action that will best protect our families in time of disaster.
"DON" Preparedness Brochure

Deerfield’s Operation Neighborhood Steering Committee:

Carolyn Shores Ness
Liz Kugler
Beverly Healy
Deb Gordon
Zack Smith
Lisa White
Town of Deerfield, 8 Conway Street, Deerfield, MA 01373 PH: (413) 665-4645
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Deerfield's Town Nurse

Residents of Deerfield can now see our Town Nurse for the following:

* Blood Pressure Monitoring
* Glucose Testing
* Prescription Drug Information
* Information about Health Issues
* Help with Health Care and Social Service needs

Walk-Ins are welcome on Wednesdays from 10:00AM - 2:00PM

Consultations can also be arranged by contacting Lisa White, RN at 413-665-1400 Ext 114 or at the Franklin Regional Council of Governments offices at 413-774-3167 Ext 106.

LEARN THE SIGNS OF A STROKE - ACT F.A.ST.

If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do this simple test:

* Face: Does the face look uneven? ask the person to smile.
* Arm: Does one arm drift down? Ask the person to raise both arms.
* Speech: Does their speech sound strange? Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase.
* Time: If you observe any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Stroke Symptoms include:

* Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, leg especially on one side of the body.
* Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
* Sudden trouble seeing in one eye or both eyes.
* Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
* Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

Call 9-1-1 immediately if you have any of these symptoms.

Note the time you experienced your first symptom. This information is important to your healthcare provider and can affect treatment decisions.

Protection of tick - borne diseases!

Protect yourself and your animals

With warm weather approaching, ticks will be at high risk. Ticks can be found in most of the United States and generally in a wooded area, near the ground. People of all ages can be infected. Early detection is vital to avoid sickness. Early symptoms of tick - borne disease may include the following:

* Fever
* Fatigue
* Headache
* Rash

See your physician if any of these sysmptoms develop after a tick bite.

Take these precautions to reduce your risk...

* Avoid areas with lots of ticks
* Apply insect repellant to protect your skin
* Perform routine tick checks

for more information contact www.cdc.gov/lyme

Emergency Preparedness!

Planning ahead for an emergency gives you peace of mind and will help keep your family and friends safe. Deerfield officials are preparing for a range of possible emergencies, from hurricanes and blizzards to a possible flu pandemic and acts of terrorism. You can help also. Here are some steps you can take to prepare.

 Water (1 gallon/person/day)
 Canned Soup
 Crackers/Peanut Butter
 Granola/Protein Bars
 Juice Boxes/Canned Milk
 "Ready to Eat" (canned) meats,veggies,fruits
 Baby Food/Formula

Have a 3 day supply for each person in your home as a minimum. A two week supply is better. Remember individual diet needs.

 Sterile/Adhesive Bandages in assorted sizes
 Sterile Dressings
 Roller Gauze Bandages
 Non-Latex Gloves
 Anti-Bacterial Ointment
 Thermometer
 Cold Pack
 2x4 Inch Gauze Pads
 Scissors
 Pain Reliever
 Anti-Diarrhea Medication
 Antacid

Planning can be a family project. Involve children and discuss why you are planning. Encourage others to plan ahead. Remember neighbors need help.

Your plan and emergency supplies should meet your family’s needs. You may add to this list as you think of other essential items.

Welcome

We would like to welcome you to our newly created blog of the Deerfield Health Department. Our primary goal is to create an online information service to update the residents of the Town of Deerfield on any health related information. Within this blog, you may find the following:



* Emergency Preparedness
* Postings related to health issues
* Links to public health and governement websites