June 2017

Nelsonville boil order until further notice, 15468 SR691 to Kimberly Rd, Kimberly, SR 691 to former Poston School

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Nelso Boil Order

The City of Nelsonville Water Department has issued a boil order due to a water line repair until further notice for State Route 691 from 15468 to Kimberly Road, Kimberly Road from State Route 691 to the former Poston School.

Boil orders are put into place as a result of broken water lines or local flooding. When this happens, the drinking water may have been contaminated which can cause many illnesses.

Here are some tips to keep in mind, should you find yourself in this situation:

  • Bring water to a full boil, and boil for three minutes prior to use.
  • Use only boiled water for drinking, preparing food or baby formula.
  • To improve the flat taste of boiled water, keep cold in refrigerator.
  • Put a cup over your faucets as a reminder to not use tap water – not even to brush your teeth!
  • Instead of boiling water, you can disinfect water by adding one teaspoon unscented chlorine laundry bleach for every five gallons of water. Let stand 30 minutes before using.
  • Be sure to use sanitized food grade containers for storing water.
  • To disinfect water storage containers, pour a solution of one tablespoon of unscented chlorine bleach to a gallon of water into a container. Let the solution remain in the container for 10 minutes, then pour out the solution. Rinse with purified water.
  • Boiled or disinfected water can be stored for six months.
  • Dispose of ice cubes.
  • When washing dishes, make sure to sterilize dishes with a final dip in water that has one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water. Disposable tableware is an option during a boil order.
  • It is also recommended you sanitize hands when washing. Again, use one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water and rinse hand frequently by pouring rinse over the hands. Use paper towels to dry.
  • Water for bathing doesn’t need to be boiled. Supervise children to avoid water being ingested.

SUMMERTIME IS PEAK TIME FOR THUNDER AND LIGHTNING STORMS, Lightning Safety Awareness Week is June 18-24

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AC When Thunder Roars

In an annual coordinated effort with the National Weather Service (NWS), the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness is promoting June 18-24 as Lightning Safety Awareness Week and encourages all Ohioans to know what to do before, during and after thunderstorms, and to practice severe weather safety and preparedness throughout the summer.

Summer begins on June 21, and summertime is the peak season for thunderstorms in the United States.

So far this year, according to the NWS, there has been one lightning-strike fatality. Last year, there were 38 lightning fatalities in a total of 17 states, including an 8-year-old boy from Coshocton, Ohio. Although lightning fatalities in 2016 were above the average of about 30 per year, overall, the reduction in lightning-related deaths has dropped. The NWS attributes this reduction (from about 50 deaths per year) to greater awareness of lightning danger, and people seeking safety when thunderstorms threaten.

There is no safe place outside when thunderstorms are in the area. If you hear thunder, you are likely within striking distance of the storm. Lightning safety is an inconvenience that can save your life. So, “When thunder roars, go indoors!” Stop outdoor activities and seek safe shelter immediately.

The NWS and the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness encourage Ohioans to prepare for thunder and lightning storms – and all severe weather events.

If thunder and lightning storms are happening in your area, you should do the following:

  • Listen to current weather reports on local TV or radio stations, or use a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio.
  • Avoid contact with corded phones and devices, including those plugged into electrical outlets for recharging. Cordless and wireless phones not connected to wall outlets are safe to use.
  • Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. If you can do so safely, unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers, and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
  • Avoid contact with plumbing and water. Do not wash your hands, take a shower. Do not wash dishes or do laundry. Water and plumbing conduct electricity.

If you’re caught outside:

  • Take shelter in a sturdy, substantial building. Avoid isolated sheds or small structures in open areas, such as baseball dugouts.
  • Avoid natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area. Also avoid hilltops or open fields.
  • Avoid being in or near bodies of water such as the beach, a swimming pool, fishing, or on a boat.
  • Avoid contact with anything metal – tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.
  • If driving during a severe thunderstorm, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency hazard lights until the heavy rain stops.

To minimize the risk of being struck by lightning, just remember “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!” and stay indoors until at least 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder or crack of lightning.

For additional information on lightning safety, visit the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness site at http://www.weathersafety.ohio.gov or the NWS site at http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov.

FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FOR ATHENS CO UNTIL 7 PM TUE, 6/13/17, WATCH FOR CHANGING WEATHER CONDITIONS

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Flash Flood Watch

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for Athens County until 7 PM Tuesday, 6/13/17. Heavy rainfall is expected across the area which may lead to flash flooding.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS; A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

Athens Co holding hazardous materials exercise Sat, 6/10/17, Hocking College, OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital, 8AM to 1PM

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aclepclogo

The Athens County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) will be holding a full-scale hazardous materials preparedness exercise on Saturday, June 10, 2017. The exercise will be taking place at two locations;

  1. Hocking College, Nelsonville, Ohio
  2. OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital, Athens, Ohio

The exercise will be taking place between the hours of 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Area residents may notice increased emergency vehicle traffic at both locations as emergency first responders and hospital staff simulate dealing with a hazardous materials spill in the Nelsonville area and transporting simulated patients to OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital.

All Ohio Counties are required by the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) to have a hazardous materials preparedness exercise annually and a full-scale exercise at least every five years. Annual exercises allow responders to review plans and procedures for hazardous materials incidents and make changes to those plans as needed.