NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 3, 2011 TIME: 4:00 pm

CONTACT: Patrick Huselton, Public Information Officer 256.549.4575 (Office)

ema@cityofgadsden.com 256.438.9797 (Cell)

256.547.7952 (Fax)

Donations and Volunteer Update

Dial 2-1-1 First Call for Help is still operating the volunteer registration center at the Family Success Center located at 821 East Broad Street from 10 am – 2 pm Monday through Friday. American Red Cross (256) 547-8667 located at 405 South 4^th Street in Gadsden has an immediate need for volunteers to answer phones, organize donation room and be on standby for delivery of supplies.

No clothing donations are being accepted at this time by Etowah County VOAD. Those who wish to donate clothes can take them to area clothes closets so that they can replenish their supply.

Plastic bins (Rubbermaid type) are being requested by American Red Cross. Please take the bins to American Red Cross at 405 South 4^th Street.

Non perishable food items are being accepted at all locations of Johnsons Giant Foods, both locations of Walmart, Food World in Rainbow City, and Winn Dixie, Rainbow City.

For house to curb debris removal contact Etowah County RSVP at 256-549-8147.

Donations may be made locally to the American Red Cross Chapter of Etowah County, 405 Sth Street, Gadsden, Alabama or to United Way of Etowah County P O Box 1175, Gadsden, Alabama 35902. Please designate Etowah County Disaster Relief in the “FOR” line.

For more information, please contact the Gadsden/Etowah EMA at 256-549-4575.

Severe Weather Likely Today

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has upgraded the risk for severe weather today to moderate. The primary window for severe weather will be from 3p - 3a. However, with the main squall line moving through central Mississippi as of 8 am, this may be moved up.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a high threat of tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail with this storm system. Specifically, the SPC rates our area's chances of seeing an EF2 - EF5 tornado 25 miles within a given point at 10%. In addition, SPC rates the chances of seeing 75 mph or higher within any given point at 15%.

Based on these forecasts, it would be a good idea to keep updated on the weather today, as the potential exists for a significant severe weather outbreak. We encourage everyone to keep a source of weather information close by. You can check your weather radios by doing the following:

• Make sure your SAME code is set to 001055 (Etowah County)
• Hit the weather button on your radio to make sure you can hear National Weather Service audio. If not, try setting your channel to "4".
• Check your batteries by unplugging the radio. If the radio stays on, the batteries are good. If the radio turns off, then you should replace the batteries.

Severe Weather Possible on Friday

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) maintains a slight risk of severe weather for Etowah County on Friday, April 15th.

Currently, the threat of severe weather is forecast to begin after 3 pm and end before midnight. The National Weather Service is forecasting a high threat of tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail during this time period.

Based on these forecasts, it would be a good idea to keep updated on the weather tomorrow, as the potential exists for a significant severe weather outbreak. We encourage everyone to keep a source of weather information close by. You can check your weather radios by doing the following:

• Make sure your SAME code is set to 001055 (Etowah County)
• Hit the weather button on your radio to make sure you can hear National Weather Service audio. If not, try setting your channel to "4".
• Check your batteries by unplugging the radio. If the radio stays on, the batteries are good. If the radio turns off, then you should replace the batteries.

Cooling Centers Open in Etowah County

Cooling Centers Open in Etowah County

Several cooling centers have opened across Etowah County. These facilities are opened to provide air-conditioned comfort to those needing it during the current heat wave. All facilities will be opened today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The locations of these cooling centers are as follows:

• Carnes Recreation Center

102 Case Avenue

Attalla, AL 35954

• Elliott Community Center

2829 W Meighan Boulevard

Gadsden, AL 35904

• Carver Community Center

1030 Tuscaloosa Avenue

Gadsden, AL 35901

• 1st Baptist Church of Altoona

3050 Main Street

Altoona, AL

• Hokes Bluff 1^st United Methodist Church

Family Life Center

3001 Alford Bend Road

Hokes Bluff, AL 35903

• Sardis City Community Center

290 Parkway Drive

Sardis City, AL 35956

• Rainbow City Community Center

3702 Rainbow Drive

Rainbow City, AL 35906

• East Gadsden Community Center

921 Wilson Avenue

Gadsden, AL 35903

• Glencoe Cumberland Presbyterian Church

200 College Street

Glencoe, AL 35905

The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a heat advisory for today and tomorrow, for heat indices of 105°. Lots of sun and little chance of precipitation make this heat wave particularly dangerous. Here are tips for dealing with the heat:

• Spend as little time outdoors as possible.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
• Wear a hat outdoors.
• Use sunscreen.
• Don’t leave people or animals in cars.
• Check on people who are prone to illness.

For more information, please call 211 or contact the Gadsden/Etowah County EMA at 256-549-4575.

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Severe Weather Awareness Week: NOAA Weather Radio and Emergency Alert System

NOAA Weather Radio and Emergency Alert System

NOAA Weather Radio

• Also known as “EMERGENCY ALERT RADIO”.
• Provides updated weather information continuously.
• Provide warnings of severe weather and civil emergencies such as unsafe roadways, hazardous materials spills, and amber alerts.
• Radios with SAME technology are capable of being programmed for specific counties
• Etowah County’s SAME code is 001055.
• Keep fresh batteries in radio to provide power in case of power outage.
• Test batteries occasionally by unplugging radio. If radio stays on, then batteries are good. If radio powers off, then replace batteries. Don’t forget to plug the radio up again after testing.

Emergency Alert System

• Also referred to as the EAS
• Links National Weather Service, emergency management agencies, and certain media outlets together to broadcast emergency information in a timely manner.
• Etowah County EAS stations:

AM Radio

WAAX 570

WGAD 930

WMGJ 1240

WJBY 1350

FM Radio

WSGN 91.5

WGMZ 93.1

WKXX 102.9

WQEN 103.7

WQSB 105.1

Television

WTJP-Trinity Broadcasting Network

WPXH-ION Television

WJSU-ABC 33/40

Severe Weather Awareness Week: Flooding and Flash Flooding

Flooding and Flash Flooding

Floods-Flooding is the nation’s most common natural disaster. Flooding is such an issue, that it is the only natural disaster which the federal government provides insurance against (National Flood Insurance Program). River flooding normally occurs as the result of prolonged rainfall. It can also be caused by a dam break. It is a prolonged event in which water remains over an area for days or weeks.

Flash Floods-Flash flooding occurs when an area receives an abundant amount of rainfall in a short amount of time. Flash Floods are especially dangerous to motorists who attempt to drive through standing water. Low-lying areas and run-offs are particularly prone to flash floods.

Preparing for a Flood

• Know where you will evacuate to if a river flood threatens your home.
• Avoid building in floodplain areas.
• Elevate your home’s furnace, water heater, and electric panel if your home is susceptible to flooding.
• Install “check valves in sewer taps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
• Most homeowner’s insurance policies DO NOT cover flood damage. Contact your insurance agent for information regarding flood insurance.

Before a Flood

• Monitor weather conditions.
• Prepare to evacuate if your property is threatened by river flooding.
• If you are driving in heavy rainfall, slow down and watch for ponding of water on roadways.

During a Flood

• DO NOT drive through water that covers roadways.
• DO NOT walk or drive through flowing water. Six inches of moving water can sweep a person off their feet.
• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires.
• Go to higher ground if river flooding threatens your home.

Severe Weather Awareness Week: Tornadoes

Tornadoes

Tornadoes-On average, Alabama ranks 13^th in the amount of tornadoes reported, but 3^rd in tornado related deaths and injuries. Last year, one person was killed in Marshall County by an EF-1 tornado, accounting for the only tornado-related fatality in Alabama in 2009. Nationally, 21 fatalities were reported

Preparing for Tornadoes

• Review your options for a tornado safe place. Find a place on the lowest floor that puts as many walls between you and the outside. If you live in a mobile home, consider alternative places to go before a tornado warning is issued.
• Practice your tornado plan. Make sure your family knows where to go, and what to do when a tornado warning is issued.
• Consider building a tornado safe room within your home.

Before a Tornado

• Monitor weather conditions, and be aware if hazardous weather is forecast for Alabama.
• Make sure your Emergency Alert Radio (Emergency Alert Radio) is set to receive alerts for Etowah County (SAME code 001055).
• Ensure that you have working flashlights and battery operated radio in case of power failure.
• Cancel or postpone travel plans if possible.

During a Tornado

• Go to your safe place. Protect your head with a pillow, helmet, or your arms.
• If inside a mobile home, a car, or if caught outside, leave and seek shelter on the lowest floor of a nearby sturdy building. If there is no sturdy building available, lie down flat in a ditch with your arms covering your head. DO NOT get under a bridge or try to outrun the tornado
• Stay sheltered until your area is cleared of its tornado warning.

Truths and Myths

Myth: Area lakes, rivers, and mountains are safe from tornadoes

Truth: No place is safe from tornadoes. A tornado near Yellowstone National Park left a path of destruction up and down a 10,000 foot mountain.

Myth: Windows should be opened before a tornado approaches/

Truth: Leave windows alone. The most important action is to immediately go to your safe place.

Myth: If you are driving and a tornado is sighted, you should turn and drive at right angles to the storm.

Truth: The best thing to do is to seek the best available shelter. Many people are injured or killed when remaining in their vehicles.

Myth: Highway overpasses provide good shelter if caught outside.

Truth: Take shelter in a sturdy building if possible. If not, a ditch or culvert provides better protection than a highway overpass.