Southwest Oklahoma Chapter ARC

More Snow Possible this week

2009-12-27T16:13:00.002-06:00

Special Weather Statement
12/27/09 3:40 PM CST
National Weather Service Forecast Office, Norman, OK

SPSOUN for Jackson County, Kiowa County:
ACCUMULATING SNOW POSSIBLE THIS WEEK

http://bit.ly/7Lcmnm

Hobart Fire 12/26/09

2009-12-27T15:56:00.004-06:00

A large structure fire occurred on Saturday 12/26/09
in the Historic Downtown section of Hobart.

Dollar Depot was one fire, and several other buildings
including Boothe Drug Store and the Democrat Chief
newspaper were threatened as the fire raged on the
Southwest Corner of the Kiowa County Square.

Hobart Fire Department received and responded to
the call shortly before 5 pm. By 5 PM the Fire Dept
was asking for mutual aid from surrounding departments.
They were even asking for manpower from Clinton
and Altus.

In total around 10 Fire Departments responded to
assist with equipment and manpower.

Hobart Police Department and Kiowa County Sheriff's
Office provided security in the area to keep people
and traffic out of the area.

The Southwest Oklahoma Chapter of the
American Red Cross responded and provided
canteen operations to assist the Emergency Responders.
Canteen operations were conducted from the Methodist
Church. Thanks to Pastor Kyle for all your help !!!

The Red Cross would also like to thank Wal-Mart, Pizza Hut,
Pizza Time, Amatuer Radio Volunteers, and Red Cross Volunteers
for providing the food, drinks, and manpower for the canteen.

Firefighters was able to contain the fire to the one building, but felt
there would probably be some smoke, water, and heat damage
to surrounding structures. Execellent job guys !!!

Canteen Operations from the Red Cross ended at about 10 PM
and volunteers were released.

Cause of the Fire is under investigation by the State Fire Marshall
according to Chief Lankford and Kiowa County Sheriff Office.

Oklahoma Blizzard 2009

2009-12-24T23:23:00.004-06:00

Well the snow has ended across SW Oklahoma this evening,
but the impacts of the blizzard still continue, and will for the next
several days.

Electric Utility Providers continue to report many power outages
across the state. Approximately 500 remain without power in the
Tipton and Navajoe areas.

Roadways continue to be impassible due to snow and ice, or the
abandonded vehicles left in the roadways and ditches.

Gov. Brad Henry has declared a state of Emergency for all 77 counties
in the state, and a Presidential Declaration will probably be sought.

American Red Cross Chapters across the state are operating or assisting
with shelters. This is where you can help. As many are stranded during
their travels, or are without electric service and heat, your monetary
donation will help us provide shelters and food for those affected.

Please call 482-5303 or come by 905 N. Willard, Altus, OK to make your
donation. "Because help can't wait".

Winter Storm Warning

2009-12-23T15:19:00.003-06:00

This weather bulletin is brought to you byKE5BPL...Steve and the National Weather Service

OKZ017-022-023-033>035-240500-
/O.UPG.KOUN.WW.Y.0008.091224T0600Z-091225T0000Z
//O.NEW.KOUN.WS.W.0004.091224T0000Z-091225T0000Z/

BLAINE-WASHITA-CADDO-HARMON-GREER-KIOWA-

INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...WATONGA...CORDELL...ANADARKO...HOLLIS...MANGUM...HOBART

247 PM CST WED DEC 23 2009...

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 PM CST THURSDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN NORMAN HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 PM CST THURSDAY.

THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY ISNO LONGER IN EFFECT.

* TIMING: LATE TONIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY

* MAIN IMPACT: NEAR BLIZZARD CONDITIONS WITH SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW AND ACCUMULATION UP TO 4 INCHES ACROSS WEST CENTRAL AND SOUTHWEST OKLAHOMA.

* OTHER IMPACTS: INCREASINGLY BLUSTERY WINDS ON THURSDAY...WITH SOME BLOWING SNOW AND VERY LOW WIND CHILL TEMPERATURES. THERE IS ALSO A CHANCE OF FREEZING RAIN.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW...ARE EXPECTED. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO EXPECTED. THIS WILL MAKETRAVEL HAZARDOUS.

&&

$$

Winter Weather Advisory

2009-12-23T06:47:00.003-06:00

OKZ017-022-023-033>038-231830-/O.NEW.KOUN.WW.Y.0008.091224T0600Z-091225T0000Z/
BLAINE-WASHITA-CADDO-HARMON-GREER-KIOWA-JACKSON-TILLMAN-
COMANCHE-

INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...WATONGA...CORDELL...ANADARKO...HOLLIS...MANGUM...HOBART...ALTUS...
FREDERICK...LAWTON

421 AM CST WED DEC 23 2009...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 PM CST THURSDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN NORMAN HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR FREEZING DRIZZLE...SNOW...AND BLOWING SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 PM CST THURSDAY.

* TIMING: LATE TONIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY

* MAIN IMPACT:* MAIN IMPACT: FREEZING DRIZZLE CHANGING TO LIGHT SNOW...WITH ACCUMULATION UP TO ONE INCH

* OTHER IMPACTS: INCREASINGLY BLUSTERY WINDS ON THURSDAY...WITH SOME BLOWING SNOW AND VERY LOW WIND CHILL TEMPERATURES

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW...SLEET...OR FREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

Our Website Has Been Updated

2009-08-15T19:01:00.003-05:00

The Chapters website has been recreated
in Dreamweaver CS3 and uploaded to the
webserver.

The old website was created in FrontPage
which is no longer supported. The decission
was made to switch servers and software
to a more up to date software, and a server
we could access easily.

We are still working out a few bugs, but the
majority of the website is complete.
Click on the article title above to go to
the website.

SWOARC assists at structure fire

2009-08-13T07:54:00.002-05:00

The Chapter responded to a call for assistance
from the Altus Fire Department at approximately
1:30 this morning at an apartment complex fire
at Forrest and Liveoak. Families and individuals
from nine (9) apartments were being displaced
due to damage and utility disruption.

Rosalyn Hall, Steve Grayson, and Lloyd Colston
all responded to the scene and were able to help
the displaced residents with temporary shelter
in area hotel/motel.

Client Casework continues at the time of this post.
The Chapter so far has been able to meet all the
needs of the clients.

Softball Tournament Canceled

2009-08-11T21:36:00.005-05:00

The Southwest Oklahoma Chapter announced this afternoon that the the
2nd annual Slug Fest Co-ed Softball Tournamnet has been canceled.

According to Rosalyn Hall, Executive Director, there were only three teams
that had signed up and paid their entry fee prior to the deadline this afternoon.

John Valenzuela, Disaster Servies Director, and tournament coordinator said
they need at least 5 or 6 teams to sign up to make the tournament feasible.

With the shortfall of teams to sign up, Chapter officials decided to cancel the event
at approximately 4 o'clock this afternoon.

Rosalyn Hall said they may try to reschedule the tournament later in the year,
and said that most people in the Chapters Service Area (Greer, Harmon,
Jackson, and Kiowa Counties) were extremely busy this week with back to
schools activities across the Chapters service area

H1N1 "Swine" Flu update

2009-08-10T10:58:00.002-05:00

The title above will link you to the government website.

With the approach of the fall season, and schools starting, there is a renewed concern for an outbreak of the H1N1 (Swine) flu virus.

General precautions is good hygeine practices. Wash hands often with soap and water. Cough into your elbow. Other precautions are listed at www.flu.gov or just click on the title above.

If you have flu symptoms....STAY AT HOME. You should not return to work or school until 24 hours after fever has broken.

Remember to wash those hands, and wash often.

School starts this week

2009-08-10T10:46:00.003-05:00

Schools around Southwest Oklahoma start this week. Kids will be walking and riding bicycles to get to and from schools.

Please remember to watch for kids as they make their way to and from school. Please use extra precautions as you drive.

If you notice anything unusual in the area, or witness womething that is unsafe, please contact the local Police Dept or School Officials.

Severe Weather Possible

2009-04-15T10:12:00.002-05:00

Click on article title to see NWS webpage.

Severe weather is once again possible in Southwestern Oklahoma.
The slow moving storm system is headed this way and we could see
rain beginning Thursday.

Severe Weather could begin Thursday afternoon. The big severe
weathre day looks to be Friday.

Please monitor the weather very closely the next two or three days.
It pays to be weather wize, get a kit, and have a plan.
You can get current data from NWS by clicking on the link above, or at
these links below.

www.altusem.us
www.twitter.com/altusem

Fires Out ???

2009-04-10T18:36:00.002-05:00

Most of the fires across central Oklahoma were extinguished today. But not after
doing several millions of dollars in damage.

At least 100 homes and business were destroyed in the outbreak of wildfires
across central parts of the state.

Fires continue to burn in South Central Oklahoma in the Carter County area.

Red Cross Chapters as well as our VOAD partners continue to operate
shelters in several areas including Duncan, Midwest City, and Nicoma Park.

Much needed rain is in the forecast for late Saturday night and Sunday. This too
comes with a price. Along with the forecast of rain, it appears there will be a risk of
severe weather across the southern 1/3 of Oklahoma.

This will include all counties in the Chapter Service area. People
are asked to monitor local media, Weatehr Radio, and any other means
of keeping track of the weather this week-end.

A good way to do this is to keep up with the Altus Emergency Management
on their blog at www.altusem.us or follow them on twitter at
www.twitter.com/altusem

Central Oklahoma Wildfires

2009-04-10T08:24:00.002-05:00

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has
approved a Fire Management Grant for the Oklahoma Wildfires
that occurred yesterday.

FMAG Disaster number 2808 was approved under the name
Oklahoma Midwest Choctaw Fire.

This will allow local officials to be re-imbursed for approved
expenses they incurred while responding to or fighting the
wildfires.

It is very important that accurate records be kept when responing to
emergency or disaster situations in case a Federal Disaster Declaration
in approved. By doing so, you are documenting your expenses, and may
qualify for re-imbursement. Without the documentation, you guarantee
that you will not receive re-imbursement.

For more information about disaster relief, contact the local chapter
at 482-5303 or www.swoarc.org or contact Altus Emergency Management
at 482-8336. You can also follow them on twitter at www.twitter.com/altusem
or view their blog at www.altusem.us

SWOARC on Stand-by

2009-04-10T07:25:00.002-05:00

SWOARC is on standby to assist other chapters in Central Oklahoma
with response to the wildfires that occurred yesterday (Thurs 4/9/09).

Fires destroyed many acres of grassland, homes, outbuildings, vehicles,
and anything else in the its path.

Just east of the Dryline in far Eastern Oklahoma, a few tornado's were
experienced. I have not seen or heard any damage reports from the
tornado's in Oklahoma as of yet. I have seen and heard a little from
Mena Arkansas.

News Media is reporting this morning at 7:30 that all fires are out.
Many people in the Midwest City and Chotaw area lost homes.
Several structures we damaged or lost in Stephens Co as well.

Southwest Oklahoma Chapter remains on standby to assist should the
need arise.

For more information, call John at the chapter office 482-5303.

To help those affected by the wildfires, Red Cross needs your help. Make a
donation to the local disaster relief fund at http://www.swoarc.org/helpnow/index.htm

Extreme Wildfire Danger

2009-04-08T23:11:00.002-05:00

Click on article name to see lastest info from National Weather Service.

The National Weather Service in Norman has issued a Red Flag Warning for most of
Southwest Oklahoma and North Texas.

A Red Flag Warning means that extreme wildfire conditions with strong winds,
low humidities, and warm temps will make it extremely difficult to extinguish or
gain control of a wild fire.

Please use extreme caution outdoors today and remain aware of possible
fire warnings. Follow Altus Emergency Management at www.twitter.com/altusem
or www.altusem.us for the latest and up to date info.

For more information about wildfire preparedness call the Southwest Oklahoma Chapter
at 482-5303 or come by to see us at 905 N. Willard Street, Altus, OK or visit the web site
below.

http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.86f46a12f382290517a8f210b80f78a0/?vgnextoid=3bade6fd784ea110VgnVCM10000030f3870aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default

Wheeler, Texas Wildfire

2009-04-06T09:05:00.004-05:00

Large wildfires were reported over the weekend. The closest to us was at
Wheeler, Texas (called the Magic City Fire TX-TXS-990075) which burned about
15,000 acres since Saturday.

8 Homes and 26 outbuildings burned, and an unknown number of cattle
have died. 2 firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation.

Communications was hampered by the power outages in the area. Landlines
and Cellular phones were not working. Radio communications and Satellite was
about the only way to pass a message.

Texas Forest Service advised that over 40 Fire Departments had responded to the
Fire by Saturday evening. Air support was unavailable until late in the evening due to
the winds. 2 large air tankers and 2 SEATs were able to assist late in the evening.

The Nursing Home and Hospital were evacuated to Shamrock, Canadian, and Elk City.
Residents were asked to evacuate to Elk City as Well. I talked to Patty at
Western Oklahoma Capter late in the evening and she advised that 80 people
had signed into the shelter at Elk City and the Baptist Church was preparing
meals.

The evacuation order was lifted Saturday evening and residents were allowed to return
home. Texas Forest Service also advised that the Highways in the area had been reopened.
With the evacuation order lifted, everyone left, and Patty was able to close shelter operations.

On Sunday, the fire continued to burn, but electric crews were able to restore power
to the town of Wheeler around 1:30 PM. No new loss of structures or injuries reported.

As of about 10 PM Sunday night, the fire continued to burn.

Prepare for Disasters

2009-04-01T07:18:00.003-05:00

With wildfire season here, and spring storm season around the corner, its time to check and exercise your disaster plans for your family.

Are you ready ???

Prepare for Events

Hurricanes, earthquakes, forest fires – make sure you and your family are prepared when disaster strikes your area. Find out what disasters occur in your geographic area and make sure that you have the appropriate supplies and information.
http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d8aaecf214c576bf971e4cfe43181aa0/?vgnextoid=92d51a53f1c37110VgnVCM1000003481a10aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default

Get a kit. Make a Plan. Be prepared.

The Federal Government recommends that each person should be self sufficient for 72 hours
or longer after a disaster strikes. This gives local, state, and federal resources time to get into the area. Your kit should contain items for personal hygeine, food, water, medicines, important documents, money (cash), and others to help you make it through the 72 hours.

Volunteer

Contact your local red Cross and volunteer. We have opportunities to fit whatever skills you may have, and whatever shedule you may need. Call the Southwest Oklahoma Chapter at 482-5303.

Donate

Disaster Response and recovery takes a lot of resources. Many agencies are usually involved in the long term recovery. The American Red Cross is usually the only agency that helps with immediate needs, such as food, clothing, shelter. These immediate needs are met by donations from people like you. Please donate to the Local Chapter Disaster Releif Fund. This fund is used for local disasters like a single family house fire. For more information about this type of donation visit www.swoarc.org or http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main&s_subsrc=RCO_RedTab&s_src=DRF Sometimes help can't wait.

Be READY!

Listen to the latest news and information from loacal media, and local officials. Altus Emergency Management has a blog with a wealth of information at www.altusem.us You can also follow
Altus EM at www.twitter.com/altusem for up to the minute information.

For more information contact the Southwest Oklahoma Chapter of the American Red Cross at 482-5303 or come by 905 N. Willard, Altus, OK 73521 or visit us on the web at www.swoarc.org

For information about Altus Emergency Management, go to www.altusem.us or call 482-8333

Fire Ant Quarantine

2009-03-31T12:12:00.004-05:00

Click on article name to go to Tulsa World Article.

A new article in the Tulsa World shows 12 more counties have been added to the original 9 counties under a quarantine due to Fire Ants.

The quarantine includes soil, plants with soil attached, grass sod, used soil moving equipment, hay and straw.

Jackson, Tilman, and Comanche counties are included in the quarantine in this area.

Click on the article name above to read more.

Preparing for a House Fire

2009-03-31T12:04:00.003-05:00

Click on article name to go to the Red Cross Web Site for more info.

Make Your Home "Fire Safe"

Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home.
If people sleep with doors closed, install smoke alarms inside sleeping areas, too.
Use the test button to check each smoke alarm once a month. When necessary, replace batteries immediately. Replace all batteries once a year.
Vacuum away cobwebs and dust from your smoke alarms monthly.
Smoke alarms become less sensitive over time. Replace your smoke alarms every ten years.
Consider having one or more working fire extinguishers in your home. Get training from the fire department in how to use them.
Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home.

Plan Your Escape Routes

Determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home.
Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Learn how to use them and store them near the window.
Select a location outside your home where everyone would meet after escaping.
Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
Escape Safely
Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor's home.
If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit.
If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is warm, use your second way out.
If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are.

Contact your Local Red Cross Chapter for more information on home fire prevention and safety.
www.swoarc.org 482-5303 905 N. Willard, Altus, OK 73521

Plan and Prepare

2009-03-27T08:43:00.003-05:00

Winter Weather is not done with us yet. Blizzard type conditions are being expierenced
in the Panhandles of Oklahoma and Texas, and Southeast Colorado, and Eastern
New Mexico.

ARE YOU READY ???

Make a plan, get a kit, be prepared.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, it is each
persons responsibility to plan for local emergencies and disasters.

Make a plan.... There are several websites, brochures, and books available to help
a person or family prepare a plan.

Get a Kit........ There are several websites, brochures, and books available to help
a person or family prepare and aquire items for a 72 hour kit.
The kit should contain items needed for each person in the
household to survive 72 hours without assistance.

Be Prepared..... Listen to the local media and follow the advise and requests of
Local Officials.
In Altus, follow Altus EM of twitter at www.twitter.com/altusem
or their blog at www.altusem.us for up to date information.

For more information about Winter Storms go to www.swoarc.org or call the Chapter
Office at 482-5303, or come by the Office at 905 N. Willard, Altus, OK.

Storm Reports

2009-03-27T08:32:00.002-05:00

At 8:30 the News Media was reporting that power had been restored
to the town of Buffalo.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports that roads conditions are getting
worse in Northwest Oklahoma. Several accidents have been reported,
some with injuries.

Travel is discouraged in NW Oklahoma.

For Southwest Oklahoma, please use caution and do your traveling
as early as possible today before the snow starts.

Review your plan, Check your kit, be prepared. Stay weather aware
today by listening to the local media, check the Altus Emergency management
blog often at www.altusem.us

OEM SIT UP 1

2009-03-27T08:18:00.003-05:00

Situation Update 1
March 27, 2009 – 7:30 a.m.

CONTACT: Michelann Ooten, Public Information Officer
Office 405-521-2481; Mobile 405-205-1879

WINTER STORM IMPACTING STATE

Due to the severe winter weather, the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is at Level Two activation, which involves extended operating hours for key personnel. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with emergency managers in the affected areas.

WEATHER CONDITIONS
The National Weather Service has posted a Blizzard Warning for all of the Oklahoma panhandle and much of the northwest. Snow accumulations of 10-15 inches are likely with sustained winds of 40 mph, gusting to 50 mph. A Winter Storm Warning continues for southwest, west-central, central, and north-central Oklahoma. Snow accumulations of 8-12 inches are likely with sustained winds of 25 mph, gusting to 35 mph. Southern areas of the warning may receive 4-6 inches of snow. A Winter Storm Watch continues for northeast Oklahoma, where snow accumulations of 4-6 inches are expected.

ROAD CONDITIONS
Roadways in Cimarron and Texas counties are slick and hazardous. Roadways in Beaver, Harper, Ellis and Woodward are slick in spots and deteriorating steadily.

I-40 is closed from the Texas-New Mexico border to Tucumcari, N.M. due to a hazardous materials incident. Two trucks are blocking I-40.

To check CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS call the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety's ROAD CONDITIONS HOTLINE 888-425-2385. For out-of-state road conditions: Texas 800-452-9292 and New Mexico (800) 432-4269

RESOURCE COORDINATION
OEM is working with FEMA to secure delivery of industrial size generators that would be used for shelters and to provide power to water treatment facilities in the event of electric service disruptions. This will add to state generators pre-staged in the panhandle.

LOCAL REPORTS
Guymon/Texas County Emergency Management reports about 3 inches of snow on the ground with more coming down. Additionally, four fire departments are providing mutual aid on a fire in Hooker.
Harper County Emergency Management reports the Town of Buffalo (pop. 1,200) is without power.

Follow Oklahoma Emergency Management on twitter at
http://www.twitter.com/okem

Storm Reports

2009-03-27T08:13:00.002-05:00

I have heard from the News Media this morning that areas around
Woodward already have 1 foot of snow on the ground.

Power outages are also being reported in Harper County.
The towns of Buffalo and Laverne are without power.

At 7:15 AM the Emergency Manager advised they are waiting on
the Electric Company to assess the the situation and give them
a estimated time to have power retored before making
a decission to open shelters.

Winter Storm Warning

2009-03-27T07:42:00.002-05:00

Click on the name to go to the NWS enhanced webpage.

Kingfisher-Washita-Caddo-Canadian-Harmon-Greer-Kiowa-Jackson
441 AM CDT Fri Mar 27 2009

The National Weather Service in Norman has issued a Winter Storm Warning
for Heavy Snow...which is in effect from 1 PM this afternoon to 1 PM CDT Saturday.

Snow is forecast to begin falling over Southwest Oklahoma by late morning and
spread eastward into protions of Central Oklahoma this afternoon. The snow
may be heavy at times with the possibility of Thundersnow. Snow will continue
to fall Friday night into early Saturday before ending. Total snow accumulations
greater than 4 inches are expected.

A Winter Storm Warning means that significant amounts of snow are expected or
occurring. Strong winds are also possible. This will make travel very hazardous
or impossible.

State of Emergency declared by Governor

2009-01-26T14:53:00.004-06:00

With much of Oklahoma being impacted by an ice storm, Gov. Brad Henry today declared a State of Emergency for all 77 counties in the state.

The executive order marks a first step toward seeking federal assistance should it be necessary. Additionally, the executive order allows state agencies to make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to expedite the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions.

The Governor also issued an executive order aimed at helping utility crews handle storm-related repairs, allowing a 30-day waiver on permit requirements for use of overweight and oversized vehicles. In the meantime, Gov. Henry is in close contact with state emergency management officials to determine the needs of areas impacted by the storm.

Ice Storm Possible

2009-01-26T08:46:00.004-06:00

Click the story title above to go to the NWS enhanced web page.

From the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Norman

ALFALFA-GRANT-KAY-MAJOR-GARFIELD-DEWEY-CUSTER-BLAINE-WASHITA-KIOWA-TILLMAN- Counties

THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CSTTUESDAY.LIGHT FREEZING DRIZZLE OR FREEZING RAIN WILL BE INCREASING OVERTHE AREA THIS MORNING. PERIODS OF LIGHT FREEZING RAIN ANDSLEET... POSSIBLY MIXING WITH SNOW AT TIMES... WILL ALSO BELIKELY THIS AFTERNOON AND OVERNIGHT BEFORE TAPERING OFF DURINGTHE DAY TUESDAY. TRAVEL WILL LIKELY BECOME HAZARDOUS DUE TO LIGHTACCUMULATIONS OF ICE AND SLEET.A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW...SLEET...ORFREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FORSLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILEDRIVING.

Steve

Red Flag Warning Mon 1/19/09

2009-01-19T08:44:00.003-06:00

Click on the name above to go to the National Weather Service page for Fire Weather information.

RED FLAG WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
416 AM CST MON JAN 19 2009

OKZ004-009-010-014>016-021-022-033>038-044-TXZ083>090-191830-/O.NEW.KOUN.FW.W.0006.090119T1700Z-090120T0000Z/HARPER-ELLIS-WOODWARD-ROGER MILLS-DEWEY-CUSTER-BECKHAM-WASHITA-HARMON-GREER-KIOWA-JACKSON-TILLMAN-COMANCHE-COTTON-HARDEMAN-FOARD-WILBARGER-WICHITA-KNOX-BAYLOR-ARCHER-CLAY-

416 AM CST MON JAN 19 2009

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN NORMAN HAS ISSUED A RED FLAGWARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM CST THIS AFTERNOON.
TEMPERATURES IN THE MID 60S AND RELATIVE HUMIDITIES OF 10 TO 15 PERCENT AREA EXPECTED. IN ADDITION...STRONG NORTHERLY WINDS WILL PERSIST WELL INTO THE EARLY AFTERNOON HOURS BEFORE WEAKENING. WINDGUSTS OVER 30 MPH WILL BE POSSIBLE THROUGH 2 PM.
A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT A COMBINATION OF STRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

Red Flag Warning for Sunday

2009-01-18T04:22:00.002-06:00

Click on the above post headline to go to the National Weather Service web page
for Fire Weather Information.

RED FLAG WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
419 AM CST SUN JAN 18 2009

...RED FLAG WARNING THIS AFTERNOON FOR WESTERN OKLAHOMA
AND WESTERN NORTH TEXAS...

HARPER-ELLIS-WOODWARD-ROGER MILLS-DEWEY-CUSTER-BECKHAM-WASHITA-HARMON-GREER-KIOWA-JACKSON-TILLMAN-COMANCHE-COTTON-HARDEMAN-FOARD-WILBARGER-WICHITA-KNOX-BAYLOR-ARCHER-CLAY-

419 AM CST SUN JAN 18 2009

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 6 PM CST THISAFTERNOON...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN NORMAN HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 6 PM CST THIS AFTERNOON. THE FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.
TEMPERATURES IN THE MIDDLE AND UPPER 60S...MINIMUM RELATIVE HUMIDITIES RANGING FROM 10 TO 20 PERCENT...AND MODERATE NORTHWESTAND WEST WINDS WILL RESULT IN RAPID RATES OF SPREAD OF ANY FIRES THAT OCCUR. ALTHOUGH MOST LOCATIONS WILL NOT SEE SUSTAINED WINDSPEEDS OF 20 MPH OR GREATER FOR VERY LONG THIS AFTERNOON...THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR GUSTS OF 30 MPH DURING THE EARLY AND MID AFTERNOONHOURS.

Red Flag Warning and Fire Weather Watch

2009-01-17T18:07:00.004-06:00

Click on the name to go to the National Weather Service page for Fire Weather Information.

HARMON-GREER-KIOWA-JACKSON-TILLMAN-HARDEMAN-FOARD-WILBARGER-KNOX-BAYLOR-240 PM CST SAT JAN 17 2009...

RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS AFTERNOON......

FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT SUNDAY AFTERNOON...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN NORMAN HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS AFTERNOON. A FIRE WEATHER WATCH HAS ALSO BEEN ISSUED. THIS FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS IN EFFECT SUNDAY AFTERNOON. TEMPERATURES THIS AFTERNOON WILL BE IN THE LOWER TO MIDDLE 60S...ALONG WITH RELATIVE HUMIDITIES OF 15 TO 20 PERCENT. IN ADDITION...NORTHWEST WINDS OF ABOUT 20 MPH WILL SUPPORT RAPID GROWTH OF WILDFIRES. A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF STRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILLCREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL. A FIRE WEATHER WATCH MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE FORECAST TO OCCUR. LISTEN FOR LATER FORECASTS AND POSSIBLE RED FLAG WARNINGS.

Steve KE5BPL

Red Flag Fire Warning

2009-01-03T12:21:00.002-06:00

Clik the name of the post to go to the weather service grapics page.

RED FLAG WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORMAN OK
1102 AM CST SAT JAN 3 2009

..RED FLAG WARNING FOR PARTS OF SOUTHWEST OKLAHOMA AND WESTERNNORTH TEXAS THIS AFTERNOON...

ROGER MILLS-BECKHAM-WASHITA-CADDO-HARMON-GREER-KIOWA-JACKSON-TILLMAN-COMANCHE-COTTON-HARDEMAN-FOARD-WILBARGER-WICHITA-KNOX-BAYLOR-ARCHER-CLAY-1102 AM CST SAT JAN 3 2009

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN NORMAN HAS ISSUED A RED FLAGWARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 6 PM CST THISAFTERNOON.

THIS AFTERNOON...TEMPERATURES WILL CLIMB ABOVE 70 DEGREES...WHILE HUMIDITY FALLS TO BETWEEN 12 AND 20 PERCENT. SOUTHWESTWINDS WILL AVERAGE AROUND 20 MPH WITH HIGHER GUSTS. THESECONDITIONS...COMBINED WITH DORMANT VEGETATION...CAN CAUSE SMALLFIRES TO SPREAD RAPIDLY. IN ADDITION...A SUDDEN WIND SHIFT WILLACCOMPANY A COLD FRONT LATE IN THE DAY...HAMPERING ANY ONGOINGFIRE FIGHTING.

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONSARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OFSTRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILLCREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

Steve

Fire Weather Watch

2009-01-01T18:15:00.003-06:00

Click on the name above to be redirected to the National Weather Service
Fire Weather Forecast page.

BECKHAM-WASHITA-HARMON-GREER-KIOWA-JACKSON-TILLMAN-HARDEMAN-FOARD-WILBARGER-KNOX-

348 PM CST THU JAN 1 2009

..FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT SATURDAY AFTERNOON...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN NORMAN HAS ISSUED A FIRE WEATHERWATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT SATURDAY AFTERNOON.
BY SATURDAY AFTERNOON... TEMPERATURES NEAR 70 DEGREES... ALONGWITH LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES IN THE TEENS OF PERCENT... ANDSOUTHWEST WINDS AVERAGING ABOUT 20 TO 30 MPH ARE EXPECTED IN PARTSOF SOUTHWEST OKLAHOMA AND WESTERN NORTH TEXAS. THESE CONDITIONS...WHEN COMBINED WITH DORMANT VEGETATION... CAN CAUSE SMALL FIRES TOSPREAD RAPIDLY.
A FIRE WEATHER WATCH MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONSARE FORECAST TO OCCUR. LISTEN FOR LATER FORECASTS AND POSSIBLERED FLAG WARNINGS.

Steve Grayson

Wildfire Potential thru the weekend

2008-12-29T21:18:00.002-06:00

From the National Weather Sevice Forecast Office, Norman, OK.

CONCERN FOR WILDFIRES WILL PERSIST INTO THIS COMING WEEKEND. THE GREATEST WILDFIRE POTENTIAL WILL BE ON TUESDAY... THURSDAY.. AND SATURDAY AS WARM AND DRY SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS BECOME GUSTY IN ADVANCEOF SEVERAL COLD FRONTS.

WEAK FRONT ACROSS NORTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA IS ALREADY WASHING OUT ASSOUTHERLY LOW LEVEL FLOW IS REDEVELOPING OVER THIS AREA. MORE SIGNIFICANT FRONT WILL MOVE INTO NORTHWEST OKLAHOMA TUESDAY MORNING AND MOVE THROUGH MOST OF THE FORECAST AREA BY 00Z. TEMPERATURES WILL BE QUITE WARM IN MOST AREAS TUESDAY AND HUMIDITY VALUES WILL BE QUITE LOW. WIND SPEEDS DO NOT APPEAR TO BE SUFFICIENT FOR RED FLAG WARNING... BUT THE WARM AND DRY WEATHERWILL ELEVATE THE FIRE WEATHER CONCERNS. THE COLDER AIR BEHIND THEFRONT FILTERS IN TUESDAY NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY. TEMPERATURES MODERATE SOMEWHAT FOR THURSDAY BEFORE THE NEXT FRONT MOVES THROUGHON THURSDAY/THURSDAY NIGHT. MOISTURE IS LACKING ON BOTH SYSTEMSAND FORECAST REMAINS DRY THROUGH THE WEEKEND. THE NEXT FRONT MOVESTHROUGH SATURDAY/SATURDAY NIGHT. ALTHOUGH THE FRONT GOES THROUGHDRY... THE FRONT HANGS UP JUST TO THE SOUTHEAST WHILE A UPPERTROUGH DEVELOPS IN THE WESTERN UNITED STATES AND MOVES TOWARD THEPLAINS EARLY NEXT WEEK. SO HAVE INCLUDED SOME POPS FOR THE NEW DAY7 PERIOD /SUNDAY NIGHT AND MONDAY/. ALTHOUGH THE AIRMASS IS NOTEXTREMELY COLD... SHOULD BE COOL ENOUGH TO INCLUDE THE MENTION OFSNOW OR MIX IN THE NORTH SUNDAY NIGHT.

Board Meeting

2008-12-28T15:07:00.002-06:00

This post is a reminder of the upcoming board meeting scheduled
for January 22, 2009.

All board members are encouraged to attend.

Steve

Wall Cloud near Mangum

2008-12-28T14:48:00.002-06:00

Just clik on the article name to go to the video.

This is a link to a youtube video. The video was taken near Mangum
on May 26, 2008. The video is a timelapse video.

Please help us, help the citizens by informing them of their 72 hour kits.
During the last event, people were actually calling wanting to know where
they could pick theirs up.

Be informed. Be Prepared.

Steve

Extreme Fire Conditions

2008-12-07T13:55:00.001-06:00

OKZ004-009-010-014-021-033>037-TXZ083>089-080000-/O.CON.KOUN.FW.W.0036.000000T0000Z-081208T0000Z/HARPER-ELLIS-WOODWARD-ROGER MILLS-BECKHAM-HARMON-GREER-KIOWA-JACKSON-TILLMAN-HARDEMAN-FOARD-WILBARGER-WICHITA-KNOX-BAYLOR-ARCHER-
1252 PM CST SUN DEC 7 2008...
RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THISAFTERNOON...

TEMPERATURES HAVE CLIMBED INTO THE LOWER TO MID 60S EARLY SUNDAYAFTERNOON WITH RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES ALREADY BELOW 20 PERCENTIN MANY AREAS OF WESTERN NORTH TEXAS AND WESTERN OKLAHOMA.HUMIDITY VALUES WILL CONTINUE TO FALL THROUGH THE MID AFTERNOONHOURS AND SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST WINDS OF 20 TO 25 MPH WILL CONTINUE.THESE CONDITIONS WILL LEAD TO ELEVATED FIRE WEATHER CONCERNSACROSS THE AREA. CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED TO PREVENT THE STARTOR SPREAD OF WILD FIRES DUE TO THESE WEATHER CONDITIONS.A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONSARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OFSTRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILLCREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

Tulsa Chapter prepares for Winter Storms

2008-12-03T07:30:00.002-06:00

The Tulsa Area Chapter American Red Cross unveiled its new EmergencyOperations Center on Tuesday at its headquarters near 11th Street andMingo Road.Unlike the old EOC, which had fewer resources for volunteers duringemergencies such as last December's ice storm, the new EOC has 19individual work stations equipped with computers and telephones to managevarious necessities for shelters and volunteers in the 18-county area theTulsa chapter serves, said Brian Jensen, director of emergency services.Jensen said it was especially important to the Red Cross to have the newEOC ready in time for the anniversary of last year's ice storm."It is going to help the Red Cross take care of people as we've never beenable to before," he said In addition to the new EOC, Jensen also announcedthe future goals of the Tulsa Red Cross, including more shelters, more"ready when the time comes" trained volunteer teams and more local trainedvolunteer supervisors.

Christmas Parade

2008-12-01T09:33:00.000-06:00

The SWOARC will have a float in the Christmas Parade this year. The Parade is scheduled for Sunday December 7th and starts at 3 PM. Line up will start at 1 PM. Anyone wishing to help or volunteer with the float is asked to contact the Chapter Office at 482-5303. My understanding is that Lyn has written a story, and Shirley M is going to read it to the kids on the float.

Please help us make this a safe and joyful holiday season. Merry Christmas.

What do you think ???

2008-11-29T12:14:00.000-06:00

Please let me know what you think of this blog. Should we keep it or what.

Most articles update automatically, the blog space will only update as new blogs or comments are made.

If you are interested in keeping this blog spot, and posting info to the blog for eveyone to read
you will need a gmail account. sign up for your free gmail account at http://www.mail.google.com/ then
send me and email with your gmail address and I will set you up to be able to post.

My email address is s.grayson@sbcglobal.net so please let me know what you think.

Thanks
Steve

Board Meeting

2008-11-17T22:04:00.000-06:00

The Board of Directors of the Southwest Oklahoma Chapter ARC will meet at noon Thursday, November 20, 2008 at the Chapter Office located at 905 N. Willard, Altus, OK

Welcome Rosalyn Hall

2008-11-16T11:06:00.000-06:00

We would like to welcome Mrs Rosalyn Hall as the new Chapter Executive Director.

Mrs Hall began her duties as the Executive Director on Monday, November 3, 2008.

Please come by the Chapter Office or call and offer your support and assistance !!!

Thank You !!!

2008-11-16T10:22:00.000-06:00

Thanks to John, Shirley, and Beverly for all your work while the Chapter was without an Executive Director following the retirement of Shirley Corrigan.

Your dedication to the Red Cross and this Chapter are very much appreciated.

Thank you for going above and beyond to keep this Chapter running, and to help the
Board with the selection and training of a new Executive Director.