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Stay Safe during a Lightning Storm
"IF THUNDER ROARS, GO INDOORS"
Since thunder and lightning storms happen frequently during the summer months, FEMA offers these tips on how to avoid injury during a lightning storm:- Avoid contact with corded phones.
- Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. Unplug electronic equipment well before the storm arrives because power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
- Avoid contact with plumbing and bathroom fixtures because they can conduct electricity: do not wash hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes or do laundry.
- Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
- Do not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls.
- If you're caught outside during a storm, stay away from tall trees. Avoid open fields, beaches, and boats on the water. If possible, seek shelter in a thick growth of small trees or in a low lying area. Also avoid anything metal such as golf clubs/carts, tractors, bicycles, etc. Seek shelter in a car if possible, but avoid touching any of its metal parts.
Because lightning is unpredictable and can strike 10 miles outside of any rainfall the risk to individuals and property is increased. If you feel you hair standing on end (which indicates lightning is about to strike) squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact it the ground. DO NOT lie flat on the ground.
Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately. The following are things you should check when you attempt to give aid to a victim of lightning:
- Breathing - if breathing has stopped, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
- Heartbeat - if the heart has stopped, administer CPR.
- Pulse - if the victim has a pulse and is breathing, look for other possible injuries. Check for burns where the lightning entered and left the body. Also be alert for nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing and eyesight.
Information provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
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Connect Socially With Tax Information
Social Media Ways to Get Tax Information You Need* Including ASL Videos and Tweets *IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2011-09
If you prefer social media resources over hard copy documents, or you use your smartphone to work smarter, this will interest you!
The Internal Revenue Service delivers the latest information on tax changes, initiatives, products and services through social media like YouTube, Twitter, Smartphone Mobile Apps, Podcasts, and widgets.
Click here to watch how to connect with the IRS using the media list below.
Or choose a particular media tool from this list for details:- IRS2Go Mobile App: The IRS launched a smartphone application this year that lets you interact with the IRS using your mobile device. The mobile application can help you get your refund status and tax updates. IRS2Go is available for the iPhone or iTouch and the Android.
- YouTube: The IRS Video Channels on YouTube provide with short, informative videos on various tax-related topics. The videos are in English, American Sign Language, and a variety of foreign languages.
- Twitter Follow along with IRS tweets which include tax-related announcements, news for tax professionals and updates for job seekers. Follow us @IRSnews.
- Audio files for Podcasts - The IRS creates audio files for use in podcasts. These short audio recordings provide useful information on one tax related topic. The audio files and their transcripts can be found in the Multimedia Center on IRS.gov. These files are also available as podcasts on iTunes.
- Widgets - Widgets are tools that can be placed on websites, blogs or social media networks to direct others to IRS.gov for information. The IRS has developed a variety of widgets that feature the latest tax initiatives and programs. These widgets can be found on Marketing Express, the marketing site that allows IRS partners and tax preparers to customize their IRS communications products.
The IRS will not be able to answer personal tax or account questions on any of these sites. You can look up any questions you might have on their list of Frequently Asked Questions. You may also find help using the IRS Site Map.
To find links to all of IRS’s social media tools, visit www.irs.gov and click on “IRS New Media.”
Links:
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IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2011-04, July 13, 2011
* A SUMMERTIME TAX TIP *
If you need to resolve a tax problem, have tax law questions, or you’re more comfortable talking with someone face-to-face, call or visit your local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) where you can spread out your records and talk with an IRS representative across the counter. No appointment is necessary, just walk in or call to take advantage of any of these services:
- Understanding a notice or letter you received and need face-to-face assistance, or telephone help to understand what's next
- Multilingual assistance takes away language barriers either in person, or over the phone with bilingual interpreters
- Making payments are accepted at your local IRS TAC. Just be sure you know tax period and type of tax for the payment you are making; and be sure to bring any IRS notice you received about it.
- Free preparation of federal tax returns for Earned Income Tax Credit or whose income is less than $49,000 - on the current and prior year - basic tax returns
- Apply for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) If you are not eligible for a Social Security number but need to file a tax return, bring the completed tax return, Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Identification Number, and certified identification documents to your local TAC to apply for your ITIN and file your return. For more information, see Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens.
- Alien Clearances Before leaving the United States, most aliens must obtain a certificate of tax compliance. This document, also popularly known as the sailing or departure permit, must be secured from the IRS before leaving the U.S. You can get the permit from your local TAC. For more information, see Publication 513, Tax Information for Visitors to the United States.
- Tax Return and Tax Account Transcripts Do you need a copy of your tax return for financial aid or to obtain a mortgage? If so, a tax return or tax account transcript generally meet the requirements of these lending institutions. Visit your local TAC for free transcripts, typically available for the current and past three years.
Related Links:
Contact My Local Office
Publication 513 Tax Information for Visitors to the United States
Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens
Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Identification Number more -
LET'S EAT FOR THE HEALTH OF IT!Your food and activity choices each day affect your health -- how you feel today, tomorrow and in the future. The tips below are a good starting point toward a change for a healthy diet and a healthier you:- Make at least half you grains whole grains
- Vary your veggies
- Focus on fruit
- Get your calcium rich foods
- Go lean with protein
- Find your balance between food and physical activity
- Keep food safe to eat
Improving what you eat and being active will help you to reduce your risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, some cancers and obesity.
For additional resources check out:• www.DietaryGuidelines.gov
• www.Health.gov/paguidelines
• www.HealthFinder.gov
Information supplied by the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion
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New Sunscreen Labels to Help you Get the Best Protection
Beginning next summer the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is changing sunscreen labels to make it easier for you to pick a product that offers the protection level you want. The labels will clearly tell whether a sunscreen protects against sunburn, skin cancer and signs of premature skin aging; and whether it is a broad spectrum product.
Broad spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher will protect against all three. Anything less than 15 SPF will only protect against sunburn and soon will be labeled with a warning that reads "Skin cancer/skin aging alert: Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging". Future labels will also include information on how much time a user can expect to get the declared SPF level of protection while swimming or sweating.
Spending time in the sun increases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. To reduce this risk, consumers should regularly use sun protection measures including:
- Use sunscreens with broad spectrum SPF values of 15 or higher regularly and as directed.
- Limit time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most intense.
- Wear clothing to cover skin exposed to the sun; for example, long-sleeved shirts, pants, sunglasses, and broad-brimmed hats.
- Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours, more often if you’re sweating or jumping in and out of the water.
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Grants funds allocated for Lacoochee Community Center
After many years of wishing and hoping, the Lacoochee-Trilby communty received news that grant funds are being set aside for a communtiy center in Stanely Park. Many individuals across the county have been working to bring services to the Lacoochee-Trilby area and are pleased that a significant step has been taken toward building a communty center. The Pasco County Library, with grants funds, has offered a variety of programs to citizens in the Lacoochee-Trilby area. The Library has brought laptops with aircards to the Boys and Girls Club, Trilby Community Center, and other locations to provide citizens with access to Access Florida (food stamps/medicaid), employment assistance, as well as other programs. Once the communtiy center is built, the Pasco County Library is hoping to offer an array of library services there. For more informaiton regarding the funding for the new community center read the article in the St. Petersbrug Times - $300,000 grant set aside for community center in Lacoochee
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Preparing Your Pets For Emergencies
Protecting Your Pets
Whether you decide to stay put or evacuate to a safer location, you will need to make plans in advance for your pets in the event of an emergency. If you evacuate your home, your pets should not be left behind. Pets most likely cannot survive on their own; and if by some remote chance they do, you may not be able to find them when you return.
If possible, take your pets with you if have to evacuate. However, if you are going to a public shelter, it is important to note that animals may not be allowed inside. Unfortunately, many disaster evacuation centers (and specifically Red Cross evacuation centers) cannot accept pets because of states' health and safety regulations. In fact, service animals that assist people with disabilities are currently the only animals allowed in some evacuation centers. Plan in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for both you and your pets.
Plan for Pet Disaster Needs:
- Find out which motels and hotels in the area you plan to evacuate to allow pets well in advance of needing them. There are also a number of guides that list hotels/motels that permit pets and could serve as a starting point. Include your local animal shelter's number in your list of emergency numbers, they might be able to provide information concerning pets during a disaster.
- Take pet food, bottled water, medications, veterinary records, cat litter/pan, can opener, food dishes, first aid kit and other supplies with you in case they're not available later. Consider packing a "pet survival" kit which could be easily deployed if disaster hits.
During a Disaster
- Bring your pets inside immediately.
- Have newspapers on hand for sanitary purposes. Feed the animals moist or canned food so they will need less water to drink.
- Animals have instincts about severe weather changes and will often isolate themselves if they are afraid. Bringing them inside early can stop them from running away. Never leave a pet outside or tied up during a storm.
- Separate dogs and cats. Even if your dogs and cats normally get along, the anxiety of an emergency situation can cause pets to act irrationally. Keep small pets away from cats and dogs.
- In an emergency, you may have to take your birds with you. Talk with your veterinarian or local pet store about special food dispensers that regulate the amount of food a bird is given. Make sure that the bird is caged and the cage is covered by a thin cloth or sheet to provide security and filtered light.
After a Disaster
- If after a disaster you have to leave town, take your pets with you. Pets are unlikely to survive on their own.
- In the first few days after the disaster, leash your pets when they go outside. Always maintain close contact. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and your pet may become confused and lost. Also, snakes and other dangerous animals may be brought into the area with flood areas. Downed power lines are a hazard.
- The behavior of your pets may change after an emergency. Normally quiet and friendly pets may become aggressive or defensive. Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and place them in a fenced yard with access to shelter and water.
Sources:
http://www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/animals.shtm
http://blog.usa.gov/post/5395146652/plan-care-for-your-pets-during-emergencies
Resources:
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/petprotect.asp more - Find out which motels and hotels in the area you plan to evacuate to allow pets well in advance of needing them. There are also a number of guides that list hotels/motels that permit pets and could serve as a starting point. Include your local animal shelter's number in your list of emergency numbers, they might be able to provide information concerning pets during a disaster.
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