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Wednesday - March 30, 2022 Calhoun County remains in the enhanced risk area for severe storms expected between 8:00 pm tonight through 2:00 am Thursday. Ahead of the storms, Calhoun County has been placed under a Wind Advisory, as non-thunderstorm winds of 15-25mph with gusts up to 50mph are expected throughout the day today. Tonight's potential threats include damaging straight-line winds up to 80mph, tornadoes, hail, and localized flooding. Potential rainfall amounts could total between 1-1.5 inches. Ensure that your family, friends, and neighbors have multiple ways to receive alerts and adequate shelter from today's winds and tonight's storms. See the latest NWS graphics below, followed by tips for sheltering from high winds and tornadoes: The threat of high winds should not be taken lightly, as straight-line winds can produce just as much damage as tornadoes. It is incredibly important to secure any outdoor belongings such as trampolines, trash cans, and outdoor furniture, as those items could be dangerous if caught up in high winds. Take Shelter Immediately go inside a sturdy building during a high wind warning or severe thunderstorm warning and move to an interior room or basement. If you are in a mobile home, move to a sturdy building before the winds pick up or the storm system reaches your location. Listen to the local news or NOAA Weather Radio for updates. If Caught Outside or Driving: Take shelter in your car if you are not near a sturdy building. If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy building. Otherwise, move your car to a location where it is less likely to be hit by falling trees or power lines. If no shelter is available avoid trees, power lines, and the side of the road. Keep in mind that power lines that are laying on the ground may be live. Do not go near them! Try to find a place that will block blowing or falling debris. If you are driving and aren't near a sturdy building, hold the steering wheel with both hands and slow down. Keep a distance from high profile vehicles such as trucks, buses and vehicles towing trailers. One strong gust of wind can be enough to flip one of these trailers onto its side. As high winds are not the only threat Calhoun County could experience during tonight's storms, we should also be prepared for the possibility of tornadoes and localized flooding. Calhoun County storm shelters will open in the event that a tornado watch and/or warning is issued. Save this graphic and find the one closest to you: Check out these graphics for tips on sheltering in place and what to do if you encounter a tornado while driving: Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. If you are driving and encounter flooding, remember: Turn Around, Don't Drown! Never drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road. The road may have collapsed under that water. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters. Be sure to stay weather aware today and follow Calhoun County EMA for up-to-date information! Sign up for Calhoun County EMA's Everbridge alert system to customize how you receive Calhoun County emergency alerts here: https://member.everbridge.net/index/431562608869440/#/signup

Tuesday - March 29, 2022 A strong storm system is expected to move through the area tomorrow, beginning around 8:00 pm Wednesday through 2:00 am Thursday morning. Calhoun County is currently in the enhanced risk area, with potential threats including damaging winds up to 70 mph, tornadoes, and localized flooding. Potential rainfall amounts could total between 1.5-2". Ahead of the severe storm threat, Calhoun County will be placed under a Wind Advisory at 9:00 am Wednesday, as non-thunderstorm winds of 20-25 mph with gusts up to 50mph are expected throughout the day. Take the time today to make your preparations for tomorrow! Secure any outdoor belongings such as trash cans, trampolines, and outdoor furniture. Ensure that your neighbors and elderly family members/friends have a way to stay informed and will have access to adequate shelter, should it be needed. See the most recent graphics from the National Weather Service below, followed by 5 quick preparedness tips: Now is the time to prepare your family's emergency plans to ensure that you can be ready for tomorrow evening's potential for severe weather. Need a starting point? Here's 5 tips to help you get prepared: 1. Know your county! Be sure that you can find Calhoun County on the map. This is especially important when it comes to watches and warnings. 2. Have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts. Everbridge - Calhoun County EMA's Everbridge alert system gives you the option to choose how you receive alerts to your phone. You can choose to receive alerts by text message, phone call, and/or email. Sign up here: https://member.everbridge.net/index/431562608869440/#/signup Nixle - Text CalhounEMA to 888-777 to receive Calhoun County emergency alerts by text messages. NOAA Weather Radio - Available at CVS, Walgreen's, Rite Aid, Walmart, Lowe's, etc. Great for overnight use and the elderly or hard-of-hearing, as the alert sound is very loud. Easily programmable at home, or bring to Calhoun County EMA and we can program it for you. Outdoor sirens - Outdoor sirens are meant to be heard outdoors. Sirens work off of the National Weather Service polygon system. A siren will only sound if it is located within that NWS polygon. For example, if a portion of Anniston is included in the NWS polygon, only the sirens in that polygon including Anniston will sound; sirens in Jacksonville will not go off (unless they are also included in the NWS polygon). Do not rely on outdoor sirens as your only alert source. Social Media - Follow Calhoun County EMA on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Weather apps - Utilize your favorite local TV station's weather app 3. Know where you can take shelter in the event that a tornado watch or warning is issued. Save this graphic and find the one closest to you! 4. Prepare a family communications plan. Write down important names, phone numbers, and addresses of close friends and family members, emergency meeting places, out-of-town contacts, and other important numbers and information. Use this Ready.gov checklist to create your Family Emergency Communication Plan: https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2021-04/family-emergency-communication-plan.pdf 5. Make a disaster supply kit! Build an emergency kit that could help you survive for days after an emergency: https://www.calhounema.org/home-preparedness Be sure to stay weather aware tomorrow and follow Calhoun County EMA for up-to-date information!

March 3, 2022 For the 11th year, the Alabama Department of Revenue held a Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday Weekend that began Friday, February 25, 2022 and lasted through midnight February 27, 2022. The annual tax holiday weekend is meant to give citizens the opportunity to purchase severe weather preparedness items free of state sales tax. During the week leading up to this year's sales tax holiday, Calhoun County EMA took the opportunity to share daily preparedness tips. Topics included the new Calhoun County Planning Partners program, building an emergency kit, tornado sheltering guidelines, and ways to receive Calhoun County alerts. Below is a recap of the things we shared and discussed: Monday On Monday, Calhoun County EMA introduced the Planning Partners program. This program, in partnership with FEMA's Ready Business and FEMA's "Do1Thing" initiative, encourages businesses and organizations to do at least one thing per month to prepare for emergencies. The program is free, self-paced, simple, and guides businesses and organizations towards building their preparedness and recovery plans. For more information on Calhoun County's Planning Partners program, email us at ema@calhounema.org and visit calhounema.org/planningpartners. Tuesday Tuesday's topic was emergency preparedness kits. Emergency kits are great to have in your home and/or vehicle in case you find yourself in a sticky situation. Kits can be big or small, for one person or for entire families. A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items: -Water, snacks, non-perishable foods & utensils -Flashlights, extra batteries, phone chargers -First aid kit, prescription medications -Blankets, sleeping bags, change of clothing & shoes -Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, medications -Pet food, water -Cash, important documents such as copies of insurance policies & bank account records Store your items in airtight plastic bags & keep all your items in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag. Wednesday Do you know where to go when severe weather is approaching? On day 4 of Severe Weather Preparedness Week, Calhoun County EMA shared a few tips to help you remember to Get Inside, Get Low, & Get Covered. -Go to the basement or an inside room without windows on the lowest floor (bathroom, closet, center hallway). -If possible, avoid sheltering in a room with windows. -For added protection get under something sturdy (a heavy table or workbench). Cover your body with a blanket, sleeping bag or mattress. Protect your head with anything available. -Do NOT stay in a mobile home. -If you are outside or in a mobile home, find a nearby building preferably with a basement. -If you are in a car, do not try to outrun a tornado but instead find the nearest sturdy building. For a list of Calhoun County community saferooms & safer places, visit calhounema.org/shelters Thursday Staying informed is one of the easiest ways to prepare for severe weather. Thursday's preparedness tip was to ensure that you have at least 3 ways to receive alerts during an emergency. You too can take action today to prepare for the next severe weather event! Below are ways that you can receive Calhoun County emergency alerts: -Subscribe to free text message alerts by texting CalhounEMA to 888-777. -Calhoun County’s Everbridge alert system is free, customizable to your location, & the primary way we send out alerts for the county. Sign up takes a couple of quick minutes: https://member.everbridge.net/index/431562608869440/#/signup -If there is severe weather in the county, the NOAA weather radio will go off. This is a great way to be alerted throughout the night when you may be sleeping. For more information on NOAA weather radios: https://www.weather.gov/.../noaaweatherradiobrochure.pdf For more information on Calhoun County alerts visit: https://www.calhounema.org/beinformed For more preparedness tips, click the Preparedness tab on our homepage!

PER THE CITY OF ANNISTON: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: PUBLIC WARMING STATION: NOVEMBER 13TH - 17TH __________________________________ Link to Press Release: https://bit.ly/3Ha7H0e __________________________________ FULL RELEASE: ANNISTON, AL -- Citizens of Anniston, please be aware of potential freezing temperatures beginning this weekend and continuing throughout early next week. In light of the weather conditions, a public warming station will be available at the Carver Community Center (720 W 14th St, Anniston, AL 36201). The warming station will open this coming Saturday, November 13th, at 5:00 PM and it will remain open through next Wednesday, November 17th, until 7:00 AM. This warming station effort is being led by the City of Anniston’s Community Task Force on Homelessness. The Anniston City Council established the Community Homelessness Task Force to provide policies, plans, and programs to facilitate and coordinate efforts among community partners to improve the response to the homeless population. For more information on the warming station, please contact the Carver Community Center at: 256-231-7630. If you are interested in donating meals and/or assisting in meal preparations for the warming station, please contact Ms. Diane Smith at 704-904-8774. __________________________________ #Anniston #WarmingStation #FreezingTemperatures #HomelessnessTaskForce

PER ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH NEWS RELEASE 11/3/21: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children 5-11 years of age in the U.S. The COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine for this age group is a reduced dose (10 microgram), two-dose series. The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) follows the guidance of the CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) regarding vaccination recommendations. ACIP’s recommendation applies to all children 5-11 years of age, including those with underlying conditions and previous COVID-19 infection. As Pfizer is shipping pre-ordered vaccine for children in this age group, ADPH is giving guidance to entities for administration of this product consistent with ACIP and CDC recommendations. State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said, “It is expected that vaccine for this age group will be widely available next week. We believe the best way to protect everyone is to be vaccinated, including children and people who have been infected with COVID-19 previously. Parents with questions are advised to discuss vaccination for their children with their pediatrician, family physician or clinic and make the best decision based on scientific evidence and the guidance of their provider.” The CDC provides the following information: · COVID-19 cases in childrencan result in hospitalizations, deaths, MIS-C (inflammatory syndromes) and long-term complications, such as “long COVID,” in which symptoms can linger for months. The spread of the Delta variant resulted in a surge of COVID-19 cases in children throughout the summer. During a 6-week period in late June to mid-August, COVID-19 hospitalizations among children and adolescents increased fivefold. · COVID-19 vaccines have undergone – and will continue to undergo – the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. · Vaccination, along with other preventative measures, can protect children from COVID-19 using the safe and effective vaccines already recommended for use in adolescents and adults in the United States. · Similar to what was seen in adult vaccine trials, vaccination was nearly 91 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 among children aged 5-11 years. In clinical trials, vaccine side effects were mild, self-limiting, and similar to those seen in adults and with other vaccines recommended for children. The most common side effect was a sore arm. · Vaccinating children will help protect them from getting COVID-19, therefore reducing their risk of severe disease, hospitalizations, or developing long-term COVID-19 complications. · Getting your children vaccinated can help protect them against COVID-19, as well as reduce disruptions to in-person learning and activities by helping curb community transmission. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children age 5-11 is currently being shipped nationwide. Inventory information is currently being updated and will be available at https://www.vaccines.gov/by the end of this week. Vaccines will be available at many pediatric health care provider offices, pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, county health departments, and other locations. Contact your provider for more information.

Governor Kay Ivey reissued a State of Emergency for Alabama as the cases, hospitalizations, and death begin to rise again in the state. Per the Governor's Facebook: "I am really proud that over the last month, Alabama has seen more than a 100% increase – the highest in the country – in covid-19 vaccines being administered. We owe those who have gotten the vaccine a tremendous debt of gratitude. No doubt, this will soon move us in the right direction, but at the current time, we also need to offer our frontline heroes – who are unfortunately treating a new wave of patients in Alabama’s hospitals – a helping hand as they put it all on the line to take care of our people. That is exactly what we are doing in issuing this limited, narrowly-focused state of emergency. I want to be abundantly clear: there will be absolutely no statewide mandates, closures or the like. This state of emergency is strategically targeted at removing bureaucracy and cutting red tape wherever we can to allow our doctors, nurses and hospital staff to treat patients that come through their doors. Let me be crystal clear: Alabama remains open for business. Alabamians do not need government telling us what to do or how to do it. Unlike last year when we were hoping for a miracle, our greatest weapon against covid-19 today is the vaccine, so, if you can, roll up your sleeve and get the shot. Read the full #COVID19 SOE: https://governor.alabama.gov/.../state-of-emergency.../ " Download the Proclamation here >

PER THE ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH: With heat indices rising into triple digits, the Alabama Department of Public Health advises the public to be alert to the warning signs of heat illnesses. Heat-related illnesses occur when the body is exposed to high temperatures. The incidence of these illnesses rises expectedly during warm weather periods, and anyone exposed to high temperatures or extreme heat can experience symptoms when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. The most common heat-related illnesses are as follows: · Heat cramps · Heat exhaustion · Heat stroke Heat cramps– include muscle pains or spasms (abdomen, arms or legs), profuse sweat, and high salt concentration in the sweat. Heat exhaustion– is associated with heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, or vomiting and fainting. Other possible symptoms may include cool and moist skin, fast and weak pulse rate, fast and shallow breathing, or irritability. Older adults, those with high blood pressure and those working or exercising in a hot environment are prone to heat exhaustion. If heat exhaustion is not treated, it may progress to heatstroke. Heat stroke or sun stroke – the most serious heat-related illness, a life-threatening problem, may occur when the body is unable to control its temperature. Body temperature may rise to 106 degrees F or higher within 10 -15 minutes. Signs include an extremely high body temperature, red, hot and dry or moist skin, rapid, strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, dehydration, combativeness or confusion, and unconsciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and even with immediate treatment, it can be life-threatening or cause serious long-term problems. It is recommended people drink plenty of fluids except alcohol or caffeinated beverages to prevent dehydration, stay in an air-conditioned room, keep out of the sun by seeking shelter, wear a wide-brimmed hat, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, and use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, take cool showers or baths, and reduce or eliminate strenuous activities during the hottest times of the day. Individuals with heart disease, diabetes, obesity, poor circulation, or previous stroke problems, people of older and younger ages, and those taking certain medications are at greater risk of becoming ill in hot weather. For more information, visit https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/injuryprevention/heat.html Watch this useful video from the CDC on safety tips for extreme heat:

Today, Governor Kay Ivey held a joint press conference with Dr. Scott Harris to provide an update on their COVID-19 efforts at 11:00am. The current "Safer at Home" order, including the statewide mask mandate, will expire April 9th, 2021 at 5:00 PM. The "Safer Apart" Health Order will go into effect until May 5th, 2021 at 5:00 PM. Masks are still strongly encouraged. Businesses and organizations can still implement their own mask requirements. For all documents and SIGNS for businesses and organizations can be found here: https://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2021/04/governor-ivey-issues-new-safer-apart-order/ To see press conference video: facebook.com/KayIveyAL/

Per Alabama Department of Public Health: Please see press conference here: https://fb.watch/4D0IbG9zd9/ Please see release here: https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/news/2021/04/02.html NEWS RELEASE Governor Ivey announces COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to be expanded in Alabama to include individuals age 16 and older. Governor Kay Ivey during a visit to the Alabama National Guard mobile vaccination clinic in Wilcox County Friday announced that beginning, April 5, the Alabama Department of Public Health will extend eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations to include individuals age 16 and older. Thanks to Governor Ivey’s announcement, all Alabamians that the vaccine brands are available to can now receive the shot. “I have committed to the people of Alabama that we are on a path forward, and while there is more work to be done, I remain hopeful and optimistic in where we are going. Recent findings from the CDC show preliminary data suggesting that vaccinated individuals do not appear to be spreading the virus, so that is hopeful, underscores the effectiveness of the vaccine and is yet another reason to get the shot,” Governor Ivey said. “Truly, this vaccine is our ticket back to normal life. We are so close to getting COVID-19 in the rearview, and until then, we should all keep wearing our masks, get vaccinated and use the common sense the good Lord gave us.” The Pfizer vaccine is available to individuals age 16 and up, and the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are both available to individuals 18 years of age and older. With this expansion, there will be close to 4 million eligible individuals in the state of Alabama. Currently, the state receives approximately 115,000 first doses each week. "In the initial phases of our vaccine allocation plan, we have given just over 1.7 million shots. These shots have gone to more than 1.1 million Alabamians most at risk of illness and death due to COVID-19,” State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said. “As progress has been made, equitable vaccine distribution has been and remains a driving force in immunizing state residents. The increased supply of safe and effective vaccines means all adults who wish to be vaccinated are now eligible to receive the protection vaccines offer." As of April 1, 1,724,463 doses have been administered. For general information about COVID-19, the COVID-19 Information Hotline number is 1-800-270-7268. Alabama vaccine providers can be found within the Alabama COVID-19 Dashboard Hub.

COVID-19 in Calhoun County Throughout the month of March, the county has continued to see a decreased number of new cases per week, hospitalizations, and positivity rate. This is a great sign, but does not allow us to let down our guard as a community. We need to continue practicing the recommendations of the CDC to help keep the spread of COVID-19 to a minimum. Wear Your mask. Keep your distance. Together we can make a difference. COVID-19 NUMBERS: Total number of cases: 14,152 Number of new cases in 14 days: 276 Average new cases per day for March (to date): 24 Total number of deaths: 303 Average number of hospitalizations per day for March (to date): 12 Percent Positivity: 7.9% VACCINE INFORMATION: Thank you for your continued patience during this vaccine roll out. As the EMA, we continue to work alongside our community partners to assist them in any ways necessary to get the vaccines out. The supply continues to be slow and encourage everyone to sign up for our text alerts so you can be notified if there are any large vaccine sites scheduled. TEXT CALCOVID TO 888-777 You can also visit our vaccine information hub: www.calhounema.org/vaccine

SEVERE WEATHER UPDATE - 4:30 PM 3/16/21 MODERATE risk for Wednesday afternoon throughout the night into early Thursday morning for Calhoun County. The time frames are long due to possibly having multiple rounds of storms. The strongest round of storms will most likely be during the evening/night according to NWS. Understand that all of Central Alabama should take this storm system seriously and have your emergency plan ready! Have 3 ways to receive emergency alerts and have you disaster kit ready. A few terms to know: WATCH vs WARNING A tornado WATCH is issued by the NWS when the environment is prime for tornadic activity. This does not mean there is a tornado yet, BUT you should get ready to go to your safe place or if you have to drive to it, head there at this time. A tornado WARNING is issued when there is an imminent threat of a tornado. You need to take shelter immediately. Do not wait until a tornado warning to head to the nearest storm shelter; you should go to a storm shelter during the watch. For Tornado Shelters: www.calhounema.org/shelters

OUTDATED POST : Please see current post here. *SEVERE WEATHER THREATS* 3 waves of storms will pass through our area today through Wednesday with possibilities of severe weather. Please continue to stay weather aware and check back as the forecasts are refined. See details of storms below or view the graphic: ---> Monday - WAVE 1 - Marginal risk From 2 pm to 10 pm there will be a marginal risk of damaging winds up to 60 mph, possible brief tornadoes, and quarter-sized hail. ---> Tuesday - WAVE 2 - Marginal Risk From 3 am to 9 am there will be a marginal risk of damaging winds up to 60 mph, possible brief tornadoes, and quarter-sized hail. ---> Wednesday - WAVE 3 - Enhanced Risk On Wednesday there is an ENHANCED risk of tornadoes, damaging winds up to 60 mph, and golf ball size hail. For more information on being prepared for severe weather: www.calhounema.org/prepare