Not flesh of my flesh,
Nor bone of my bone -
But still ~ miraculously ~ my own!
Never forget for a single minute,
You didn't grow under my heart, but in it!
WELCOME HOME, LITTLE ONE!
Former Murray resident, Alisa (Valek), and husband, Clint, spent time in
their newly-adopted son, Gezahegne's, (pronounce 'guh zahn') country completing adoption paperwork and learning more about their child's native homeland and culture.
Here is this family's (shortened) story as told by Gezahegne's mother, Alisa.
The Buckingham Adoption Story
Our adoption journey started in January 2006 when Clint and I took a six week class
to foster to adopt in Omaha NE. We decided the timing wasn't right for us, so we postponed the process for awhile.
In Dec. 2010, I went to Johannesburg South Africa with 11 others from my church to
put on a conference for the local missionaries and their children. I was part of the
children’s team which also included leading a Sunday school class in a local church.
The class happened to include 30 children from the orphanage down the street.
When I returned from that amazing trip, my husband and I totally agreed that we needed to start pursuing adoption again. So, in January 2010, we applied and were accepted to America World Adoption Agency to adopt a boy age 0-3 from Ethiopia. In October 2010 we received a much anticipated phone call from our agency saying they had a child for us. Sadly, that particular referral ended in December, due to that child’s mother faking her own death certificate. She then wanted to reunite with her child which was bittersweet news to us.
We got our second call in February of this year and traveled to Ethiopia in April to meet our child. Our 2nd trip, May 12th 2011, - Mother’s Day - was to bring home our miracle child, Gezahegne, who was born on August 9, 2008!
Our 3 older children, Austey,16, Corrin,13 and Blair,11,were our cheerleaders through
the whole process. When pressures felt too much, they would cheer us on and remind us God didn’t bring us this far to quit now!
We have thoroughly enjoyed watching Gezahegne experience all his 'firsts' - eating
an ice cream cone, taking a bath in a bath tub, swimming and so much more. All 5 of us, (plus our family and friends), feel so extremely blessed to have received such a beautiful gift!
We want to encourage anyone that has thought about adoption, to pursue the idea.
Clint & Alisa (Valek) Buckingham,
Bellevue NE
The Buckingham family, from left is Austey, Corrin, Alisa, holding Gezahegne, Clint and standing in front is Blair.
The 1991 Conestoga Class Reunion
is currently being planned.
More info is on Facebook, so check in
to find out more.
RECYCLE SCHEDULES for MURRAY, NEHAWKA & BEAVER LAKE
The CASS COUNTY GOING GREEN recycle trailer will be located on these dates
in the following towns:
30 - Aug. 5, Nehawka
(Murray will also continue to have the recycle bin located behind Town Hall every day,
for Murray residents' use only.)
Preparation is Key to Successful Blood Donations this Summer
Healthy individuals are needed every day to maintain an adequate blood for supply
to patients in need. Once a donor has made the commitment to give blood, it is important
to take a few simple steps to prepare and help ensure a good donation experience.
The Red Cross recommends:
Getting a good night’s sleep.
Eating a good breakfast or lunch.
Drinking extra water and fluids to help replace the volume you will donate.
Avoiding caffeinated beverages.
Eating iron-rich foods, such as spinach, red meat, fish, poultry, beans, iron-fortified
cereals and raisins, to boost your iron levels.
“The blood supply is in decline as many of our regular donors are busy with summer
vacations and activities. Donating blood is an easy way to help others and only takes
about an hour of your time,” said Tricia Quinn, CEO of the Midwest Red Cross Blood
Services region “The Red Cross encourages donors to give blood each time they are
eligible; every 56 days for whole blood donations and 112 days for double red cell donations.”
How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make
an appointment or for more information.
A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required
at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some
states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are generally in good health may be eligible to
donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also
have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross
Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American
Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United
States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no
patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing
nearly half of the nation’s blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster,
trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military
members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.
The next blood donation opportunity in CASS COUNTY is:
8/15/2011, 2:00 pm- 7:00 pm, Town Hall, 643 House St, Avoca
Safe Kids Sarpy/Cass Reminds Caregivers of the
Dangers to Children Left Alone in Cars
21 Deaths This Year
Summer Heat Waves Call For Extra Care with Children
At the mid-point of summer with hot temperatures throughout the country and more
than 20 child deaths so far from hyperthermia, Safe Kids SarpyCass reminds caregivers
to never leave children alone in vehicles.
According to a national survey done by the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety, (ACTS),
45 percent of parents think it is “very unlikely” a child in their neighborhood could “die from
the heat after being left alone in the car,” yet on average this occurs 38 times a year. With
the support of the GM Foundation, Safe Kids Sarpy/Cass and the network of 600 coalitions
and chapters across the nation are helping to educate parents and caregivers by providing
prevention information. Parents need to understand how quickly a car can heat up, how sus-
ceptible children are to heat, and what they need to do to help prevent these tragic deaths.
Since March, 21 children have tragically died from being trapped in a sweltering car or truck. It
can happen at temperatures as low as the mid-50s. But with heat waves across the country,
these horrific incidents are happening far too often. In addition, Safe Kids coalitions across
the U.S. are working diligently, hosting “Never Leave Your Child Alone” presentations dis-
tributing brochures, tip sheets, posters and flyers. Safe Kids Sarpy/Cass offers free “Never
Leave Your Child Alone”safety presentations to parent groups in Sarpy and Cass Counties.
These presentations feature a display thermometer that shows the temperature inside and
outside the vehicle.
"As these tragedies continue to occur, Safe Kids Sarpy/Cass has redoubled its efforts to
get the message out that the inside of a vehicle is an extremely dangerous place for a child
to be alone," said Jane Husz, Safe Kids Coordinator, Safe Kids Sarpy/Cass. “The inside
of a car acts like a greenhouse, a place no child should be alone. Because children’s bodies
heat up by as much as five times faster than adults, this makes them much more susceptible
to heat stroke.” Although most would assume this would never happen to them, there is no
common description of the caregiver that has experienced this tragedy. It has happened to
the rich and poor, educated and less educated, women and men, city dwellers and suburbanites,
and in every state but Wyoming.
“Reaching parents and caregivers with these safety messages will no doubt help keep kids
safe. These heartbreaking incidents can happen to anyone and public education is vital to
combating these preventable occurrences,” said Jane Husz Safe Kids Coordinator, Sarpy/Cass.
Record temperatures mean that cars heat up very quickly. On an 80 degree day, the temperature
inside of a car can rise 20 degrees in 10 minutes. “The bottom line is that there are ways to
prevent these deaths. Actively look in cars and trucks in parking lots and call 911 immediately
if you see a child unattended in a vehicle.” Says Jane Husz, Safe Kids Coordinator, Sarpy Cass.
Here’s what parents and caregivers need to know and why:
•Lock cars and trucks. Thirty percent of the recorded heat stroke deaths in the U.S. occur because
a child was playing in an unattended vehicle. These deaths can be prevented by simply locking the
vehicle doors and putting keys out of reach to help assure that kids don’t enter the vehicles and
become trapped.
•Create reminders. Many child heat stroke deaths occur because parents and caregivers become
distracted and exit their vehicle without their child.
To help prevent these tragedies parents can: •Place a cell phone, PDA, purse, briefcase, gym bag
or something that is needed at your next stop on the floor in front of a child in a backseat. This will
help you see your child when you open the rear door and reach for your belongings.
•Set the alarm on your cell phone/Smartphone as a reminder to you todrop your child off at day care.
•Set your computer calendar program to ask, “Did you drop off at child care today?” Establish a plan
with your child care provider that if your child fails to arrive within an agreed upon time that you will be
called within a few minutes. Be especially mindful of your child if you change your routine for child care.
•Dial 911 immediately if you see an unattended child in a car. EMS professionals are trained to
determine if a child is in trouble. The body temperature of children rises 3 - 5 times faster than adults,
and as a result, children are much more vulnerable to heat stroke. Check vehicles and trunks FIRST
if a child is missing.
Safe Kids Sarpy/Cass works to prevent unintentional childhood injury, the leading cause of death
and disability to children ages 1 to 14. Safe Kids Sarpy/Cass is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide,
a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing unintentional injury. Safe Kids Sarpy/Cass
was founded in 2006 and is led by Sarpy/Cass Dept of Health and Wellness.
Contact: Jane Husz, Sarpy/Cass Safe Kids Coordinator, jhusz@sarpy.com or
402-339-4334 x 210
701 Olson Drive, Ste. 101 Papillion, NE 68046
Phone: (402) 339-4334 Fax: (402) 339-4235
E-mail: healthdept@sarpy.comwww.sarpycasshealthdepartment.org
4-H Heirloom Treasures Workshop held on July 21
Maureen Fitzgerald, veteran 4-H fair judge, presented an Heirloom Treasures workshop,
July 21, for 4-Hers and others interested in the 4-H Heritage project. Design principles
and elements, career awareness and shadow box making techniques were discussed
prior to participants actually making a shadow box for fair entry.
Maureen Fitzgerald gives Dalton Nickels hints for putting his shadow box together.
Addie Bickford studies her work in progress as she tries to decide what to do next.
4-H Fishing Fun Workshop held on July 18
Simple knot tying, fish ID and casting and fishing practice made up the 4-H Fishing Fun
Workshop, July 18, at Platte River State Park. Games and Parks employee, Greg Hartel,
presented the workshop. Participants managed to stay cool in the shade and caught
several fish which were returned to the pond for others to try catching.
Kyle Bogatz relieves Claire Gasparovich from having to bait her own hook
Instructor Greg Hartel gives last minute fishing instructions before participants head to the pond
Baiting.jpg - Baiting the hook
Josh Brown, proud fisherman!
click here for virtual tour
Call owner 402-960-6421
Businesses Expand in Deshler, Grand Island and Lyons
Three Nebraska businesses have recently expanded operations:
* ReinCoat®, LLC, a division of Reinke® Manufacturing, Inc. broke ground in
celebration of its new $10 million, 35,000 sq. ft. galvanizing facility, adding up
to 30 jobs in Deshler. This expansion allows Reinke to bring all galvanizing operations
in-house under the ReinCoat division. Construction of the facility, which will feature
highly-automated capabilities and environmentally-friendly features, is set to begin
this summer and completion is expected by the end of this year.
* CNH America, LLC, is adding 20 new full-time positions at its Grand Island facility.
Grand Island received Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to help
CNH America invest in new machinery and equipment to modernize and increase its
production capacity of combines and hay machinery.
* Brehmer Manufacturing, Inc. is expanding operations and adding seven new full-time
positions in Lyons. Lyons received CDBG funding to assist Brehmer Manufacturing in
constructing an addition to its manufacturing facility and purchase new equipment. Brehmer
Manufacturing specializes in the production of truck, tire recycling, and livestock equipment
for domestic and international markets.
State and Cities Top U.S. Rankings
9th Nebraska, Top 10 States for Growth & Innovation, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Report 2011
10th Nebraska, America’s Top States for Business, CNBC 2011
1st Lincoln, Top 10 Cities for College Graduates, Livability.com 2011
2nd Omaha, Best Cities for Recent Grads, The Daily Beast 2011
5th Omaha, Best City for Young Professionals, Forbes 2011
Hastings and Bruckman Rubber Host Japanese Intern
Recently, DED was approached by Mitsui Fudosan, Japan’s largest real estate
developer, to locate a Nebraska company interested in participating in its overseas
young executives internship program, which places future executives in companies
in foreign countries for 2-4 months.
After approaching several companies DED matched Mitsui Fudosan with Bruckman
Rubber in Hastings. Bruckman took it one step further and involved the intern in other
efforts in Hastings.
This June, Hastings welcomed Kohei Kawashima of Mitsui Fudosan through an intern-
ship program that previously placed him in the United Kingdom …now Hastings…and
eventually New York City before he returns to Tokyo.
During his first week, Kawashima attended the Nebraska Economic Development
Association’s Conference in Grand Island and toured a new $600 million coal power
plant in Hastings, Central Community College, Hastings College, the Dutton-Lainson
Company, T&L Irrigation, Chief Ethanol Fuels, Thermo King, and other Hastings companies.
The intensive orientation helped Kawashima develop a promotional piece for Hastings that
he also shared with his Japanese contacts. Additionally, he has been in contact with the
Japanese trade organization, JETRO, and the Nebraska trade office in Japan.
In June 2010, Hastings also welcomed Hiro Horikoshi and his family to the community.
Horikoshi, an employee of the Nishiyama Company has an office at Bruckman Rubber Co.
and is working with them on a number of projects. During his time in Hastings, Kawashima
is living in one of Hastings’ downtown corporate lofts and officing at Hastings’ City Hall, a
model the community hopes to replicate with future international professionals.
Contact Joe Chapuran at 402-658-1138 or joe.chapuran@nebraska.gov.
Dr. Ray Ward of Ward Laboratories Receives Award
Dr. Ray Ward, President of Ward Laboratories Inc. in Kearney, recently received the
J. Benton Jones Award at a Soil and Plant Analysis Council conference in Greece. Ward
was nominated by Duane Osmanski of Kearney, operations manager at Ward Laboratories.
The international award is given annually to an individual who has made significant contributions
to the development and advancement of soil testing and plant analysis. Ward is the third
American to receive the award in its 13-year history.
The symposium at the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute included representatives from
Albania, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Italy, Israel, New Zealand, Portugal, Slovakia, Russia,
and the United States. Ward opened Ward Laboratories in Kearney in 1983. He has helped
to improve soil testing laboratories in the Ukraine, South Africa, and numerous locations in the U.S.
Golf Nebraska and Win
Nebraska is among Golf Digest’s Top 10 golf states, and is big business in Nebraska.
Now, you can play Nebraska’s golf courses and win. To be eligible to win $1,000 for golf
equipment, golfers must play three public or semiprivate golf courses in three different
Nebraska towns, and one of those courses must be at least 60 miles from the entrant’s
home address. Scorecards from each course, signed by a course employee, must be
submitted with each entry. Contestants can submit entries by mail or electronically. Complete
rules and instructions are available at www.GolfNebraska2011.com. Deadline for entry is
October 17, 2011.
Get Latest on Economic Development News and Services
Get the latest on Nebraska's economic development programs and services at the free
2011 briefing hosted by DED, to be held Wednesday, December 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (CT)
in Lincoln at the State Office Building, 301 Centennial Mall South, lower level conference
room A.
DED will host only one briefing in 2011, and it is geared to new economic developers and
others interested in economic development programs and services. DED staff will talk about
components that make up the state’s economic growth and development, including business
and tourism attractions, existing business retention and expansion, housing, community
development, and entrepreneurship. Lunch is provided by the Nebraska Public Power District.
Reservations are required. Please register no later than Tuesday, November 29 with Lori Cole
at lori.a.cole@nebraska.gov, 402-471-3746, or toll-free at 800-426-6505.
Seven Nebraska Winery & Vineyards Win National Competitions
The Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association announced that seven of its members
placed in national competitions, receiving a combined nine gold medals, 25 silver medals,
and 18 bronze medals. Those medaling included Cedar Hills Vineyard, Ravenna; Feather River
Vineyards, North Platte; James Arthur Vineyards, Raymond; Mac’s Creek Winery & Vineyards,
Lexington; Miletta Vista Winery, St. Paul; Prairie Creek Vineyards, Central City; and Superior
Estates Winery, Superior.
Visit www.NebraskaWines.com.
LOFTE AUDITIONS
The Lofte Community Theatre in Manley will be holding auditions for its next
production, "Cliffhanger" on Tuesday, July 26 and Wednesday, July 27 at 7pm.
This suspenseful thriller revolves around a mild-mannered Philosophy Professor
who may be passed over for his long-awaited position as an endowed chair at
the University. What will happen to his ruthlessly ambitious successor? How far
will this gentle man go to protect his reputation and career?
There are several great parts to be had in this meaty story. Directed by Kevin
Colbert, auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. The cast calls for
3 men and 2 women. Complete role descriptions can be found on the Lofte's
audition page (http://www.lofte.com/auditions.htm).
Production dates for "Cliffhanger" are September 3, 4, 9-11 and 15-18.
Those who have questions in regards to the show may contact Artistic Director
Kevin Colbert by calling the theater at (402) 234-2553.
A VIDEO CONTEST!
Friends and video camera owners. It is time to Pre-Register for the first
ever Cass County Fair - Video Contest!
Below is a Judges Score Card so you can see how the Judges will score
your video to determine who will win the Cash Prizes and have their video
featured on the Fair Website and their Facebook page and re-Tweeted to
the whole universe!
You have been waiting for something really, really awesome to do before
you have to go back to school and all those boring classes. Well, this is it!
Get all your friends together and plan the greatest video that has ever gone
viral all about the great Cass County Fair. I am talking rides, and music, and
cotton candy and more rides dude. Not to mention the tasty prizes!
Piece of Cake! You got to do better than this old video!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPerLnmssRU
So what are you waiting for?! Get your Pre-Registration in today. Send this
to all your friends and put these links on your Facebook page! It's w-a-a-a-y cool!
Pre-Registration Form is located on the www.CassFair.com home page.
VIDEO CONTEST SCORING
Cass County Fair Video Contest - Judges Score Card
Judges; Please award points as you see fit to score the contestants video
project entry
Video Contest Submission Number: ___________
Video Creator Name _____________________________________________________
Video Project Title ___________________
Video Length_____________
Elements- Score Maximum 2 Points Each - award points for each subject
properly included in this video contest entry
Agriculture/Animals ________
Carnival (rides and games) ________
Parade ________
4H __________
Fair Food Booths __________
Barbecue Contest __________
Pie Judging ________
Young People (smiles) _______
Senior People (smiles) ________
Dancing _________
Families _________
Traditioions _________
Future _________
Total Elements Score _________________________
Videography- Score Maximum of 10 Points Each - award points as you see
fit for quality, technique and execution in each category
Overall Creativity _________
Editing (transition between scenes) __________
Camera Work __________
Sound/Music/Audio __________
Special Effects __________
Titles and Credits _________
Total Videography Score _______________________
Judges Signature __________________________________________
All participants and judges please note: no copyright protected music or video
content of any kind can or will be allowed.
All submissions at the time of submission become the property of the Cass County
Fair Board and by submitting this video material to the Fair Board you agree that
all rights to copy, reproduce, and display this video for any purpose in whole or in
part are owned completely by the Cass County Fair Board for 99 years from the
date of submission. Please direct any questions on this to the Cass County Fair
Board prior to your video submission.
FIDDLE WORKSHOP
The Old Avoca (Nebraska) Schoolhouse will be hosting a Fiddle Workshop
with Daniel Slosberg on Sunday, July 31, 2011, from 1 PM - 3 PM.
Daniel Slosberg has been playing fiddle since the age of five. Since 1999, he
has been performing as Pierre Cruzatte (the fiddler on the Lewis & Clark expedition)
in schools, libraries, museums, and historical sites throughout the United States.
During the fiddle workshop, Slosberg will discuss and demonstrate and teach
Metis fiddling (which includes tapping your feet at the same time), how to play
for dancers, etc. This workshop is for fiddlers and string players of any age and
experience.
For more information about Dan Slosberg, log on to his web-site at www.cruzatte.com.
To see and hear a couple of samples of his music, log on to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1u7Z_zySOU, and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRVIJySASRI&feature=related.
The Workshop takes place in the historic Old Avoca Schoolhouse, in Avoca, Nebraska.
Pre-registration is required, and enrollment is limited.
The fee is $20.00 per musician.
For more information about the workshop, call 402-275-3221, or send an e-mail to:
debby@greenblattandseay.com.
***
The Old Avoca (Nebraska) Schoolhouse will be hosting a
Twin Fiddling Workshop
on Saturday, August 6, from 1 PM - 3 PM, for fiddlers (or violinists
or violists) who want to learn to play nicely together with their
fellow-fiddlers (or violinists or violists). Fiddlers (or violinists or
violists) of any age and experience level are encouraged to enroll.
Championship fiddler and fiddle book author, Deborah Greenblatt
will share some tunes, hints about arranging for two fiddles, playing
back-up, etc.
The Workshop takes place in the historic Old Avoca Schoolhouse, in
Avoca, Nebraska. Pre-registration is required, and enrollment is limited.
The fee is $20.00 per fiddler.
For more information, call 402-275-3221, or send an e-mail to
debby@greenblattandseay.com.
***
The Old Avoca (Nebraska) Schoolhouse will be hosting a
Twin Fiddling Workshop
on Saturday, September 10, from 1 PM - 3 PM, for fiddlers
(or violinists or violists) who want to learn to play nicely together
with their fellow-fiddlers (or violinists or violists). Fiddlers (or
violinists or violists) of any age and experience level are
encouraged to enroll.
Championship fiddler and fiddle book author, Deborah Greenblatt
will share some tunes, hints about arranging for two fiddles, playing
back-up, etc. The Workshop takes place in the historic Old Avoca
Schoolhouse, in Avoca, Nebraska. Pre-registration is required and
enrollment is limited.
The fee is $20.00 per fiddler.
For more information, call 402-275-3221, or send an e-mail to
debby@greenblattandseay.com.
Cass County Fair 2011 - Schedule is published.
Click on the link below to check it out.
AND
CASS COUNTY FAIR VIDEO CONTEST RULES
http://cassfair.com/pdf/VIDEO_CONTEST_RULES.pdf
ART CHICKS' PAINTING PARTIES
Art Chicks is adding FREE painting parties throughout the summer!
Stop in, bring your supplies and paint. Acrylics, oils-whatever. Bring
snacks or drinks or just show up! No stress. No fuss.
August 1, Monday 5:30 -8
August 9, Tuesday 5:30 -8
August 20, Saturday 1-4
August 30, Tuesday 5:30 -8
Art Chicks is also looking for great artists and whimsical crafters!
We take consignment art and unique gifts so give us a call and we
can give you the scoop. We love to feature our amazing local talent.
Call Jeanne at 234-2669.
Art Chicks is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays for lunch at
11:30 and 1:00 with reservations. Book your special occassion any
day and time for weddings, showers, parties.
DUE to CONTINUING FLOOD CONDITIONS, WE'LL RUN these NOTES AGAIN...
Health Precautions to Take During a Flood
The Sarpy/Cass Health Department is advising residents that could be
affected by the expected flooding along the Missouri River to take these
precautions to protect their health.
The Health Department offers the following information for those living in
flood areas:
•Check your tetanus shot status. If you need a tetanus booster, contact
your health care provider.
•Flood water can contaminate private drinking water supplies and food
items stored in homes. Stock up on bottled water and remove food items
from basements.
•Avoid drinking water from private water wells in flooded areas until water
has been tested.
•Methods for disinfection of a flooded water well are available at the
Sarpy/Cass Health Department’s website at www.sarpycasshealthdepartment.org
•Wash your hands with soap and water after coming in contact with flood
water or items that have been contaminated by flood water.
•Avoid swimming, diving, wading, and ingesting of flood water. In an emer-
gency, private well water may be used if:
•Water is at a rolling boil for 3-5 minutes, then cooled.
•Water is treated with 8 drops or ¼ teaspoon of unscented bleach per gallon
and allowed to be mixed thoroughly and stand for 30 minutes before drinking.
Food contamination:
•Do not eat or save food items if they have come in contact with flood water.
•Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.
Re-make ice cubes with water that has been boiled.
•Unopened cans or jars that are not dented, cracked, rusty, or with bulging
seams should be safe, but you should disinfect the top before opening it. If
you suspect your private well water has been contaminated by flooding, contact
the Sarpy/Cass Health Department at (402) 339-4334 to inquire about well water
testing. Water sampling of Community Water Systems is conducted on a routine
basis. There is currently no concern regarding contamination in these systems
related to the flooding. Those residents receiving water through a Community
Water System may contact their Water System Administrator with questions.
###
FLOODING: KNOW YOUR RISKS
Plan ahead to prepare for safety
• Find out if your home is at risk for floods and learn how a flood could affect you
and your family.
• Learn about your community’s emergency plans and evacuation routes
• Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family.
• Post emergency phone numbers by every phone.
• Buy a fire extinguisher and make sure your family knows where it is kept and how
to use it.
• Inform local authorities about any special needs such as the elderly, disabled or
bedridden people in your home.
• Identify potential home hazards and know how to secure or protect them before
flood strikes.
• Talk to your insurance provider about your policy and decide if you need additional
coverage. Most home-owner’s insurance does not cover flood damage.
MAKE A PLAN
• Take the time to update telephone numbers, buy emergency supplies and review
your emergency plan with your family. Your family may not be together when a flood
strikes so itis important to plan in advance.
• Discuss and decide how you will contact one another, how you will get back together
and what you will do in different situations. You may want an out of town/state contact
as localphone lines may be non-functioning or jammed during an emergency. If you or
the children have cell phones make sure that number is programmed into the contact
list.
• Emergency supplies, both in home and evacuation kit – go to www.ready.gov for
samples and tailor to your family’s needs. You can also download a booklet at
www.sarpycasshealthdepartment.org.
YOUR PETS
• Create a plan for your pets, keep in mind what is best for you is usually what is
best for your pets.
• Prepare a pet emergency supply kit and develop a pet care buddy system to ensure
your pet is safe and taken care of during a flood.
• Plan in advance where you will go if you evacuate, as pets (other than service animals)
are usually not allowed in public shelters.
• Ask friends and family outside the flood area if they can shelter your pet. • Make
sure ahead of time that all your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. Put copies in your
pet emergency kit available at www.ready.gov.
• Develop a buddy system with neighbors or friends to ensure your pet is evacuated
if you are not home and available to do it yourself. Make sure they know your pet and
the location of your pet emergency kit.
######
Recommendations for Immunization Following Exposure to Flood Waters
Sarpy/Cass Department of Health offers guidelines on hygiene and vaccinations
following exposure to flood waters, backed up sewage and the mud remaining
after waters have receded.
According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, “Historically,
outbreaks of communicable disease are uncommon after flood emergencies. Flood
waters may be contaminated with fecal material from overflowing sewage systems
or from agricultural operations such as feedlots, etc.” Being difficult to see through,
flood waters also may carry or camouflage debris that could cause injury. While skin
contact with flood water may not, in itself, present a serious health risk, there is some
risk of disease from cuts or sores that are exposed to flood water. Any break in the
skin should be kept as clean as possible by washing with soap and clean water to
prevent infections.
Recommendations for tetanus wound management as follows:
• Anyone with a clean, minor wound with exposure to contaminated flood waters and
has an unknown history or less than 3 doses needs a dose of tetanus (Td or Tdap).
• If the individual has 3 or more doses, and the wound is minor and clean, he/she
would need a dose ONLY if it has been 10 years since the last dose.
• All other wounds would require a booster dose if more than 5 years since the last
dose. Individuals are encouraged to talk to their physician regarding the vaccine.
Across the state’s flooded areas, tetanus boosters are being offered by public health
departments to public safety workers and 1st responders, following those same guide-
lines. However, community members should consult with and, if necessary, receive the
vaccine from their providers. Other precautions to take are to keep children out of the
water, always wear closed-toe footwear and long pants while working in the water or
mud and shower with hot water and soap afterwards, taking special care to clean
beneath finger nails. Increase hand-washing for you and your family and keep your
hands away from your face. These measures will reduce your risk of infection from
contaminated waters.
If you have any questions regarding this matter please contact one of our three Public
Health Nurses:
Monica Ulses, 402-339-4334 x203 or mulses@sarpy.com
Carol Timm, 402-339-4334 x211 or ctimm@sarpy.com
Jane Husz, 402-339-4334 x210 or jhusz@sarpy.com.
HOW to SUBMIT ARTICLES for this NEWSLETTER...
Event announcements and advertising can be an enormous expense when
you're wanting or needing to get the word out. If you've checked into regular
newspaper pricing lately for such items, you'll know what I'm talking about. So
why spend your hard-earned money, when you can accomplish the same thing
right here - FREE - on your local news website?
Below is a list of categories that will cost you absolutely nothing, except the
time to submit it, (which you'd have to do with a regular newspaper anyway):
Wedding / Engagement Announcements and Photos
Birth Announcements
Letters to the Editor
Birthday Greeting
Upcoming Events
Cards of Thanks
Lost and Found
Obituaries
Recipes
and So Much More.
That's right! These are all items that can appear FREE of CHARGE
in each Wednesday's Murray Newsletter and/or Calendar!
All YOU have to do is send the information to us - it's that simple!
Deadline for submissions to each week's Wednesday Newsletter is
NO LATER THAN NOON on the prior MONDAY.
1.) You may call your information to 402-235-2926,
Leave a voice mail with your name phone number.
2.) Email your story to Editor@MurrayNebraska.com
NO 'zip' files, please, and send photos in jpg format, if possible,
no larger than 340 x 480 pixels. (Picnik.com is a FREE photo editing website
where you can edit your photos before submitting them. Try it, it's easy - and FREE!)
3.) Send items via the U.S. postal service to:
Editor, MurrayNebraska.com
201 N How Ave, Murray, NE, 68409-8403.
(When mailing items you'd like to get back, please enclose a self-addressed,
stamped envelope.)
Remember to include 'who, what, when, where and why', along with any other
helpful details, such as a contact person and phone.
Thanks for helping to keep YOUR Murray Newsletter fresh and up-to-date!
***
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