Kiowa County Division of Emergency Management
Elaine Lindholm, Director
1305 Goff Street
Eads, CO 80136
719-438-2288

MEDIA RELEASE – For Immediate Release

January 8, 2007

For more information contact
Kiowa County Division of Emergency Management
Chris Sorensen, Public Information Officer
719-688-1976 (cell, not for public release) or chris@kiowaoem.com

RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO CHECK AND RESTOCK SUPPLIES

   (EADS, COLORADO) Following three weeks of storms, the Kiowa County Division of Emergency Management is encouraging residents to check their emergency supplies and restock needed items.
   According to Elaine Lindholm, KCDEM Director, citizens should ensure they have at least one gallon of water per person, per day on hand as well as a supply of non-perishable food items in containers that can be opened without electricity. Families with infants may want to add a few extra days’ supply of diapers, formula and other child care items.
   “During this time of year it is difficult to predict how severe a storm will be,” said Lindholm. “Stocking up in advance on essential items helps ensure our citizens’ safety and self-sufficiency while allowing our emergency responders to take care of the most urgent needs during a crisis.”
   Lindholm also suggests keeping a close eye on ever-changing weather forecasts, and plan to recheck supplies – including prescription medications – a few days before a storm is predicted.
   “As we have seen over the past few weeks, travel can be difficult or impossible for several days during a storm, and many stores are unable to open. Additionally, there can be delays in stores restocking items if highways close, which blocks warehouse deliveries. Planning ahead makes it much easier for everyone to weather the storm,” concludes Lindholm.
   Residents are also reminded that, while many roads have been partially cleared following the three recent storms, there are still many icy areas, so continue to use caution while driving or walking.
   Home and business owners should also check the snow on roofs, and carefully remove excessive amounts of snow and be aware of overhead power lines. While Kiowa County has had reports of only two small structure collapses to date, dozens of buildings have collapsed throughout the region due to the excessive weight of snow.
   
   Livestock Losses
   
   As livestock producers continue to dig out from the recent storms, it is likely they will continue to find animals that did not survive the storms. Livestock losses should be reported to the Farm Service Agency in the county where the livestock was kept. The FSA office needs accurate counts of livestock losses in case assistance becomes available. In addition, information about carcass disposal is being gathered and will be passed on to producers as more becomes known.
   
   General information about emergency services is available from the Kiowa County Division of Emergency Management, 719-438-2288, or the Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office, 719-438-5411. For immediate emergencies, dial 911.
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Released 2007-01-08 1302 – Initial release – Also available electronically at www.kiowaoem.com