Storm Savvy Saturday July 10, 2010

Be weather wise with the help of WOWT, the Red Cross, and OPPD!
When it’s cloudy with a chance of …… DISASTER, it’s important to know what to do! Join us for Storm Savvy Saturday on July 10 and learn how the pros predict the weather and how to prepare for when disaster strikes.

• The weather team from WOWT will give a special presentation at 1PM in the Stanley and Dorothy Truhlsen Lecture Hall. Get tips about how to prepare for natural disasters in our area and learn about the tools WOWT uses to predict the weather.

• All day, volunteers from the Red Cross will be on hand to help you “Be Red Cross Ready” for a major storm event. An Emergency Response Vehicle will be on display and the Red Cross will distribute preparation check lists and activity books for the kids to help all members of your family be prepared. And be sure to meet Ernie, the Red Cross’s ERV mascot – this giant remote control car moves, talks, and gives advice!

• At 11AM, 12PM, or 2:30PM take part in the Masters of Disasters Program given by the Red Cross. Learn how to prevent, prepare for, and respond to weather-related geological or human caused disasters. Get tips on how to create your own disaster kits as well as how to address fears that little ones might have about storms.

• A team of OPPD safety professionals and line technicians will also be on hand to give demonstrations about the importance of electrical safety. The team will show OPPD’s RESPECT safety trailer, equipped with an energized power line to demonstrate the importance of keeping a safe distance from power lines.

• Be sure to stop by the Red Cross Bloodmobile during your visit and help the American Red Cross maintain a stable blood supply this summer. Every day, more than 38,000 pints of blood are needed for patients in hospitals across the country. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in Nebraska), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age or younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.