Changes coming in weather warnings (12/27/07)

To the editor:

(To all Jay County businesses)

Severe weather warnings have always been and will continue to be one of the highest priorities for our local dispatch centers, the National Weather Service, and Jay County Emergency Management.

In the past year we collectively have had complaints due to the time it takes for the businesses to get severe weather information from our call down lists that we use in Jay County.

Documented records indicate that some businesses didn't get notified for up to 15 to 20 minutes after the dispatch center received the notice. That is simply where that business is located on the list and not something we can improve on with the current call down list. Other businesses have called in to complain that they did not get a call at all. We have determined that a company call either wasn't working that shift or wasn't able to answer the phone and their part of the call down list didn't get completed.

We have talked to the National Weather Service about the improvements we can make to assure that you get the warnings in time to take preventative measures to protect your employees. The call down list is not meeting the safety needs of you or your employees.

The National Weather Service now gives phone text alerts and weather alert radios can now be configured to make different types of alerts that will notify either audibly or visually when weather situations require us to take preventative measures for safety.

We have tried to instill a sense of individual responsibility to each of the businesses we talk to when weather emergencies arise. Technology has better solutions to alert than our current call lists. We continue to work on ways to better educate and prepare our fellow citizens for weather emergencies through training and education.

After the first of the year we will discontinue the use of the call down lists and urge all Jay County companies to install either a weather alert radio with the appropriate alerting, or have supervisory staff allow the National Weather Service to text notify them of weather emergencies.

We feel that this change is necessary to ensure that you and your employees are adequately protected in weather emergencies.

Training to serve. Serving to protect.

Ralph Frazee, director

Jay County Emergency

Management

Take a stand

To the editor:

To whom this may concern: I'm writing in hope that this letter will encourage people to take a stand in our community.

I am currently incarcerated at Rockville Correctional Facility. I'm here to tell you that meth ruined my life. I chose drugs over my family, my education and my life.

Today I want to give back to the community that I have taken from for so long.

Meth is an epidemic in our town; it's time we stop ignoring it. Don't be afraid to take action. We aren't helping anybody by standing by and doing nothing.

Pay attention to the warning signs, and if you're addicted don't be afraid to ask for help. There is help available.

I plan to raise my children in this town, and start my life over here as well. I think we need to stand up for our future, and that is our children. Ask them questions, invade your kids' privacy if you have concerns. Let's stop this cycle now before your child ends up in prison. I was once somebody's little girl.

I am one voice, but please don't be afraid to take a stand. Let's join together in the fight against meth in our community. Maybe you can save a life.

Danielle M. Lewis

Rockville Correctional Facility[[In-content Ad]]