Desert Messenger

June 12, 2013 www.DesertMessenger.com Monsoon Safety Awareness Week June 9-14, 2013 Each year, Southern Arizonans experience a variety of weather related dangers, especially from late spring into early autumn. Through a collaborative effort between National Weather Service offices serving the states of Arizona and New Mexico, which includes offices located in Tucson, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, El Paso/Santa Teresa and Midland/ Odessa, the time period from June 15th through September 30th has been defined as ―The Monsoon. A period of extreme heat is typically ongoing at its onset, which in the coming days or weeks is followed by an influx of moisture leading to daily rounds of thunderstorms. The heat is deadly in its own right, causing dozens of deaths in Arizona each year. In addition, thunderstorms present an array of hazards which often strike suddenly and with violent force. In Arizona, lightning strikes, thunderstorm winds, hail, tornadoes, flash flooding, wildfires and extreme heat have caused an average of seven deaths, 18 injuries, and $60 million in property damage every year since 1991. Road closures, as well as power and communication outages are additional consequences of monsoon weather hazards experienced by Southern Arizonans each year. Mission The goal of Monsoon Safety Awareness Week is to reduce the number of injuries, deaths and property damage caused by thunderstorms by educating Arizonans about weather related dangers that occur during the monsoon and the precautions they can take to protect themselves and minimize property damage. This media kit includes preparedness information with safety details on flash floods, lightning, and power and communication outages. Also included are media tips, contacts and additional resources. Weather Terminology — Understanding Watches, Warnings, and Advisories Watches mean that widespread severe weather is possible. A watch means that severe weather has not occurred yet, but weather conditions are becoming highly volatile. Pay close attention to the weather, and tune into TV, radio, or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts frequently. Warnings (Severe Thunderstorm, Flash Flood, Dust Storm, or in rare cases, Tornado) mean that life-threatening weather is about to occur, or has been reported. Take action immediately. Flood Advisories mean heavy rains will cause minor flooding of washes, streams, and typical flood-prone areas. Flooding in this situation is usually not serious. If the flooding does become life threatening, then the flood advisory is upgraded to a Flash Flood Warning. Warnings are not issued for lightning, mainly because most thunderstorms, no matter how weak, produce deadly cloud-to-ground lightning. For more information please visit www. monsoonsafety.org WE ARE OPEN ALL SUMMER! Sandy, Debbie, and Cheyanne are happy to help with your Hair, Nails, Pedicure and Therapeutic Massage Services Corner of Moon Mt. & Cowell • Quartzsite • QUARTZSITE S ONLY YEAR ROUND SALON 928-927-5400 5 AWC Fire Academy starts in August Arizona Western College (AWC) is seeking qualified applicants to begin the Fire Academy in August of 2013. Participants will be exposed to knowledge and skills necessary for certification as an entry-level Firefighter I. Successful completion of the Fire Academy qualifies the student to sit for the Firefighter I and II certification examination conducted by the Office of the Arizona State Fire Marshall. Pick up your academy packet at any La Paz County AWC location. AWC Reading Placement Test Must Be Completed Prior to Receipt of Academy Application Packet. You must have your high school diploma or GED to apply. Class starts August 22, 2013 Applications for the Program are Due August 8, 2013, by Noon. Applications will soon be available at the La Paz County AWC locations. Stop by and see us at 695 N. Kofa in Quartzsite, or 1109 S Geronimo in Parker. Questions Regarding the Program, Eligibility, and/or Requirements, Call: Chief Hess, Fire Academy Lead Instructor and Quartzsite Fire Chief, 928-927-6556 Margaret Dewey or Teresa Tozer, AWC Parker, 928-669-2214 Kathy Ocampo or Kimberly Kilwien, AWC Quartzsite, 928-927-8299 Lupe Fuentes, AWC PSI Secretary, 928-317-6452

• Cover