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Show Page 12 The Ogden Valley News Volume XXX Issue XII September 1, 2023 Exploring The Wonders of The September is Disaster Preparedness Universe: The Ogden Valley Planet Tour Month: Be Prepared! (Part I) If you’re looking for things to do in the area, Ogden Valley Planet Tour, is an astronomical adventure that takes you on a captivating journey through our solar system, scaled to size! Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Ogden Valley, this unique tour begins at Huntsville Town’s Compass Rose Lodge, home to the HALO Observatory, where you’ll embark on an aweinspiring voyage from the Sun to Pluto. As you step onto the lodge’s property, the massive rustic arch of the Sun sets the stage for this incredible expedition. It’s hard to fathom that this colossal celestial body is just one of billions in our galaxy. The tour starts here for a reason—to remind us of the vastness and beauty of the universe that surrounds us. Next up is Mercury, located just a short walk away to the east. This small, rocky planet may be close to the Sun, but it remains a mystery due to its sparse atmosphere. The accompanying fun fact sign reveals that its surface experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, swinging from blistering hot to frigid cold. Continue your trek to Venus, where a signpost stands proudly, highlighting fascinating facts about this scorching hot planet. Did you know that Venus spins in the opposite direction to most planets in our solar system? It’s a true enigma that never ceases to captivate scientists and stargazers alike. As you continue on the tour, the Earth model comes into view, representing our very own home planet. This model serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty and diversity that exists right here on Earth. The accompanying sign delves into the significance of the delicate balance that sustains life as we know it. The Earth model serves as a powerful symbol of our responsibility to protect and cherish this precious pale blue dot floating in the vastness of space. After all, it’s not just a model; it’s our shared home. Mars awaits you further down the trail—near the Welcome to Huntsville Sign on First Street. This neighboring planet has always been a source of fascination, and the signpost unveils intriguing tidbits about its unique geography. As you venture onward, the orbital distance grows exponentially. You may want to take a bike or car to visit the Jovian giants—Jupiter and Saturn and beyond. Both Jupiter and Saturn are imposing in size—about the size of beach balls compared to some of the marblesized inner rocky planet models. Signs at each location reveal the astonishing storms and rings that grace their magnificent atmospheres. Uranus and Neptune follow, each boasting their unique characteristics. Did you know that Uranus rotates on its side, making it appear as though it’s rolling through space? Or that Neptune’s deep blue hue is due to the presence of methane in its atmosphere? The tour concludes with the tiny (pea-sized), distant, and icy dwarf planet, Pluto, near the entrance of North Fork Park—an IDA accredited Dark Sky Park. It’s a fitting end to the journey, as you marvel at the far reaches of our solar system. The Ogden Valley Planet Tour is not just an educational experience but a humbling one too. It reminds us of the sheer vastness of space and the wonders that lie beyond our own planet. So, if you’re ready for an unforgettable expedition through the cosmos, head to the Ogden Valley and let the wonders of the universe unfold before your eyes! Ogden Valley Planet Tour is a collaboration between HALO Observatory and Mountain Arts and Music. The project is partially funded by Weber County RAMP funds. Not if, but when: Every U.S. state and territory is at risk of disasters. Disasters disrupt thousands of lives every year, leaving behind lasting effects on people and property. After a disaster, many others in your community need help as well. For this reason, local first responders and other assistance may not be able to reach you right away. You and your family can take simple steps now to prepare for emergencies. By doing so, you take back control—even in the uncertainty of disaster. This comprehensive guide will provide you with detailed information on how best to prepare for disasters within your family and in your community. In this document you will learn general disaster preparedness tips for before, during, and after disasters, as well as best practices to inform your preparedness decisions about specific disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and active shooters. Benefits of Planning Ahead There are many benefits to planning ahead for disasters. The most important benefits are staying safe and helping yourself and your community recover. People and families that plan for emergencies will: • Help keep people safe. • Limit property damage. • Know what to do during and after a disaster. • Better manage their savings. • Support community preparedness. • Help their community get back up and running after a disaster. Taking simple actions to protect against disaster helps you, your family, your community, and your country in important ways. How to Prepare for Disasters To prepare yourself and your family for a disaster, you should: 1) Know Your Risks; 2) Make a Plan; and 3) Take Action. 1. Know Your Risks - Understand the risks you and your family may face. Most communities face many types of hazards. It is important to learn the risks specific to your home and the ways to assess your risks if you are away from home. Know how and when to take action before, during, and after different hazards. 2. Make a Plan - Make a communications plan and prepare for both evacuating and sheltering. Prepare for your family’s unique needs with customized plans and supplies. In addition, use your social networks to help friends and family members prepare and participate in community-wide disaster preparedness activities. Moreover, you should gather emergency supplies and secure the information and important documents you will need to start your recovery. 3. Take Action - Put your plan into action. Be ready and able to face disasters, no matter where you are and when they occur. It is important to get the insurance you need and understand your coverage options. Moreover, you should make a list of your personal property and its condition and protect your property by considering how to minimize damage. Practice your disaster plans, take advantage of existing alert and warning systems, and explore ways to serve your community. First Steps - A key first step in disaster preparedness is understanding the types of hazards prevalent in your community. To do this, visit your state and local government’s emergency management websites to look for more information about the common types of disasters and whether disaster plans exist for your area. If available, you should also sign up for your community’s alert and warning systems which can notify community members of impending disasters or of actions to take following a disaster. Lastly, talk to your friends and neighbors to understand the types of emergencies they are preparing for and what actions they take to prepare. Basic Protective Actions for all Disasters - There are proven measures or “protective actions” that you can take to protect your family and property before, during, and after a disaster. The better we as a Nation understand these measures, the more lives we can protect and save. These important actions will help keep you prepared for all disasters: • Have the skills to assess the situation quickly and to take e昀昀ective action to protect yourself. • Get involved with preparedness training and volunteer programs. • Put together an emergency fund of cash and supplies. • Decrease the potential impacts of hazards. • Prepare a family disaster plan and practice the plan. Remember to be inclusive in your disaster planning and consider the needs of children, the elderly, and those with disabilities or access and functional needs. Also, be sure to consider the transportation needs for you and your family, recognizing that a disaster may impact normal route and transportation methods. Finally, you should also make sure to plan for your pets and service animals, which are frequently overlooked in disaster planning. Many disasters happen with little or no warning. You need to be ready with the appropriate skills and knowledge to act immediately—often before you have instructions from authorities. After an event, it is important to first assess the situation before deciding to stay or change your location. Assess the Situation - When something happens without warning, it is important to take a few seconds to figure out your most effective next steps. This includes identifying the type of event that occurred and whether there is immediate danger, such as damaged buildings or downed power lines. The goal is to be safe and stay out of harm’s way. Decide to Stay or Change Location - The next step is to decide whether it is safe to stay in your current location. In some situations, you should stay where you are, while in others the safest option is to change locations. For example, if you are inside when a tornado occurs, you must stay indoors. In contrast, in an active shooter situation, you can try to run to another location. Type of Emergency Situation - Part of assessing the situation is determining what to do based on the type of specific hazard: • Active Shooter • Avalanche • Earthquake • Cyberattack • Extreme Heat • Financial Preparedness • Flood • Landslide • Nuclear Explosion • Pandemic • Power Outage • Thunderstorm, Lightning & Hail • Tornado • Tsunami • Wildfire • Winter Storm To learn the preparedness specifics of each type of disaster, visit ready.gov/sites/default/ files/2021-11/are-you-ready-guide.pdf. Make a Plan - An emergency plan can help you reach loved ones when normal communication methods are not working or are inaccessible. Most importantly, it may help you stay safe in a disaster and give you peace of mind. Consider making plans for evacuation, communication, and to protect critical documents and your property. Create a Family Emergency Communication Plan - Know how to contact and meet family members before, during, or after a disaster by making a Family Emergency Communication Plan. The first step is to collect all contact information from your family and add it to the communication plan. Include contact information for other important people or organizations as well, such as medical facilities, doctors, schools, or service providers. You should also set an out-of-state point of contact, which enables everyone in your family to share updates through that person if local communication is unavailable. Be sure to have at least two forms of contact for that person. You may also use social media as an important method of communication with your family. Encourage your entire family to sign up for social media applications such as Facebook Safety Check or American Red Cross Safe and Well. Make sure everyone understands the Family Emergency Communication Plan and carries a digital or wallet card copy at all times. You should also post a copy in a central location in your home, such as on your refrigerator or family bulletin board. You can find premade templates to build wallet cards and large print plans at Ready. gov. It is vital that your family practice your plan once you have developed it—just like you would a fire drill. Have regular household meetings to go over your communication plan and meeting place after a disaster. Know Local Plans & Resources Knowing what plans already exist can help you understand what you need to plan for and what resources are available. Ask local officials about your community’s emergency preparedness plans and learn about opportunities for education and training. Parents and guardians should make sure that schools and daycare centers have emergency response plans. Ask how schools will communicate with parents and guardians during a crisis, and whether they keep enough food, water, and other basic supplies on hand. In addition, find out if schools are prepared to shelter in place, whether they have designated evacuation locations, and whether they have plans to reunite families. Knowing your loved ones are safe when away from home will give you peace of mind in emergencies. Note: This information is from the ready.gov Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness, P-2064 that was published in September 2020. It can be downloaded from https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/ 昀椀les/2021-11/are-you-ready-guide.pdf where additional information can also be found. THE DIGGERS PRESERVATION. PROTECTION. STEWARDSHIP. Join today to preserve Ogden Valley’s grace. www.OgdenValleyLandTrust.org 1. 2. 3. 4. Drains 5. Post-holes Water-lines 6. Fixing fences Ditches 7. French drains Septic lines 8. Leveling pads 9. Landscaping 10. And almost anything!! CALL DAN AT 801-332-0052 |
