With severe weather threatening large sections of the Midwest, the American Red Cross has steps you can take to be prepared for the challenges the current warmer weather is creating.

Officials are watching for tornadoes and flooding today.  Forecasters say a wetter-than-usual winter and a jet stream over the part of the country known as “Tornado Alley” could lead to an active tornado season this spring.  Rains and warmer weather could trigger flooding in the Midwest.  The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for areas along the eastern border of Iowa and the western border of Illinois near the Wapsipinicon and Skunk rivers, tributary rivers of the Mississippi River.

“It’s important to be prepared for severe weather,” said Scott Conner, senior vice president, Red Cross Preparedness and Health and Safety Services.  “Disasters can strike quickly and without warning.  The best way to help protect yourself and your family is to know what actions you should take now.”

Floods

If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of flooding.  Follow these safety steps if heavy rains and flooding are likely:

Know what flood warnings mean:

• A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area. During a flood watch, move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.  Fill your vehicle’s gas tank in case you have to evacuate.
• A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.  If a flood warning is issued, listen to local radio and television stations for information.  If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.
• A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area. Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate quickly.
• A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.  Evacuate immediately.  You may only have seconds to escape.  Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains.  Do not drive around barricades.  If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

Be Red Cross Ready – Flood Safety Checklist [PDF]

Tornadoes

Over the years, tornadoes have been reported in every state in the country.  They are more common in the Plains states.  These powerful events are capable of destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees, and hurling objects through the air like missiles.  Follow these important guidelines about tornadoes if these damaging weather events are possible in your area:

• Know your community’s warning system.
• Identify a safe room where family members and pets can gather in a tornado. It could be your basement, storm cellar, or a windowless interior room on the lowest floor.
• Practice periodic tornado drills so that everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching.

• Prepare for high winds by removing diseased or damaged limbs from trees.
• Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, or anything else that can be picked up by the wind.
• Watch for tornado danger signs, such as dark, often greenish clouds; a wall cloud; cloud of debris; large hail, a roaring noise, or a funnel cloud.

Be aware of what the warnings mean:

• A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area.  Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a freight train
• A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately.  Do not wait until you can see the tornado.

Safety steps to take during a tornado:

• If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects.
• Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes.  If you have access to sturdy shelter or a vehicle, abandon your mobile home and immediately go to the nearest sturdy building or shelter.
• If you are caught outdoors, go immediately to a basement or sturdy building.  If this isn’t possible, get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and drive to the closest shelter.
• If flying debris occurs while you are driving, pull over and park.  Now you have the following options as a last resort.  You can stay in the car with the seat belt on and put your head down below the windows, covering yourself with your hands or a blanket if possible.  Or if you can safely get lower than the level of the roadway, exit your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands.  Your choice should be based on your specific circumstances.

After a tornado

• Return home only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
• Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines and report them immediately.
• Stay out of damaged buildings.
• If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get everyone out of the building quickly.  Call the gas company or fire department.
• Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
• Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage.  Do not use candles.

Be Red Cross Ready – Tornado Safety Checklist [PDF]

Content provided by The American Red Cross

Join Keith Klein as he hosts WGCL’s Election Day Coverage LIVE tonight from 7 pm until 10 pm on WGCL.

Keith will be joined by guests Danny Shields, Don Moore, David Sabbagh and you, the listener, as they break down local, state and national races.

The panelists will take an in-depth look at how the races came together, the candidates and their strategies and what effect this election will have on the current political climate.

Phone calls are welcomed at 333-2665 and Keith will have local politicians via telephone to get their reactions to their races and their outcomes.

Please join us tonight for this special LIVE event on WGCL.

The WGCL Community Calendar is a great way to get the word out about your events in Bloomington and Monroe County. To post your event on the calendar below, please submit it here.

February

• 5th -1st Annual Evie Hill Party for a Cure – Watch the big game at American Legion Post 250 at 404 Sheeks Drive in Mitchell, IN to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Mitchell Cloth-a-Child in Evie Hill’s name.
• 9th - It’s Your Money – Saving and Paying for College – Find out how to fit paying for college into your financial plans. Thursday, February 9th, 7:00pm-8:30pm at the Monroe County Public Library, 303 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN 47408. For more information and to register see http://money.mcpl.info or call (812)349-3263. Drop-ins also welcome.
• 13th  - Low Vision Support Group - Dr. Elli J. Kollbaum of Indiana University School of Optometry will present “Nutrition for Vision.” This presentation is free & open to the public at the First Presbyterian Church 221 E 6th St. Transportation provided by Rural Transit – call 876-1079 to schedule. Sponsored by the Area 10 Agency on Aging.
• 16th - Evening for Habitat - From 6-9pm, the Bloomington High School North Habitat for Humanity Chapter hosts theannual “Evening for Habitat.” “Evening for Habitat” will be held at Terry’s Banquet and Catering (3124 Canterbury Court in Bloomington) and features dinner and both a silent and live auction. The live auction features a Colorado vacation the last week in June and a week in a villa on Harbour Island, Bahamas. Tickets are $40.00. To purchase, call Pat Wilson at 812-219-8447.
• 17th – Children’s Expo Volunteer Opportunity – Volunteers will decorate Fairview Elementary School for the Children’s Expo. Then on Saturday, volunteers will assist with set-up, registration, and helping professionals with the health screenings.    This event features interactive booths, entertainment, exhibitor booths, and free health screenings for children ages five and younger. Saturday’s shifts are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 2 to 6 p.m. Fifteen to twenty volunteers are needed per shift.

March

• 1st-3rd – Indiana Heritage Quilt Show - The Indiana Heritage Quilt Show presents quilting workshops led by well-known teachers, over 200 competition quilts submitted from all over the world, and special quilt exhibits and a variety of vendors.  The event runs from 9am to 6pm on Thursday and Friday amd 9am to 5pm on Saturday.  Admission to the event for adults is $8 for a one day pass and $17 for a three-day pass.  For kids, admission is $2 and kids 6 and under are free.
• 2nd – 3rd – Celebrating Abilities Resource Fair – The event will be on March 3rd at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church and will feature over 50 exhibitors with products and services benefitting people with disabilities. Embracing the theme “On Safari”, there’ll be live animal entertainment, activities, and games for the whole family. Volunteers are needed from 3 to 7 p.m. on March 2nd to set up and from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 3rd to assist with the fair. Visit the Bloomington Volunteer Network site for information on how to get involved.
• 5th - CASA Volunteer Application Deadline – Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA volunteers, change the lives of abused and neglected children by representing their best interests in court. The next training will be from March 20th to April 24th, on Tuesday and Friday mornings.
• 10th – 11th – I Am You – Join Stone Belt and the Bloomington Playwrights Project for a powerful experience of original theatre, written and performed by individuals with developmental disabilities. Now in its third season, I AM YOU features inspirational monologues about self-determination, love, friendship, loss, hopes and dreams. I AM YOU will have a limited run of two performances at the Bloomington Playwrights Project (107 West 9th Street) – Saturday, March 10th at 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 11 at 2:30 pm. Tickets available through the BCT Box Office. Learn more at
  stonebelt.org.

Ongoing

• February through March – Bowl for Kids’ Sake - Bowl For Kids’ Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana’s largest annual fundraising campaign. The campaign culminates in community-wide bowling events in late February and early March. Bowl for Kids’ Sake is a fun and easy way to positively impact a child’s life.
• Through March 31st – Registration for youth baseball and softball - Registration for youth baseball and youth softball for the spring/summer season is taking place now. For information visit www.rbbysonline.com or call 876-5009.
• Through April 14th – EITC Free Community Tax Assistance – Free Community Tax Assistance Sites help community members file taxes and claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). If you worked in 2011, you may be eligible for over $5,000 through the EITC. Receive 100% of your refund – usually in just 10 days or less. Locations and times vary. Dial 2-1-1 or visit monroeunitedway.org/eitc for more information.
• WonderLab’s Discovery Time - Bring your prescool-age child to enjoy a hands-on activity, book, or both with a different science topic each week.  Siblings are welcome.  The events runs 10:30am to 11am every Wednesday.  Call 812-337-1337 ext.25 for more information.  WonderLab is at 308 West Fourth Street.
•  American Red Cross Blood Donation – Help save lives by donating blood with the Monroe County Chapter of the American Red Cross
• Indiana University Health – IU Health has community health events year-round that include health screenings, support groups, and other activities. For a complete listing of Community Health programs and classes, call 812-353-5252 or visit the IU Health Website.
• Stone Belt - At Stone Belt – the oldest and largest local provider of disability services – thousands of individuals and their families are empowered to live self-determined lives. Through residential, educational, employment, and clinical programs, Stone Belt enables them to reach their true potential. You can partner with Stone Belt in making a difference in the lives of extraordinary people. Learn more at stonebelt.org.

Lightning Safety Tips from the NWS

Lightning is the #2 severe weather related killer, averaging 58 deaths and over an estimated 500 injuries per year. The vast majority of lightning victims survive, but are often left with debilitating and permanent physical and mental effects.

Remember, “When thunder roars, go indoors!”

When outside

· REMEMBER, NO PLACE OUTSIDE IS SAFE DURING A THUNDERSTORM

· Watch for approaching or developing thunderstorms.

· Seek shelter as soon as you hear thunder. If you are close enough to hear thunder,

you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

· Seek shelter in a sturdy building away from windows, appliances, and plumbing.

· If sturdy shelter is not available, get into a hard topped vehicle.

· Do NOT seek shelter under trees or other tall and isolated objects.

· Do NOT seek shelter in partially-enclosed structures.

When indoors

· Avoid contact with plumbing and corded appliances.

· Stay away from doors and windows.

· Steer clear of porches, as well as walls and floors that might be metal reinforced.

· Remain in shelter for 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard.

· Remember to bring your pets inside.

· Have a NOAA Weather Radio handy for 24-hour information on thunderstorms and

other hazardous weather.

What do you do if someone has been struck by lightning?

First, call 911 and get medical care immediately. Cardiac arrest and irregularities, burns, and nerve damage are common in cases where people are struck by lightning. However, with proper treatment, including CPR if necessary, most victims survive a lightning strike, although they may be left with serious and lasting effects. You are in no danger when helping a lightning victim, and may safely do so immediately. Lightning strike victims do not carry a charge.

While injuries and deaths occur frequently due to lightning, property damage occurs even more frequently. “Lightning can very quickly set a tree ablaze or spark a house fire,” says Indiana Fire Marshal Jim Greeson. “That’s one of the reasons it’s so important to have properly installed, functional smoke detectors. Every home should also have at least one fire extinguisher, and every person of appropriate age

in the home should know how to use it correctly.”

Visit http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov for information, educational resources for adults and children, photos, survivor stories, and media resources on lightning and the danger it poses.

Find the latest forecasts and warnings for central Indiana at http://nws.noaa.gov

The 2011 Bloomington Metro Map is available FREE at any of these locations:

SHERWOOD OAKS CHRISTIAN CHURCH
REGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC
MONSTER TRASH
HIGH ROCK CHURCH
OLIVE GARDEN
FARMERS INSURANCE GROUP
CHARLIE OSBORNE / F.C. TUCKER REALTORS
FARM BUREAU INSURANCE
CHICAGO’S PIZZA
ARLENE POTTS REAL ESTATE
PRO NAILS
LEADING EDGE SECURITY & HOME TECHNOLOGY
MAYS GREENHOUSE
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
BILL MONROE MUSIC PARK & CAMPGROUND
SOUTHSIDE STORAGE
BONNIE GAMMON / REMAX REALTY PROFESSIONALS
JEANNE WALTERS REAL ESTATE
SARAH MANIS-PRUDENTIAL INDIANA REALTY
MICHAEL LINDSAY PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO
SOUTHERN INDIANA FAMILY PRACTICE CENTER
LAUNDRY WORKS

WGCL Road Report information courtesy of the Monroe County Highway Department and the City of Bloomington.

For road condition information due to adverse weather contact the Indiana State Police at (812) 332-4400.

ROAD CLOSINGS

North Crescent Road from W. Vernal Pike to W. Marquis Drive

Road closed through February 10th. Expect to detour; signage in place.

West Vernal Pike from North Lemon Lane to West 11th Street

Road closed through February 10th. Expect to detour; signage in place.

North Lemon Lane and West Gray Street

Roads closed through February 10th to through traffic; expect to detour, signage in place.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION

E. 10th St. – Approx. 1,000 feet East of SR 45/46 Bypass (State Rd)

Possible lane restrictions through February 8th.

North Old State Road 37 from Club House Drive to Dunn Street

Intermittent lane restrictions through March 27, 2012 ; expect delays, signage in place.

Vernal Pike between Curry Pike and State Road 37:

This area will remain under construction for road reconstruction and other work until further notice.

West Tapp Road from S. Deborah Dr. to S. Adams St.

Intermittent Lane Restrictions through September 30th; signage in place.

UTILITY WORK

SMITHVILLE/LAKE MONROE/HARRODSBURG AREA: Smithville Telephone will have crews working in the right-of-way in the following areas from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm daily the week of February 6, 2012, lane restrictions are possible.

Ketcham Road
Smithville Road

ELLETTSVILLE AREA:  Smithville Telephone will have an ongoing project with crews working in the right-of-way in the following locations Union Valley Road from David Alan Court to McNeely Street, McNeely Street, Matthews Drive and the State Road 46/ Main Street areas including the surrounding subdivisions, from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm daily the week of February 6, 2012 crews will be in the following locations, with lane restrictions possible.

McNeely Street
Maplewoods Subdivision:  Limestone
Meadowlands Subdivision:  Lakeview Drive
Perry Woods Subdivision:  Shelly Drive

Also in the Ellettsville Area: 

Maple Grove Road near Rhinestone Drive
Matthews Drive

UDWI UTILITY will have tree trimming crews working in the right-of-way in the following areas from 7:30 am – 5:00 pm daily the week of February 6, 2012, lane restrictions are possible, the area will be posted with signs and flaggers will be in place, delays are possible, please use caution when traveling in these areas.

Harmony Road
Rockport Road