Royal Arcanum News and Events

 

Jun 29, 2021 Newsletter #21

Hi Member, Summer is here! Long days, warmer weather, and outdoor activities are called for. Plan to enjoy getting out and about. Here are some summertime thoughts to enjoy. July is the month of… Severe Weather Safety Charitable Giving Roy’s Corner    July is the Month of… July will be here in just a few days, so don't forget about these items that we're asked to remember during the month of July.   National Grilling Month July is National Grilling Month, National Hot Dog Month and National Picnic Month. Get the idea that it’s a good time to get outside and enjoy a meal? Parathyroid Awareness Month It's always a good idea to monitor your health. The first June health issue we're highlighting is Parathyroid Awareness Month. Many may not be familiar with the importance of healthy parathyroid glands or the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism. Educate yourself today. Dry Eye Awareness Month When you see nature in bloom in July, it's time to remember Dry Eye Awareness Month. Keep aging eyes healthy, especially eyes of those over 50. Ultraviolet Safety Month With the longer days of summer comes more time outside. UV Safety Month reminds us to stay safe when we’re out in the sun. Make a Difference to Children Month Did you know that July is also Make a Difference to Children Month? Why not sponsor a charitable project for children with your council for an entry for the Donald E. Ferry Jr. Spirit of Service Memorial Award. Is there some other cause close to your heart you'd like other Arcanians to remember? Email us and we'll be happy to highlight it in our next newsletter.    Severe Weather Safety When we think of summer, we usually think of a hot, cloudless sky, an ice-cold drink, and maybe enjoying a grilled meal in the shade of a tree with a light breeze. But summer can also be filled with severe weather. Our ocean-bordering jurisdictions are too familiar with hurricanes, and our midwest jurisdictions are no strangers to severe thunderstorms and tornados. Heat waves in the west are setting records, too. Wherever you are or are traveling to, it's good to keep your safety in mind. There are useful guidelines on safety from organizations such as the National Weather Service or the Red Cross. Make yourself familiar with the basic safety tips, because you may not have time to learn if severe weather occurs quickly. Tornados Tornados are the most intense and damaging storms on Earth, with the potential of winds in excess of 300 mph. They have been tornados measuring more than 2.5 miles wide. In 1925, a tornado that started in Manitoba, Canada remained on the ground for more than 3.5 hours! Know the different levels of alerts.   Tornado Watch: Conditions are ripe for tornados to form in the watch area. Get prepared now in case the alert level is raised. Tornado Warning: Radar has indicated rotation and/or a tornado has been sighted. There is imminent danger to life or property. Seek shelter in the lowest floor available or an interior room. Tornado Emergency: In some areas, a third alert level has been added to describe a confirmed, destructive tornado that has already caused widespread damage or casualties. Take immediate shelter! Be prepared for flying debris, broken glass, and potential loss of power and other utilities for days. Protect yourselves--property can always be replaced.   Severe Thunderstorms Severe Thunderstorms can develop and move in quickly. Storm fronts can travel at more than 50 mph, with strong winds that can bring down power lines and heavy rain that can wash away roads. Lightning is a danger to anyone outside, and can even be dangerous inside. Lightning: When thunder roars, go indoors. If you see lighting and can hear thunder in less than 30 seconds, you are close enough that you can be struck by lightning. The typical lightning flash is about 300 million volts and 30,000 amps. Do not shower, bathe, or even wash your hands during a thunderstorm, as a lightning strike can travel through the pipes and the water. Avoid using electrical equipment and corded phones, as lightning can travel through power and phone lines. Stay away from windows and from concrete floors, as the metal rods in the concrete foundations can conduct electricity. Hail: The unstable air mix can produce hail an inch in diameter or as large as 6 inches. You don't want that being hurled at you at more than 50 mph! Be sure to get safely indoors. Winds: Wind gusts at 100 mph or greater can occur, which can overturn high profile vehicles, snap large tree limbs, and make everyday objects into projectiles. Stay away from windows that offer poor protection from such large debris. Flooding: Stay off the roads when flash flooding is possible. What looks like a shallow flowing puddle on the road may be strong enough to sweep you off the road. Never drive onto a flooded road. Seek shelter in a building above the projected flood line. Hurricanes Hurricanes are the most widespread weather event, with a well-organized storm spanning over 1,000 miles wide, and the strongest recorded sustained winds over 180 mph. Hurricanes form over water, and when they make landfall, they come with severe thunderstorms and tornados in addition to their storm surge, which can often be their most damaging aspect. Storm surges can cause widespread flooding and wipe away roadways and buildings. If your area is under a hurricane warning, mandatory evacuation orders can be issued. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, be sure to be ready: Evacuate? Be prepared with your plan to evacuate the area early enough to avoid the gridlock that can occur by waiting to "be sure" the hurricane will hit in your area. Know where you will go, how you will get there, and where you will stay. Don't count on getting gas at the last minute. Planning to Shelter: If you plan to stay, be sure you are sheltering in a sturdy structure, and be prepared to live without power, gas, telephones, or the Internet for a long time. Practice going to a designated shelter away from damaging winds and floods. Consider if you need to shelter on higher ground before the hurricane arrives. Gather Emergency Supplies: Gather food, water, and medicine. Experts say at least a 3-day supply is needed, and in a form you can carry with you; a 2-week supply for staying in place; and a month's supply of medicine. Include back-up batteries and chargers. Communication Plan: Develop a communication plan so your loved ones can know that you are safe (or are in need!). Don't assume that the Internet, or phone service of any kind will be reliably available. Heat Waves Extreme, sustained heat waves can quickly deplete your body of the energy and fluids it needs. Be prepared, even when driving somewhere, because if your car breaks down, a simple trip can turn quickly dangerous. Stay hydrated: Drinking water is one of the best ways to prevent heat-related problems. Stay away from caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, or those with high amounts of sugar, which can act as diuretics. Eating with sufficient water intake can do wonders to help maintain your electrolytes. Prepare Emergency Supplies: Sustained heat waves can cause power demands that cause the power grid to fail. Be ready at home with an emergency supply of essentials such as water and shelf-stable foods in case of a lengthy power loss in your area. Cool your shelter: Weather-strip your doors and windows, and use drapes or shades to keep the interior of your home as cool as you can. Fire danger: Excessive heat can spark wildfires, which develop quickly and can be devastating. If you live in an area where wildfires occur, be sure to stay informed and have an evacuation plan ready. Being prepared for severe weather will help you if it occurs. If you know you're prepared, you can enjoy the summer without worries. We hope you never need your emergency plans, but we're glad you'll be prepared in case you need them.      Giving Knows No Season Has your council held a charitable activity recently? Summertime may provide some great opportunities for your council members: Collect non-perishable food for a donation to your local food depository Make a donation to an organization that helped one of your members Sponsor a clean-up activity in your area. Even better, reach out to a youth group and combine your efforts. Form a beautifying group to plant flowers or maintain already planted areas with your gardening skills, such as organizing a group to trim and maintain a cemetery that is in need of loving care These are just a few ideas for keeping your council active without meetings. Activities giving your council a chance to get together outdoors may be just the thing they are looking for. Don’t forget that many charitable projects qualify for the IFS program, where your council can earn a reimbursement of up to $1,000 each year.    Roy's Corner Are you looking for a special, easy treat this summer? Try this cookie recipe to enjoy a small flavor burst of summer.   Lemonade Cookies Combine 1 cup butter, room temperature 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 3 cups sifted flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 -- 6 oz can frozen lemonade, thawed (1/2 cup in mixture, 2 oz reserved) Bake on an ungreased pan, 8 minutes in a 400 degree oven. Brush remaining lemonade on tops of baked cookies and sprinkle with sugar. Do you have a favorite recipe to share? Send it to us and we'll post it in a future newsletter. Include a picture if you'd like to, or else Roy will just have to get his chef's hat on try the recipe out.