KOTA KINABALU: Villagers at Kampung Kopungit in Luyang constituency here are worried that their safety is threatened by a landslide.

According to the village chief Geoffrey Kiun bin Salidou, he has notified the Luyang assemblymans office of their predicament.

Yesterday, two aides from the Luyang assemblymans office, Simon Yap Yen Fung and Noriah Onong, went to check on the landslide which is located just next to the community hall on top of the hill at Kepayan Ridge.

Also present with them during the inspection was the Village Development and Security Committee chairman of Kampung Kopungit, Peter Lajin Alousius, who highlighted several other problems like walkways, concrete steps, roads and drainage system that required attention.

Their inspection revealed that the landslide could endanger the side of the community hall and if not reinstated might cause further damages. The villagers here are worried that should the slope comes down during rainy weather, their access road would be totally cut off and the villagers will not be able to get in or out.

According to Simon, immediate remedial work needs to be done to protect the earth slope and the drains would have to be upgraded to effectively drain away the excess rainwater. The work would require a special allocation from the government fund, and this hopefully could be applied through the rural development fund under this years budget.

In thanking the Luyang assemblymans office for their attention, Geoffrey said though this village is in the heart of KK City, it is not always noticed. He hopes with the help of the Luyang assemblymans office, it will become better known to the KK people.

He said the proposal by the Luyang assemblyman for a viewing tower and platform to be built here is worth considering due to its unique and panaromic view of KK City from the top of the hill in the village.

This could benefit the village here as more visitors and tourists can come to the village. With more activities and visitors here, Kampung Kopungit may one day be transformed and developed into a model village within KK City.

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Site Last Updated 1:48 am, Thursday

Published: Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at 6:32 a.m. Last Modified: Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at 3:50 p.m.

New Hanover tweeted that 21 schools are without power and tree limbs are blocking roadways. The district said some custodial employees may be called in for maintenance work.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for Coastal Pender County, Brunswick County and New Hanover County at 3:36 p.m.

Freezing rain is the only hazard listed in the warning, with an additional trace to one-tenth of an inch expected.

Temperatures are expected to remain in the low to mid 30s, according to the warning.

The risk for widespread power outages is high and these may persist for several days if not longer in some locations, the warning said.

Travel conditions are expected to remain risky, and the weight of ice on trees paired with winds of 15 to 20 miles per hour and gusts of 30 miles per hour could lead to downed trees and power lines.

- Pressley Baird and Adam Wagner

As of 3 p.m. Wednesday, Duke Energy Progress was reporting 50,886 customers without power in New Hanover County. That's 44 percent of all customers. Brunswick County has 5,739 customers without power and Pender County has 5,647.

Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation reported 13,783 outages in Brunswick County, or about 18 percent of its customers there.

Excerpt from:
3:45 p.m. update - New Hanover, Brunswick schools closed; power failure risk could last for days

April Sottile walks on Main Street in Hendersonville, N.C., as the snow falsl on Monday.

What to expect?

The National Weather Service is calling for mainly light snow and sleet to impact the Upstate today and into tonight, but the precipitation is expected to become heavier Wednesday. Forecasters predict as much as 6-10 inches of snow, along with a tenth of an inch of ice. Travel conditions are expected to become treacherous, and temperatures are anticipated to remain in the lower 30s.

According to the American Red Cross, a Winter Storm Outlook means winter storm conditions are possible in the coming two to five days. A Winter Weather Advisory means weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. During a Winter Storm Watch, winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. A Winter Storm Warning means life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin in the next 24 hours, and that people should take precautions immediately.

The following is a list of supplies the American Red Cross suggests: at least a three-day supply of water, (one gallon per person per day); at least a three-day supply of easy to prepare food; flashlight; battery-powered or hand-cranked radio; extra batteries, first aid kit; a seven-day supply of medications, as well as medical supplies; multi-purpose tool; sanitation and personal hygiene items; copies of personal documents such as medical information, insurance policies and deeds; cell phone with charger; family and emergency contact information; extra cash; baby supplies; pet supplies; tools and supplies for securing your home; sand, rock salt or non-clumping kitty litter for walkways and steps; warm coats, gloves, mittens, hats, boots and extra blankets; and alternate heating methods such as fireplaces or wood- or coal-burning stoves.

Duke Energy

English: 1-800-POWERON (1-800-769-3766)

Spanish: 1-866-4APAGON (1-866-427-2466)

Laurens Electric Co-op

1-866-9 RESTORE

See the article here:
Winter storm preparedness at a glance

Over the last few weeks, mail carriers have swaddled themselves in layers, clutched hand-warmers and donned boots with at least 2 inches of tread.

They have walked flat-footed on the snow and ice, and even strapped on metal cleats.

In spite of extra precautions, local carriers have tumbled on icy sidewalks, and sprained their ankles or banged up their backs.

This winter's ongoing barrage of snow, ice and subzero temperatures has caused a range of delivery woes. Orders of pizza, flowers and subs often take longer than normal. Packages have been delayed or gone undelivered for at least a day after U.S. Postal Service carriers confronted stairways that were slicked with ice or so blanketed with snow they could not see where the first step was.

"Snow and ice make delivery dangerous and slow," Hammond Postmaster Harriett Sheppard said. "Maintaining a clear path to the mail box including steps, porches, walkways and street approach will help letter carriers maintain consistent delivery service and help them get letters and packages delivered on time."

Packages can get delayed when ice-slicked highways are shut down and lake-effect snow prompts authorities to issue emergency management orders not to drive, FedEx spokesman Scott Fielder said.

"The safety of our employees is a top priority," he said. "We have engineered processes to deliver on time, but Mother Nature is the wild card. We have 15 meteorologists working around the clock to track weather patterns across the U.S. and use the updates to build contingencies into our operations."

Brutal cold, slick ice and deep blankets of snow have made delivery more difficult this winter. But more people have been huddling inside and placing orders for delivery. Local restaurants have seen a boost in deliveries and have even had to put extra drivers on shift to keep up with demand.

The Original John's Pizzeria in Munster sees a 20 to 40 percent uptick in business whenever it snows, owner Phil Bacino said.

"It's been fantastic for business," he said. "It takes more time to make the delivery, but everyone has been real understanding and nice about it."

The rest is here:
Winter weather hampers delivery

Update, 11:45 a.m.:

The York County Office of Emergency Management is advising residents to prepare for the incoming winter storm.

Weather forecasters are predicting that York County could receive several inches of sleet/snow and significant ice accumulations Tuesday night into Wednesday. Substantial power outages are possible, the office advises.

In anticipation of winter storm, the Office of Emergency Management offers the following preparedness tips:

1. Residents should maintain an emergency kit in their homes to ensure they have adequate supplies if unable to leave their homes. Such kits should minimally include: A supply of drinking water, non-perishable food, non-electric can opener, first-aid kit, radio, flashlight, personal health needs and extra batteries.

2. Have the phone number to your electricity provider available. Residents should not call 911 to report power outages unless the outage poses a threat to safety or property. Instead, residents should call their electricity provider (numbers listed below).

3. Residents should have on hand an adequate supply of rock salt or alternate product to melt ice on walkways, as well as snow shovels and other snow/ice removal equipment.

4. Clear fire hydrants near your home or business from snow so they are readily accessible to fire departments.

5. Ensure that generators are prepared and ready to safely use pursuant to manufacturer instructions. Never use a generator indoors or near windows or doors. Call an electrician if needed to help with installation, maintenance or preparation.

6. Take the necessary steps to prepare alternate sources of heat (e.g. kerosene heaters, wood stoves, etc.) if residents plan to use them during a power outage. Follow manufacturer instructions and ensure an adequate supply of fuel.

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7 winter storm safety tips for the Hanover-Adams area

It's been a tough winter to stay upright.

Unusually low temperatures for extended periods of time combined with scattered snowfall have created icy conditions throughout northwestern Pennsylvania.

Local physicians have treated patients this winter with head injuries and broken hips, ankles and wrists from weather-related slips and falls. Nearly 700,000 Americans 65 and older are hospitalized each year due to fall injuries, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"We've seen a lot of people fall," said Douglas Fronzaglia, D.O., a physician with the LECOM Institute for Successful Aging. "When it's this cold, the snowmelt and salt you use to clear walkways doesn't work. You have a lot of slippery surfaces."

Icy sidewalks, driveways, stairs and parking lots are especially troublesome for the elderly, who are more likely to break or fracture a bone when they fall due to osteoporosis, a weakening of their bones.

People with osteoporosis can take calcium and vitamin D supplements to strengthen their bones, but the key to reducing injuries is to prevent the slips and falls, Fronzaglia said.

"It's a complex problem with several causes," Fronzaglia said. "Your risk of falling increases as you age. You get weaker, you start having balance issues, mobility issues, and even eyesight and memory issues."

For example, an older person might forget to wear his or her eyeglasses when heading outside and are unable to tell the difference between a snow-covered walkway and one that is ice-covered.

You can reduce someone's risk of falling by following these steps:

Limiting a person's exposure to icy conditions. It can be as simple as keeping an elderly person's steps and walkways clear of snow and ice, Fronzaglia said.

Read more here:
Minimize risk of outdoor slip-and-fall injuries

Published: Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014, 9:00p.m. Updated 7 hours ago

The Dawson Volunteer Fire Co. will hold its regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. tonight. All members are urged to attend. Keep in mind that membership dues for the current year are now due and payable.

Dawson Borough Council will hold its regular monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Feb. 10. All borough residents are welcome to attend.

A benefit dinner and Chinese auction to benefit the family of William Billy Little IV, which recently experienced a family tragedy, will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Morrell Volunteer Fire Department's fire hall (social hall) off Route 119 by the Comet Drive In. There will be a buffet-style dinner. Dinner cost for adults is $8, for children ages 6-12, $5, and children age 5 and younger, $2. There will be a D.J., Chinese auction and 50/50 drawing. The fire company is collecting donations. Food items needed for the benefit are baked goods, such as cakes, cookies, cupcakes, etc; beverages, cases or two liters of pop or water or hug jugs for children, etc.; paper products, cups, plates, bowls, silverware, take-out containers and napkins; and items for the Chinese auction baskets, such as gift cards, etc. Letterhead is available for anyone that needs it; see Misty Huffine on Facebook or call 724-963-0211 or call Lori Hodge at 724-640-7818.

Deadline to send photos for the Tri-Town Lower Tyrone Township and Connellsville DVD coming out in June is March 1. Please send you pictures to Ron Enos, 10912 Hamilton Drive, Downs Court, Jacksonville, FL 32257.

Food bank distribution dates for February are as follows:

East Liberty Presbyterian Church of Vanderbilt from 10 a.m. until noon Feb. 13.

Produce for the People, Fayette County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. until noon Feb. 13.

Leisenring Presbyterian Church, Leisenring from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 19.

Please remember to bring a box, basket or crate to carry your items home in and keep in mind that donations and volunteers are always needed and appreciated.

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Dawson VFC to meet Monday

Paramedics at AMR are urging party hosts to help prevent DUI crashes after Super Bowl parties. AMR encourages party hosts to not serve alcohol at their parties. AMR medics advised party hosts to:

Never invite guests by noting youll have lots of alcohol available.

Limit your own alcohol intake so you can determine whether guests are fit to drive and take steps to stop impaired guests from driving.

As soon as a group of guests arrive, ask who is serving as the designated driver. Remember who the designated drivers are and dont let them drink any alcohol at all. You might give designated drivers a reward such as a great spot for watching the game or first pass at the buffet table. Ask non-drivers to hand their keys to their designated driver. If a guest comes alone and is known to drink alcohol, determine at the start of the party who will take him or her home.

Do not pressure guests to drink. Theres a big difference between asking, Would you like something to drink? compared to insisting, Come on, have a drink!

Provide a bartender so guests dont over-serve themselves. Limit servings of alcohol by keeping glasses filled with ice. Dont rush to refill guests glasses with alcohol.

Put non-alcoholic drinks in the same place as the alcohol, displayed just as prominently.

Serve lots of food. Include soft drinks, water and juice plus mocktails. Mocktails are mixed drinks without alcohol in them. For example, a virgin Bloody Mary looks and tastes much like the real thing.

Serve all beverages in the same size and shape glass. That way, those who arent drinking alcohol wont feel or look different.

Do not allow drinking contests. Ask your guests who are drinking to pace themselves, eat plenty of food and alternate alcohol with non-alcoholic drinks.

Link:
AMR: Steps to Prevent DUI Crashes After Super Bowl Parties

Curb appeal is important to many buyers, and a large part of that appeal is a homes landscaping.

That first impression is important, says Frank Lucco, managing director of IRR-Residential Appraisers & Consultants in Houston. If (buyers) dont like the looks of the front of the house, which is mostly landscaping, often they wont even go inside.

A landscaping investment could potentially pay a 215 percent return in home value, says Margaret Woda, a Realtor with Long & Foster Real Estate in Crofton, Md.

Here are some things to keep in mind when prepping your yard to appeal to potential homebuyers.

Maintenance. Start by cleaning up the yard. Remove dead branches, dog droppings, weeds and anything that is broken. Planning ahead is important.

You cant just decide to sell your house tomorrow and expect the landscaping to be ready, Woda says. If youre thinking of moving next fall, (then) this spring, you should be working on your landscaping.

Eric King, owner of King Landscaping in Atlanta, recommends ensuring that downspouts are clean and functional, and drain pipes are properly buried and operational, so water doesnt pool. Make sure that patios, walkways and fences are level and that roots havent pushed up sidewalks or patio stones.

If your deck has wobbly railings or loose steps, fix them, says King. People dont want a mystery.

Remove overgrown shrubs encroaching on the sidewalk or any that are too big, dont flower or are out of style. They look terrible to anyone except the owner, Woda says.

Plants. In the front yard, the landscaping should pull your eyes to the front door. While the real estate agent is opening the lockbox, buyers will be looking around at the landscaping, so have pots of blooming flowers nearby.

See more here:
For sellers, good landscaping can add curb appeal

Rusty nails piercing jandals, allergic reactions to sunscreen, sand in the eyes, slips on spilled ice creams, collapsing deck chairs, burns from the barbie, and pulled muscles from playing backyard cricket.

These are just some of the 'seasonal' mishaps that led to ACC injury claims last summer.

A total of 439,878 claims were received between 1 December 2012 and 28 February 2013.

That put summer slightly ahead of winter (435,125 claims) and spring (420,690 claims) but trailing autumn (468,648 claims) as the most 'injurious' season last year.

ACC Injury Prevention Programme Manager, Megan Nagel, says there are always small numbers of claims each year that have a distinctively seasonal flavour.

"Beach-related injuries tend to be more frequent in summer, as you'd expect, while injuries caused by heaters are more common in winter."

However, other types of injuries occur constantly throughout the year.

"Falls in the home are the number one cause of injuries in New Zealand, regardless of what time of year it is."

Ms Nagel's advice to Kiwis wanting to see out the rest of this summer safely therefore includes a mix of seasonal and 'year round' injury prevention tips.

"Summer can be a popular time for socialising and outside DIY, so we remind people to be responsible hosts if serving alcohol, and pay attention to safety when using things like power tools and ladders."

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Sand, sunscreen and flip flops keep ACC busy