Emergency Guide 2010

Page 1

EMERGENCY GUIDE 2010

Page 8 — Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, September 30, 2010

Auto accidents are unexpected and stressful. Even the most careful drivers may be involved. The following suggestions come from State Farm Insurance: Prepare the trunk of your car for a possible accident by making sure you have a set of cones, warning triangles or emergency flares. Make sure you also have: ♦♦ A pen ♦♦ A card with relevant medical information for you and your family. What to do after an auto accident: ♦♦ Stay as calm as possible. ♦♦ Check for injuries. Life and health are more important than damage to vehicles. When in doubt, call an ambulance. ♦♦ If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, move

Traffic Safety cars to a safe place, rather than risk being in moving traffic. ♦♦ Turn on hazard lights. If warranted, and possible, use cones, warning triangles or flares for safety. ♦♦ Call the police, even if the accident is minor. ♦♦ Notify your insurance agent about the accident immediately. ♦♦ Don’t sign any document unless it is for police or your insurance agent. ♦♦ Make immediate notes about the accident including the specific damages to all vehicles involved. If the name on the auto registration and/or insurance policy is different from the name of the driver, establish the relationship and jot it down. Get witness information, if possible, as well.

♦♦ Be polite, but don’t tell the other drivers or the police that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was. Likewise, do not accuse the other drivers of being at fault at this time. Everyone is usually shaken up immediately after an accident, and it is wise to state only the facts. Limit your discussion of the accident to the insurance agent and the police. Even if facts are embarrassing or detrimental to you, be truthful. ♦♦ If you have a camera handy, and it is safe to do so, it may be helpful to photograph the accident scene. ♦♦ If possible, do not leave the accident scene before the police officers and other drivers do. ♦♦ Finally, remember that while getting the facts is very important, investigating the accident should

be left to the police officers and the insurance companies. Once you’ve collected the information refer it directly to your automobile insurance agent. According to law enforcement officials, drivers under the influence of alcohol often display certain characteristics, which can include: ♦♦ Making wide turns ♦♦ Weaving, swerving, drifting or straddling the center line ♦♦ Almost striking an object or car ♦♦ Driving on the wrong side of the road ♦♦ Driving at a very slow speed ♦♦ Stopping without cause ♦♦ Braking erratically ♦♦ Responding slowly to signals ♦♦ Turning abruptly or illegally ♦♦ Driving with no headlights at night

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Thursday, September 30, 2010


EMERGENCY GUIDE 2010

Page 2 — Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, September 30, 2010

EMERGENCY GUIDE 2010

Emergency Information In an emergency dial 911!

A call to 911 will put you in touch with the dispatch center in your county. A dispatcher will send the appropriate authority for your emergency 24 hours a day. Law enforcement

Minnesota State Patrol: 507-285-7406 Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office: ♦♦ Business office: 507-377-5200 ♦♦ Records office: 507-377-5245 ♦♦ Jail: 507-377-5267 Albert Lea Police Department: ♦♦ Business office: 507-377-5215 ♦♦ Emergency only: 507-377-5210 ♦♦ Animal Control: 507-377-5210 Faribault County Sheriff’s Office: 507-526-5148 Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office: 641-585-2828 Worth County Sheriff’s Office: 641-324-2481 Waseca County Sheriff’s Office: 507-835-0510 Steele County Sheriff’s Office: 507-444-3800 Lake Mills Police Department: 641-592-2188 New Richland Police Department: 507-465-3240 Northwood Police Department: 641-324-2611 Wells Police Department: 507-553-5824

Fire

Albert Lea Fire Department: 507-377-4340 Alden: 507-874-3620 Conger: 507-265-3415 Emmons: 507-297-5720 Geneva: 507-256-4748 Glenville: 507-448-3916 Kiester: 507-294-3563 Lake Mills: 641-592-2188 Northwood: 641-324-2721 Twin Lakes: 507-852-2155 Wells: 507-526-5148

Medical

Albert Lea Medical Center: 507-373-2384

Poison

Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222

Travel

Minnesota road conditions: 511, www.511mn.org

Child abuse

If you witness child abuse dial 911

Suicide

Suicide prevention hot line: 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255), www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Runaways

National Runaway Switchboard: 800-RUNAWAY (800-786-2929), www.1800runaway.org

Consumer assistance

Minnesota Attorney General’s Office: 800-657-3787

Ground work

Call 811 before you dig

News Media

Newspapers: ♦♦ Albert Lea Tribune: 507-373-1411, www.albertleatribune.com Television stations: ♦♦ KIMT News 3: 641-423-2540, www.kimt.com ♦♦ KAAL ABC 6 News: 507-437-6666, www.kaaltv.com Radio Stations: ♦♦ KQPR Power 96 (96.1 FM): 507-373-9401, www.power96rocker.com ♦♦ KATE/KCPI (1450 AM, 94.9 FM): 507-373-2338, www.albertlearadio.com

TTY, TDD Users

Dial 911. After the 911 dispatcher answers the call, pressing the space bar may help you inform the dispatched this is a TTY call.

What should I do if I suspect a poisoning?

Call your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic immediately. Have the following information ready: 1. Exact name of toxin ingested, inhaled, or absorbed. 2. Approximately how much of the toxin was ingested 3. How long ago you suspect that your pet may have been poisoned 4. Approximate weight of your pet 5. What symptoms your pet is showing

South Central Veterinary Associates Skyline Plaza, Albert Lea

373-4440

David Wessling, DVM

Your Pet Care Professionals

Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, September 30, 2010 — Page 7

Theft and Burglary Ten quick security tips from the Burglary Prevention Council ♦♦ Keep all doors and windows closed and securely fastened. An open window or door is an open invitation for burglars. Thieves are also quick to spot weak locks that may be easily forced open. Doors should have deadbolt locks with a 1-inch throw and reinforced strike plate with three-inch screws. All windows should have window locks. ♦♦ Secure sliding glass doors. Place a metal rod or piece of plywood in the track and install vertical bolts. These will help prevent burglars from forcing the door open or lifting it off the track. ♦♦ Always lock the door to an attached garage. Don’t rely on our automatic garage door opener for security. ♦♦ Create the illusion that you are home by using timers on lights, radios and TV’s. Making your residence appear occupied, even when no one is home, will deter criminals. ♦♦ Keep the perimeter of your home well lighted. Installing low voltage outdoor lighting is a cost-effective way to discourage intruders, as well as highlight a house. ♦♦ Never leave clues that you are away on a trip. Have a trusted neighbor collect mail and newspapers while you are away so delivered items do not accumulate. You can also ask a neighbor to park in your driveway or parking place to make it appear that you are present. Also keep in mind posts you make on social network sites can easily let a burglar know you are out of town. ♦♦ Keep some shades and blinds up and curtains open to maintain

a normal, everyday appearance in your residence. ♦♦ Never leave a message on your telephone answering machine telling people that you are away from home. A message that you will return at a certain time leaves your home vulnerable in the interim. ♦♦ Keep shrubbery trimmed away from entrances and walkways. While large, ornate hedges may be beautiful, they also provide a hiding place for burglars who need only a minute to break in through a window or door. ♦♦ Organize a community watch program to protect your neighborhood. An alert community is a safe community. Most people have been told that they need to conduct an inventory of personal possessions. Several methods can be utilized when developing a room-by-room household inventory, including audio recording, videotaping, photographing or a written inventory. Start at one point and go around the room. Don’t forget to open closet doors and drawers and check the attic, basement, garage and automobile trunks. To make possessions less attractive, more easily identifiable and harder to sell try these steps: ♦♦ Engrave your driver’s license number on valuables. Thieves find it harder to sell marked merchandise. You can borrow an engraving pen free of charge from many police departments. ♦♦ Include the item, make, model, color, size, style, features, unique characteristics and serial number in the inventory. ♦♦ All items should be photographed or videotaped, and the receipt filed with your log. Attach photographs and appraisals for all items unable to be engraved (i.e. jewelry). ♦♦ Have a family member pose

with valuables and store the photos in a safety deposit box. ♦♦ Don’t flaunt your belongings. Leave burglars guessing at what they will find or where to find them. The more valuables inside your home, the more persistent burglars tend to be. ♦♦ Display a sticker, which tells would-be burglars that your property has been marked. ♦♦ Make two copies of your inventory, keeping one copy in your home and another in a safe location outside of the home. It will do you no good if the burglar inadvertently

takes the inventory along with him. ♦♦ Update and add to your written household inventory by utilizing a computer software program. ♦♦ Be sure you have the right coverage. You may need to purchase additional coverage to protect special items like expensive jewelry or rare antiques. In the United States today, burglars enter a house, apartment or condominium every 15 seconds. Two out of every three burglaries are residential in nature and 60 percent of residential burglaries occur during the daytime.

A little preparation

little preparation MakeSA a big difference.

Mwater. ake S a band i gradio. d i Fresh f f ebatteries. r e n cHaving e . the Bottled A flashlight Bottled water. A flashlight and Fresh batteries. the little things ready can make a radio. big difference when a Having storm hits. ® little things ready makeasawell big difference when ame storm State Farm can helpcan before as after. Contact for hits. tips on State Farm can help before as well as after. Contact me for tips on how to prepare or visit statefarm.com®. how to prepare or visit statefarm.com . ®

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Nancy VanderWaerdt LUTCF, Agent 505 Bridge Avenue Nancy VanderWaerdt LUTCF, Agent Albert Lea, MN 56007 505 Bridge Avenue Bus: 507-377-0227 Albert Lea, MN 56007 www.nancyvw.net

Bus: 507-377-0227 www.nancyvw.net

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State Farm • Bloomington, IL


EMERGENCY GUIDE 2010

Page 6 — Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, September 30, 2010

Some tips to prevent fires:

♦♦ Watch your cooking Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you must leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove. ♦♦ Give space heaters space Keep fixed and portable space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn. Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep. ♦♦ Smoke outside Ask smokers to smoke outside. Have sturdy, deep ashtrays for smokers. ♦♦ Keep matches and lighters out of reach Keep matches and lighters up high, out of the reach of children, preferably in a cabinet with a child lock. ♦♦ Inspect electrical cords Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs or have loose connections. ♦♦ Be careful when using candles Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to sleep. ♦♦ Have a home fire escape plan

EMERGENCY GUIDE 2010

Severe Weather

Fire Make a home fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year. ♦♦ Install smoke alarms Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Interconnect smoke alarms throughout the home so that when one sounds, they all sound. ♦♦ Test smoke alarms Test smoke alarms at least once a month and replace batteries once a year or when the alarm “chirps” to tell you the battery is low. Replace any smoke alarm that is more than 10 years old. ♦♦ Install sprinklers If you are building or remodeling your home, install residential fire sprinklers. Sprinklers can contain and may even extinguish a fire in less time than it would take the fire department to arrive. Most fire deaths are not caused by burns, but by smoke inhalation. Often smoke incapacitates so quickly that people are overcome and can’t make it to an otherwise accessible exit. The synthetic materials commonplace in today’s homes produce especially dangerous substances. As a fire grows inside a building, it will often consume most of the available oxygen, slowing the burning process. This “incomplete combustion”

Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, September 30, 2010 — Page 3

results in toxic gases. In addition to producing smoke, fire can incapacitate or kill by reducing oxygen levels, either by consuming the oxygen, or by displacing it with other gases. Heat is also a respiratory hazard, as superheated gases burn the respiratory tract. When the air is hot enough, one breath can kill. Home is the place where you feel the safest. But your home is also where you are most likely to die in a fire. Four out of five fire-related deaths among civilians occur in the home.

Some areas of particular concern in home fires: Smoking materials

Lighted tobacco products — almost always cigarettes — are the leading cause of fatal fires in the home, causing 700 to 900 deaths each year. They are the leading cause of fire deaths in any location, in the United States and every other country where sufficient data is collected. Typically, abandoned or carelessly discarded smoking materials ignite trash, bedding or upholstered furniture. Most fatal smokingrelated fires start in the living room,

family room or den, rather than the bedroom. The adoption of standard that require mattresses and upholstery to resist going up in flames from a cigarette has reduced the death toll significantly.

Cooking

Cooking fires happen because people walk away from the stove. They get distracted by children, pets or visitors, sometimes forgetting they left food cooking. There is no safe period of time to leave cooking unattended. Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home fires and of injuries in home fires (and the fourth leading cause of home-fire deaths). At least two-thirds of these fires involved the range, especially the cooktop. Typically, cooking oil or other flammable liquids, or fat or grease, is what first catches fire. And two-thirds of home cooking fires started within the first 15 minutes of cooking.

Heating equipment

Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires, and third leading cause of home fire deaths. Two out of three heatingrelated fires can be traced to improperly used space heaters — a category that includes fireplaces.

1719 W. Main St., Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-7200 • www.whereyoubelong.org

Nationally, floods claim nearly 200 lives each year, force 300,000 persons from their homes and result in property damage in excess of $2 billion. In Minnesota, floods kill more people than any other weather event; 15 people have died in floods since 1993. About 75 percent of flash-flood deaths occur at night. Half of the victims die in automobiles or other vehicles. Many deaths occur when people drive around road barricades that clearly indicate that the road is washed out ahead. In 2007, a deadly flood occurred Aug. 18-19 in southeast Minnesota, killing seven people and destroying hundreds of homes and businesses. A state record for rainfall was set at Hokah — 15.1 inches in 24 hours — while several other areas received more than 8 inches of rain. Assume a thunderstorm produces 6 inches of rain in less than six hours time. Are you prepared? Storms of this magnitude occur several times every year. After any major flood event, survivors inevitably say they didn’t believe it could happen to them. No one can prevent the occurrence of rainfall that produces flash floods. However, you can reduce the risks of death and property damage by: ♦♦ Working toward sound floodplain zoning ♦♦ Developing an emergency action plan in advance ♦♦ Purchasing flood insurance at least 30 days prior to flooding ♦♦ Being aware of the dangers of heavy rainfall and floods A tornado watch highlights an area where tornadoes are likely to develop. Continue your normal activities during a tornado watch, but keep track of the latest weather reports, and be ready to get to a shelter. Tornadoes develop quickly. ♦♦ In the home, go to the basement. Get under a table, work bench or some other sturdy furniture to pro-

tect yourself from falling debris. A stairwell is also a good place to hid during a tornado. ♦♦ If you cannot get to a basement, go to a small, interior room on the lowest floor. Closets, bathrooms and interior halls afford the best protection in most cases. Get under something sturdy or cover yourself with blankets and stay away from windows. ♦♦ In an apartment, school or office building, move to the lowest level, to the innermost room — or go to a pre-designated shelter area. Stay away from windows! In a hallway, crouch down and protect your head from flying debris. Avoid areas with glass and large expanses of roof with no supports. ♦♦ In a mobile home, car, truck or other vehicle, abandon it as quickly as possible and find a sturdy shelter — preferably a permanent structure. Avoid bridges — they act as wind tunnels. People who try to escape a tornado by driving away in a vehicle often don’t make it; they get caught in deadly winds. Minnesota led the nation in tornado outbreaks in 2010. There were 25 tornadoes on one day in Minnesota on June 17, 2010. Two reached the E4 rating on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. Supplies for stamping, We offer: card making & scrapbooking. Paper & embellishments from many companies

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EMERGENCY GUIDE 2010

Page 4 — Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, September 30, 2010

EMERGENCY GUIDE 2010

Wintry Weather

Everyone should be cautious about traveling in extreme winter weather. Cold, snow and ice are demanding on cars, drivers and passengers. Cold affects metal, rubber and other materials in your car. It can reduce the effectiveness of your vehicle’s battery by at least 50 percent. It can freeze tires and keep them flat on the bottom for at least the first half mile of travel. It can thicken your car’s lubricants, making the engine work too hard. Most importantly, extreme winter weather can threaten your life. Follow these tips to stay safe as you drive in Minnesota. ♦♦ Plan before you travel. Simple planning can save you trouble and

We Salute Those Who Protect Our Community!

Albert Lea Seed House

Intersection of W. Main and Hwy 13 across from Nelson’s. Hours: M-F 8 to 5, Sat 8 to 4 373-3161 • www.alseed.com

even save your life. ♦♦ Prepare your vehicle. Be sure your vehicle is in good winter driving condition. Take along the emergency equipment referred to in this booklet and keep it accessible. Keep your gas tank at least one-half full. ♦♦ Be aware of the weather. Listen to forecasts, road reports and storm warnings. ♦♦ Dress appropriately. Pack extra scarves and mittens. Allow extra time for trips in severe weather. ♦♦ Make yourself easy to find. Tell someone where you are going and the route you will take. Report your safe arrival. If you stall or get stuck, tie a colored banner (from your winter survival kit) to your antenna or hang it out a window. At night, remove the cover from your dome light and turn the light on. Road crews or rescue units can see a small glow at a considerable distance. To reduce battery drain, use emergency flashers only if you hear approaching vehicles. Keep one person on watch; don’t let everyone rest at the same time. ♦♦ Stay in your vehicle. Walking in a storm can be very dangerous. You might lose your way or become exhausted, collapse and risk your life. Your vehicle is a good shelter. ♦♦ Avoid overexertion. Shoveling snow or repositioning your car by

“St. John’s provides physical, emotional, social, and Christian care for all people, with dignity and respect, in an environment of God’s grace.” – St. John’s Mission Statement

St. John’s Lutheran Home

901 Luther Place, Albert Lea, MN • 507-373-8226 www.stjohnsofalbertlea.org

pushing it takes a lot of effort in storm conditions. You could risk heart attack or injury. Take it easy! ♦♦ Keep cool. Calm down and think. The storm will end and you will be found. Also, don’t work enough to get hot and sweaty. Wet clothing loses insulation value, making you susceptible to hypothermia. ♦♦ Keep fresh air in your vehicle. It’s much better to be cold and awake than comfortably warm and sleepy. Wet or wind-driven snow can plug your vehicle’s exhaust system and cause deadly monoxide gas to enter your vehicle. Don’t run the engine unless you are sure the exhaust pipe is free of snow. Keep snow off the radiator to prevent the engine from overheating. ♦♦ Stay warm without fuel. Keep your blood circulating freely by loosening tight clothing, changing positions frequently and moving your arms and legs. Huddle close to one another. Rub your hands together or put them in your armpits or between your legs. Remove your shoes occasionally and rub your feet. ♦♦ Don’t expect to be comfortable, just try to survive until you’re found. ♦♦ Be able to see and be seen. Clean frost and snow off all windows, mirrors, lights and reflectors. Equip your car with good wiper

Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, September 30, 2010 — Page 5

Poison blades and keep an ample supply of windshield washer fluid. If visibility is poor, use headlights. ♦♦ Get a feel for the road. When you first start out, accelerate carefully to test wheel-spin and brake gently to test skidding. ♦♦ Be gentle. Use the accelerator and brakes slowly to maintain control of your vehicle. Fast acceleration can make wheels spin on ice and snow. Brake with a gentle pumping action. Stepping too hard on the pedal will lock the brakes and cause loss of steering control. ♦♦ Increase your following distance. Ice or snow can multiply your stopping distance up to 10 times. ♦♦ Make turns slowly and gradually. Heavily traveled intersections can become “polished” and slick. Brake before you come to a curve, not while you are in it. ♦♦ Turn in the direction of the skid. If the rear of your car begins to slide, turn into the direction of the skid. Expect a second skid as the car straightens out, and be prepared to counter this sliding action. ♦♦ Icy spots on the road surface can cause loss of steering control. Do not use your brake. Take your foot off the gas and steer as straight as possible until your car slows to a safe speed.

What’s on your doorstep?

To subscribe, call 507-379-3422

More than half the calls received by most poison centers across the country involve children under the age of 6. Usually these poisonings result in mild or no symptoms, but there is potential for severe injury or even death. Most often, children are poisoned in their own homes. The top four reported reasons why children accidentally poison themselves are listed here: ♦♦ Poisons are not stored properly. Commonly-used products left in the open where they can be seen is the No. 1 reason a child can get poisoned. For example, leaving recently used medication bottles in sight on a counter or table. This usually occurs in the kitchen, family room or bathroom. The caretaker’s knowledge of product toxicity, income, social background or caretaker’s support network did not make a difference in this situation. Bottles on the counter or table, purses or diaper bags sitting on the floor and opened cleaning products left unattended for “just one second,” can all lead to poisonings. ♦♦ Children are curious. Children are naturally curious about the taste, smell and texture of things unfamiliar to them. Children may be interested in the mechanics of a spray container. By swallowing, smelling or spraying a product children learn more about it. By smelling, touching and tasting, they learn about the world. Brightly-colored liquids, spray containers, pills, leafy or flowering plants attract children. ♦♦ Children think a poison is something other than a poison. Because they look similar, children can think fuels, cough syrup and shampoo are actually liquids that are safe to drink, such as fruit punch or soft drinks. Children may also think the odor of a product is similar to a liquid that is safe to drink. Many

poisons look or taste similar to other things. Medicine tablets look and taste like candy. Antifreeze tastes sweet. Red mouthwash looks like fruit punch. ♦♦ Children imitate the behavior of adults. Children can copy what their parents or grandparents do, such as taking medication, drinking colored liquids, clean house and spray chemicals. Be prepared. Have the Minnesota Poison Center’s phone number — 1-800-222-1222 — posted in the home or programmed into the phone. If there is a question or a potential poisoning call the Poison Center. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Do not wait for symptoms to appear; symptoms may often be delayed. Always call for help if someone may have been injured or poisoned. Poison Information Specialists are available seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

How to prevent poisonings: ♦♦ Start early. By the time a child starts to crawl (6 months), the home needs to be “poison proof.” ♦♦ Set up safe storage areas. Potential poisons should be stored in cabinets located up high, preferably with safety locks. ♦♦ All household chemicals and medicines should be stored in safe areas. ♦♦ Use child-resistant caps. If the caps no longer work, replace them. ♦♦ Keep products in their original containers. Never put poisons in other containers, especially food or beverage containers. Avoid using pill cases or plastic baggies for medication. ♦♦ Keep purses and diaper bags out of reach. They may have potentially poisonous products and medicines that are easily accessed. ♦♦ Keep alcoholic drinks and

mouthwash away from children. ♦♦ Do not store food items and nonfood items together. Medications often can be a source of poisoning. Here are some tips: ♦♦ Read and follow directions on the container. ♦♦ In low lighting, turn on a light and read the label to ensure you take or give the proper medication. ♦♦ Dispose old medicine. Flush it down the toilet and rise container with water. Or try to find out if your community has a disposal for medications. ♦♦ Keep medication in the original containers. ♦♦ Do not take medication in front of children since they like to imitate adults. ♦♦ Never tell children that medicine is candy or call it candy. ♦♦ Teach children to never take medication unless you give it to them. ♦♦ Use child resistant caps by remember child resistant caps are not child proof. ♦♦ Always keep medication locked up in a safe storage area. Do not leave medication on dressers, tables and counter tops, including vitamins. About 20 percent of drug ingestions by children involves a grand-

parent’s medication. Make sure grandma’s purse is not available. Be careful of weekly pillminders, though they help to organize medication, most are not child resistant. Some plants can be dangerous if ingested. Here are tips regarding plants: ♦♦ Keep houseplants out of a young child’s reach. ♦♦ Identify the name of all your plants, both indoors and outdoors. Label each of your plants with the correct botanical name. You can bring a sample to a plant store to get the correct name. ♦♦ Consult the poison center’s plant guide to find out how poisonous each plant is. ♦♦ Mushrooms and berries are particularly attractive to young children. Teach your children never to put mushrooms, berries or any part of a plant including leaves, flowers, stems, bulbs or seeds in their mouths. ♦♦ Mushrooms are especially abundant after a rainfall. Remove mushrooms from your yard and dispose of properly after each rainfall. ♦♦ Do not assume a plant is nonpoisonous because birds or wildlife eat it.

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EMERGENCY GUIDE 2010

Page 4 — Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, September 30, 2010

EMERGENCY GUIDE 2010

Wintry Weather

Everyone should be cautious about traveling in extreme winter weather. Cold, snow and ice are demanding on cars, drivers and passengers. Cold affects metal, rubber and other materials in your car. It can reduce the effectiveness of your vehicle’s battery by at least 50 percent. It can freeze tires and keep them flat on the bottom for at least the first half mile of travel. It can thicken your car’s lubricants, making the engine work too hard. Most importantly, extreme winter weather can threaten your life. Follow these tips to stay safe as you drive in Minnesota. ♦♦ Plan before you travel. Simple planning can save you trouble and

We Salute Those Who Protect Our Community!

Albert Lea Seed House

Intersection of W. Main and Hwy 13 across from Nelson’s. Hours: M-F 8 to 5, Sat 8 to 4 373-3161 • www.alseed.com

even save your life. ♦♦ Prepare your vehicle. Be sure your vehicle is in good winter driving condition. Take along the emergency equipment referred to in this booklet and keep it accessible. Keep your gas tank at least one-half full. ♦♦ Be aware of the weather. Listen to forecasts, road reports and storm warnings. ♦♦ Dress appropriately. Pack extra scarves and mittens. Allow extra time for trips in severe weather. ♦♦ Make yourself easy to find. Tell someone where you are going and the route you will take. Report your safe arrival. If you stall or get stuck, tie a colored banner (from your winter survival kit) to your antenna or hang it out a window. At night, remove the cover from your dome light and turn the light on. Road crews or rescue units can see a small glow at a considerable distance. To reduce battery drain, use emergency flashers only if you hear approaching vehicles. Keep one person on watch; don’t let everyone rest at the same time. ♦♦ Stay in your vehicle. Walking in a storm can be very dangerous. You might lose your way or become exhausted, collapse and risk your life. Your vehicle is a good shelter. ♦♦ Avoid overexertion. Shoveling snow or repositioning your car by

“St. John’s provides physical, emotional, social, and Christian care for all people, with dignity and respect, in an environment of God’s grace.” – St. John’s Mission Statement

St. John’s Lutheran Home

901 Luther Place, Albert Lea, MN • 507-373-8226 www.stjohnsofalbertlea.org

pushing it takes a lot of effort in storm conditions. You could risk heart attack or injury. Take it easy! ♦♦ Keep cool. Calm down and think. The storm will end and you will be found. Also, don’t work enough to get hot and sweaty. Wet clothing loses insulation value, making you susceptible to hypothermia. ♦♦ Keep fresh air in your vehicle. It’s much better to be cold and awake than comfortably warm and sleepy. Wet or wind-driven snow can plug your vehicle’s exhaust system and cause deadly monoxide gas to enter your vehicle. Don’t run the engine unless you are sure the exhaust pipe is free of snow. Keep snow off the radiator to prevent the engine from overheating. ♦♦ Stay warm without fuel. Keep your blood circulating freely by loosening tight clothing, changing positions frequently and moving your arms and legs. Huddle close to one another. Rub your hands together or put them in your armpits or between your legs. Remove your shoes occasionally and rub your feet. ♦♦ Don’t expect to be comfortable, just try to survive until you’re found. ♦♦ Be able to see and be seen. Clean frost and snow off all windows, mirrors, lights and reflectors. Equip your car with good wiper

Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, September 30, 2010 — Page 5

Poison blades and keep an ample supply of windshield washer fluid. If visibility is poor, use headlights. ♦♦ Get a feel for the road. When you first start out, accelerate carefully to test wheel-spin and brake gently to test skidding. ♦♦ Be gentle. Use the accelerator and brakes slowly to maintain control of your vehicle. Fast acceleration can make wheels spin on ice and snow. Brake with a gentle pumping action. Stepping too hard on the pedal will lock the brakes and cause loss of steering control. ♦♦ Increase your following distance. Ice or snow can multiply your stopping distance up to 10 times. ♦♦ Make turns slowly and gradually. Heavily traveled intersections can become “polished” and slick. Brake before you come to a curve, not while you are in it. ♦♦ Turn in the direction of the skid. If the rear of your car begins to slide, turn into the direction of the skid. Expect a second skid as the car straightens out, and be prepared to counter this sliding action. ♦♦ Icy spots on the road surface can cause loss of steering control. Do not use your brake. Take your foot off the gas and steer as straight as possible until your car slows to a safe speed.

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More than half the calls received by most poison centers across the country involve children under the age of 6. Usually these poisonings result in mild or no symptoms, but there is potential for severe injury or even death. Most often, children are poisoned in their own homes. The top four reported reasons why children accidentally poison themselves are listed here: ♦♦ Poisons are not stored properly. Commonly-used products left in the open where they can be seen is the No. 1 reason a child can get poisoned. For example, leaving recently used medication bottles in sight on a counter or table. This usually occurs in the kitchen, family room or bathroom. The caretaker’s knowledge of product toxicity, income, social background or caretaker’s support network did not make a difference in this situation. Bottles on the counter or table, purses or diaper bags sitting on the floor and opened cleaning products left unattended for “just one second,” can all lead to poisonings. ♦♦ Children are curious. Children are naturally curious about the taste, smell and texture of things unfamiliar to them. Children may be interested in the mechanics of a spray container. By swallowing, smelling or spraying a product children learn more about it. By smelling, touching and tasting, they learn about the world. Brightly-colored liquids, spray containers, pills, leafy or flowering plants attract children. ♦♦ Children think a poison is something other than a poison. Because they look similar, children can think fuels, cough syrup and shampoo are actually liquids that are safe to drink, such as fruit punch or soft drinks. Children may also think the odor of a product is similar to a liquid that is safe to drink. Many

poisons look or taste similar to other things. Medicine tablets look and taste like candy. Antifreeze tastes sweet. Red mouthwash looks like fruit punch. ♦♦ Children imitate the behavior of adults. Children can copy what their parents or grandparents do, such as taking medication, drinking colored liquids, clean house and spray chemicals. Be prepared. Have the Minnesota Poison Center’s phone number — 1-800-222-1222 — posted in the home or programmed into the phone. If there is a question or a potential poisoning call the Poison Center. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Do not wait for symptoms to appear; symptoms may often be delayed. Always call for help if someone may have been injured or poisoned. Poison Information Specialists are available seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

How to prevent poisonings: ♦♦ Start early. By the time a child starts to crawl (6 months), the home needs to be “poison proof.” ♦♦ Set up safe storage areas. Potential poisons should be stored in cabinets located up high, preferably with safety locks. ♦♦ All household chemicals and medicines should be stored in safe areas. ♦♦ Use child-resistant caps. If the caps no longer work, replace them. ♦♦ Keep products in their original containers. Never put poisons in other containers, especially food or beverage containers. Avoid using pill cases or plastic baggies for medication. ♦♦ Keep purses and diaper bags out of reach. They may have potentially poisonous products and medicines that are easily accessed. ♦♦ Keep alcoholic drinks and

mouthwash away from children. ♦♦ Do not store food items and nonfood items together. Medications often can be a source of poisoning. Here are some tips: ♦♦ Read and follow directions on the container. ♦♦ In low lighting, turn on a light and read the label to ensure you take or give the proper medication. ♦♦ Dispose old medicine. Flush it down the toilet and rise container with water. Or try to find out if your community has a disposal for medications. ♦♦ Keep medication in the original containers. ♦♦ Do not take medication in front of children since they like to imitate adults. ♦♦ Never tell children that medicine is candy or call it candy. ♦♦ Teach children to never take medication unless you give it to them. ♦♦ Use child resistant caps by remember child resistant caps are not child proof. ♦♦ Always keep medication locked up in a safe storage area. Do not leave medication on dressers, tables and counter tops, including vitamins. About 20 percent of drug ingestions by children involves a grand-

parent’s medication. Make sure grandma’s purse is not available. Be careful of weekly pillminders, though they help to organize medication, most are not child resistant. Some plants can be dangerous if ingested. Here are tips regarding plants: ♦♦ Keep houseplants out of a young child’s reach. ♦♦ Identify the name of all your plants, both indoors and outdoors. Label each of your plants with the correct botanical name. You can bring a sample to a plant store to get the correct name. ♦♦ Consult the poison center’s plant guide to find out how poisonous each plant is. ♦♦ Mushrooms and berries are particularly attractive to young children. Teach your children never to put mushrooms, berries or any part of a plant including leaves, flowers, stems, bulbs or seeds in their mouths. ♦♦ Mushrooms are especially abundant after a rainfall. Remove mushrooms from your yard and dispose of properly after each rainfall. ♦♦ Do not assume a plant is nonpoisonous because birds or wildlife eat it.

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EMERGENCY GUIDE 2010

Page 6 — Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, September 30, 2010

Some tips to prevent fires:

♦♦ Watch your cooking Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you must leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove. ♦♦ Give space heaters space Keep fixed and portable space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn. Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep. ♦♦ Smoke outside Ask smokers to smoke outside. Have sturdy, deep ashtrays for smokers. ♦♦ Keep matches and lighters out of reach Keep matches and lighters up high, out of the reach of children, preferably in a cabinet with a child lock. ♦♦ Inspect electrical cords Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs or have loose connections. ♦♦ Be careful when using candles Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to sleep. ♦♦ Have a home fire escape plan

EMERGENCY GUIDE 2010

Severe Weather

Fire Make a home fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year. ♦♦ Install smoke alarms Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Interconnect smoke alarms throughout the home so that when one sounds, they all sound. ♦♦ Test smoke alarms Test smoke alarms at least once a month and replace batteries once a year or when the alarm “chirps” to tell you the battery is low. Replace any smoke alarm that is more than 10 years old. ♦♦ Install sprinklers If you are building or remodeling your home, install residential fire sprinklers. Sprinklers can contain and may even extinguish a fire in less time than it would take the fire department to arrive. Most fire deaths are not caused by burns, but by smoke inhalation. Often smoke incapacitates so quickly that people are overcome and can’t make it to an otherwise accessible exit. The synthetic materials commonplace in today’s homes produce especially dangerous substances. As a fire grows inside a building, it will often consume most of the available oxygen, slowing the burning process. This “incomplete combustion”

Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, September 30, 2010 — Page 3

results in toxic gases. In addition to producing smoke, fire can incapacitate or kill by reducing oxygen levels, either by consuming the oxygen, or by displacing it with other gases. Heat is also a respiratory hazard, as superheated gases burn the respiratory tract. When the air is hot enough, one breath can kill. Home is the place where you feel the safest. But your home is also where you are most likely to die in a fire. Four out of five fire-related deaths among civilians occur in the home.

Some areas of particular concern in home fires: Smoking materials

Lighted tobacco products — almost always cigarettes — are the leading cause of fatal fires in the home, causing 700 to 900 deaths each year. They are the leading cause of fire deaths in any location, in the United States and every other country where sufficient data is collected. Typically, abandoned or carelessly discarded smoking materials ignite trash, bedding or upholstered furniture. Most fatal smokingrelated fires start in the living room,

family room or den, rather than the bedroom. The adoption of standard that require mattresses and upholstery to resist going up in flames from a cigarette has reduced the death toll significantly.

Cooking

Cooking fires happen because people walk away from the stove. They get distracted by children, pets or visitors, sometimes forgetting they left food cooking. There is no safe period of time to leave cooking unattended. Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home fires and of injuries in home fires (and the fourth leading cause of home-fire deaths). At least two-thirds of these fires involved the range, especially the cooktop. Typically, cooking oil or other flammable liquids, or fat or grease, is what first catches fire. And two-thirds of home cooking fires started within the first 15 minutes of cooking.

Heating equipment

Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires, and third leading cause of home fire deaths. Two out of three heatingrelated fires can be traced to improperly used space heaters — a category that includes fireplaces.

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Nationally, floods claim nearly 200 lives each year, force 300,000 persons from their homes and result in property damage in excess of $2 billion. In Minnesota, floods kill more people than any other weather event; 15 people have died in floods since 1993. About 75 percent of flash-flood deaths occur at night. Half of the victims die in automobiles or other vehicles. Many deaths occur when people drive around road barricades that clearly indicate that the road is washed out ahead. In 2007, a deadly flood occurred Aug. 18-19 in southeast Minnesota, killing seven people and destroying hundreds of homes and businesses. A state record for rainfall was set at Hokah — 15.1 inches in 24 hours — while several other areas received more than 8 inches of rain. Assume a thunderstorm produces 6 inches of rain in less than six hours time. Are you prepared? Storms of this magnitude occur several times every year. After any major flood event, survivors inevitably say they didn’t believe it could happen to them. No one can prevent the occurrence of rainfall that produces flash floods. However, you can reduce the risks of death and property damage by: ♦♦ Working toward sound floodplain zoning ♦♦ Developing an emergency action plan in advance ♦♦ Purchasing flood insurance at least 30 days prior to flooding ♦♦ Being aware of the dangers of heavy rainfall and floods A tornado watch highlights an area where tornadoes are likely to develop. Continue your normal activities during a tornado watch, but keep track of the latest weather reports, and be ready to get to a shelter. Tornadoes develop quickly. ♦♦ In the home, go to the basement. Get under a table, work bench or some other sturdy furniture to pro-

tect yourself from falling debris. A stairwell is also a good place to hid during a tornado. ♦♦ If you cannot get to a basement, go to a small, interior room on the lowest floor. Closets, bathrooms and interior halls afford the best protection in most cases. Get under something sturdy or cover yourself with blankets and stay away from windows. ♦♦ In an apartment, school or office building, move to the lowest level, to the innermost room — or go to a pre-designated shelter area. Stay away from windows! In a hallway, crouch down and protect your head from flying debris. Avoid areas with glass and large expanses of roof with no supports. ♦♦ In a mobile home, car, truck or other vehicle, abandon it as quickly as possible and find a sturdy shelter — preferably a permanent structure. Avoid bridges — they act as wind tunnels. People who try to escape a tornado by driving away in a vehicle often don’t make it; they get caught in deadly winds. Minnesota led the nation in tornado outbreaks in 2010. There were 25 tornadoes on one day in Minnesota on June 17, 2010. Two reached the E4 rating on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. Supplies for stamping, We offer: card making & scrapbooking. Paper & embellishments from many companies

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EMERGENCY GUIDE 2010

Page 2 — Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, September 30, 2010

EMERGENCY GUIDE 2010

Emergency Information In an emergency dial 911!

A call to 911 will put you in touch with the dispatch center in your county. A dispatcher will send the appropriate authority for your emergency 24 hours a day. Law enforcement

Minnesota State Patrol: 507-285-7406 Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office: ♦♦ Business office: 507-377-5200 ♦♦ Records office: 507-377-5245 ♦♦ Jail: 507-377-5267 Albert Lea Police Department: ♦♦ Business office: 507-377-5215 ♦♦ Emergency only: 507-377-5210 ♦♦ Animal Control: 507-377-5210 Faribault County Sheriff’s Office: 507-526-5148 Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office: 641-585-2828 Worth County Sheriff’s Office: 641-324-2481 Waseca County Sheriff’s Office: 507-835-0510 Steele County Sheriff’s Office: 507-444-3800 Lake Mills Police Department: 641-592-2188 New Richland Police Department: 507-465-3240 Northwood Police Department: 641-324-2611 Wells Police Department: 507-553-5824

Fire

Albert Lea Fire Department: 507-377-4340 Alden: 507-874-3620 Conger: 507-265-3415 Emmons: 507-297-5720 Geneva: 507-256-4748 Glenville: 507-448-3916 Kiester: 507-294-3563 Lake Mills: 641-592-2188 Northwood: 641-324-2721 Twin Lakes: 507-852-2155 Wells: 507-526-5148

Medical

Albert Lea Medical Center: 507-373-2384

Poison

Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222

Travel

Minnesota road conditions: 511, www.511mn.org

Child abuse

If you witness child abuse dial 911

Suicide

Suicide prevention hot line: 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255), www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Runaways

National Runaway Switchboard: 800-RUNAWAY (800-786-2929), www.1800runaway.org

Consumer assistance

Minnesota Attorney General’s Office: 800-657-3787

Ground work

Call 811 before you dig

News Media

Newspapers: ♦♦ Albert Lea Tribune: 507-373-1411, www.albertleatribune.com Television stations: ♦♦ KIMT News 3: 641-423-2540, www.kimt.com ♦♦ KAAL ABC 6 News: 507-437-6666, www.kaaltv.com Radio Stations: ♦♦ KQPR Power 96 (96.1 FM): 507-373-9401, www.power96rocker.com ♦♦ KATE/KCPI (1450 AM, 94.9 FM): 507-373-2338, www.albertlearadio.com

TTY, TDD Users

Dial 911. After the 911 dispatcher answers the call, pressing the space bar may help you inform the dispatched this is a TTY call.

What should I do if I suspect a poisoning?

Call your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic immediately. Have the following information ready: 1. Exact name of toxin ingested, inhaled, or absorbed. 2. Approximately how much of the toxin was ingested 3. How long ago you suspect that your pet may have been poisoned 4. Approximate weight of your pet 5. What symptoms your pet is showing

South Central Veterinary Associates Skyline Plaza, Albert Lea

373-4440

David Wessling, DVM

Your Pet Care Professionals

Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, September 30, 2010 — Page 7

Theft and Burglary Ten quick security tips from the Burglary Prevention Council ♦♦ Keep all doors and windows closed and securely fastened. An open window or door is an open invitation for burglars. Thieves are also quick to spot weak locks that may be easily forced open. Doors should have deadbolt locks with a 1-inch throw and reinforced strike plate with three-inch screws. All windows should have window locks. ♦♦ Secure sliding glass doors. Place a metal rod or piece of plywood in the track and install vertical bolts. These will help prevent burglars from forcing the door open or lifting it off the track. ♦♦ Always lock the door to an attached garage. Don’t rely on our automatic garage door opener for security. ♦♦ Create the illusion that you are home by using timers on lights, radios and TV’s. Making your residence appear occupied, even when no one is home, will deter criminals. ♦♦ Keep the perimeter of your home well lighted. Installing low voltage outdoor lighting is a cost-effective way to discourage intruders, as well as highlight a house. ♦♦ Never leave clues that you are away on a trip. Have a trusted neighbor collect mail and newspapers while you are away so delivered items do not accumulate. You can also ask a neighbor to park in your driveway or parking place to make it appear that you are present. Also keep in mind posts you make on social network sites can easily let a burglar know you are out of town. ♦♦ Keep some shades and blinds up and curtains open to maintain

a normal, everyday appearance in your residence. ♦♦ Never leave a message on your telephone answering machine telling people that you are away from home. A message that you will return at a certain time leaves your home vulnerable in the interim. ♦♦ Keep shrubbery trimmed away from entrances and walkways. While large, ornate hedges may be beautiful, they also provide a hiding place for burglars who need only a minute to break in through a window or door. ♦♦ Organize a community watch program to protect your neighborhood. An alert community is a safe community. Most people have been told that they need to conduct an inventory of personal possessions. Several methods can be utilized when developing a room-by-room household inventory, including audio recording, videotaping, photographing or a written inventory. Start at one point and go around the room. Don’t forget to open closet doors and drawers and check the attic, basement, garage and automobile trunks. To make possessions less attractive, more easily identifiable and harder to sell try these steps: ♦♦ Engrave your driver’s license number on valuables. Thieves find it harder to sell marked merchandise. You can borrow an engraving pen free of charge from many police departments. ♦♦ Include the item, make, model, color, size, style, features, unique characteristics and serial number in the inventory. ♦♦ All items should be photographed or videotaped, and the receipt filed with your log. Attach photographs and appraisals for all items unable to be engraved (i.e. jewelry). ♦♦ Have a family member pose

with valuables and store the photos in a safety deposit box. ♦♦ Don’t flaunt your belongings. Leave burglars guessing at what they will find or where to find them. The more valuables inside your home, the more persistent burglars tend to be. ♦♦ Display a sticker, which tells would-be burglars that your property has been marked. ♦♦ Make two copies of your inventory, keeping one copy in your home and another in a safe location outside of the home. It will do you no good if the burglar inadvertently

takes the inventory along with him. ♦♦ Update and add to your written household inventory by utilizing a computer software program. ♦♦ Be sure you have the right coverage. You may need to purchase additional coverage to protect special items like expensive jewelry or rare antiques. In the United States today, burglars enter a house, apartment or condominium every 15 seconds. Two out of every three burglaries are residential in nature and 60 percent of residential burglaries occur during the daytime.

A little preparation

little preparation MakeSA a big difference.

Mwater. ake S a band i gradio. d i Fresh f f ebatteries. r e n cHaving e . the Bottled A flashlight Bottled water. A flashlight and Fresh batteries. the little things ready can make a radio. big difference when a Having storm hits. ® little things ready makeasawell big difference when ame storm State Farm can helpcan before as after. Contact for hits. tips on State Farm can help before as well as after. Contact me for tips on how to prepare or visit statefarm.com®. how to prepare or visit statefarm.com . ®

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EMERGENCY GUIDE 2010

Page 8 — Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, September 30, 2010

Auto accidents are unexpected and stressful. Even the most careful drivers may be involved. The following suggestions come from State Farm Insurance: Prepare the trunk of your car for a possible accident by making sure you have a set of cones, warning triangles or emergency flares. Make sure you also have: ♦♦ A pen ♦♦ A card with relevant medical information for you and your family. What to do after an auto accident: ♦♦ Stay as calm as possible. ♦♦ Check for injuries. Life and health are more important than damage to vehicles. When in doubt, call an ambulance. ♦♦ If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, move

Traffic Safety cars to a safe place, rather than risk being in moving traffic. ♦♦ Turn on hazard lights. If warranted, and possible, use cones, warning triangles or flares for safety. ♦♦ Call the police, even if the accident is minor. ♦♦ Notify your insurance agent about the accident immediately. ♦♦ Don’t sign any document unless it is for police or your insurance agent. ♦♦ Make immediate notes about the accident including the specific damages to all vehicles involved. If the name on the auto registration and/or insurance policy is different from the name of the driver, establish the relationship and jot it down. Get witness information, if possible, as well.

♦♦ Be polite, but don’t tell the other drivers or the police that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was. Likewise, do not accuse the other drivers of being at fault at this time. Everyone is usually shaken up immediately after an accident, and it is wise to state only the facts. Limit your discussion of the accident to the insurance agent and the police. Even if facts are embarrassing or detrimental to you, be truthful. ♦♦ If you have a camera handy, and it is safe to do so, it may be helpful to photograph the accident scene. ♦♦ If possible, do not leave the accident scene before the police officers and other drivers do. ♦♦ Finally, remember that while getting the facts is very important, investigating the accident should

be left to the police officers and the insurance companies. Once you’ve collected the information refer it directly to your automobile insurance agent. According to law enforcement officials, drivers under the influence of alcohol often display certain characteristics, which can include: ♦♦ Making wide turns ♦♦ Weaving, swerving, drifting or straddling the center line ♦♦ Almost striking an object or car ♦♦ Driving on the wrong side of the road ♦♦ Driving at a very slow speed ♦♦ Stopping without cause ♦♦ Braking erratically ♦♦ Responding slowly to signals ♦♦ Turning abruptly or illegally ♦♦ Driving with no headlights at night

Tribune Albert Lea

Thursday, September 30, 2010


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