Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Florida Wildfire Update

Florida - Deep Fire Update, - Broward & Collier Counties

Florida EOC is at activation Level III (monitoring). The Deep Fire has burned approximately 24,000 acres within Big Cypress National Preserve. The fire is 30% contained. No structures or facilities have been impacted, and there has been no request for Federal assistance. Crews continue burnout operations as a suppression strategy, while monitoring for and extinguishing spot fires. Because these operations are expected to impact visibility, Interstate 75 will remain closed until at least mid-day on Tuesday, and will reopen pending more favorable conditions. State Road 29 will remain closed until further notice. Big Cypress National Preserve has enacted some recreational access closures.

Monday, April 27, 2009

KCER Pandemic Team Monitors U.S. Swine Flu Outbreak



The Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER) Coalition's Pandemic Preparedness Team is actively monitoring the U.S. swine flu outbreak. KCER has distributed information to the ESRD Networks and is avaliable for technical assistance. Please visit www.kcercoalition.com for pandemic preparedness information and resources for the kidney community.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

FDA Recalls Zoll AED Plus Defibrillator, Digoxin

ZOLL AED Plus Defibrillator

Audience: Emergency medical personnel
[Posted 04/09/2009] ZOLL Medical Corporation and FDA notified healthcare professionals of a Class 1 recall of ZOLL AED Plus Defibrillators distributed from May, 2004 through February 9, 2009. The recall was initiated because the device may fail to deliver a defibrillation shock, which could result in failure to resuscitate a patient during treatment of sudden cardiac arrest. On February 12 and March 31, 2009, the company sent their distributors and customers recall letters with recommendations and instructions for customers on specific steps to mitigate the identified problems with this device. Please visit http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/recalls/recall-021209b.html and http://www.zollaedplusbatteryhelp.com/

Digoxin, USP 0.125 mg, Digoxin, USP 0.25 mg (Caraco brand)

Audience: Pharmacists, cardiology healthcare professionals, consumers
[Posted 04/01/2009] Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories and FDA notified healthcare professionals of a consumer-level recall of Caraco brand Digoxin, USP, 0.125 mg, and Digoxin, USP, 0.25 mg, distributed prior to March 31, 2009, which are not expired and are within the expiration date of September, 2011. The tablets are being recalled because they may differ in size and therefore could have more or less of the active ingredient, digoxin, a drug product used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. The drug has a narrow therapeutic index and the existence of higher than labeled dose may pose a risk of digoxin toxicity in patients with renal failure. Digoxin toxicity can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, low blood pressure, cardiac instability, and bradycardia. Death can also result from excessive digoxin intake. A lower than labeled dose may pose a risk of lack of efficacy potentially resulting in cardiac instability. Consumers with the recalled product should return these products to their pharmacy or place of purchase. Please visit http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/caraco03_09.html

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Florida flooding update, state emergency hotline activation

U.S. Highway 90 at the Suwannee River bridge (Madison and Suwannee County line) has closed to all traffic due to high water and flood conditions.

U.S. 90 Closed At The Suwannee River - Detour Route: http://www.floridadisaster.org/eoc/PressReleases2008/90%20Closure.pdf

The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Tallahassee has activated to a Level 1, or full activation, in response to the flooding conditions in the Panhandle and Big Bend regions of the state.

The Florida Emergency Information Line (FEIL) is now operational from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily to provide residents information on current events and safety measures. The number for residents to call is:
800-342-3557

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

State of Florida - State Emergency Response Team
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: ESF-14 Public Information

April 6, 2009
(850) 921-0217

STATE OF FLORIDA PREPARES FOR NORTH FLORIDA ROAD CLOSURES DUE TO FLOOD CONDITIONS ALONG THE SUWANNEE RIVER

TALLAHASSEE - State transportation, law enforcement and emergency management officials are preparing for the flooding of major roads in North Florida along the Suwannee River due to recent heavy rains in the region.

According to the Southeast River Forecast Center in Atlanta, the high levels of the Suwannee River could force the closure of U.S. 90 at the Suwannee River (Madison and Suwannee County line) as early as Wednesday.

If river water levels continue to rise, Interstate 10 (I-10) at the Suwannee River Bridge could also face closure as early as Thursday.

As a safety precaution, motorists are asked to delay or avoid travel through the impacted area until the conditions improve. Many smaller roads along the Suwannee River will be impacted as well over the
weekend.

To assist travelers, the state of Florida is coordinating response efforts with the state of Georgia to develop alternative routes through the region.

All motorists are advised to monitor their local media outlets for the latest information on weather conditions and possible road closures.

For real-time information on traffic conditions call 511 or visit www.FL511.com before getting on the road.

For additional information please visit www.FloridaDisaster.org

All students, teachers and parents can find educational information and free downloadable materials at: www.KidsGetAPlan.com

And for the latest daily situation and flash reports go to: www.YouTube.com/FloridaSERT