SUMMER JOB

Bored to tears
Its lax time that I fear
Nothing to see, say, do
I feel like a fool
At least I’m being paid
Not enough though, I’m afraid.

Yawn!
Copyright © 2014 by Ima B. Musing; All rights reserved

TRAIN DERAILMENT TIPS

There is a growing concern about trains and the potentially dangerous cargo that they carry. As train traffic increases, so does the risk. Not every train carries dangerous cargo, but it is better to err on the side of caution to ensure your safety. This article is a brief overview of what to do and not to do should this disaster occur (or if there is an accident with a truck carrying dangerous freight). The information is based upon what I have learned from professional emergency managers, but they are the expert and should always be consulted for specifics.

WHAT TO DO WHEN A TRAIN DERAILS
First, BE PREPARED. Prepare yourself, family, and pets for disaster. Create a disaster kit for your home, another for your auto, and a third for your office. Be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice (include the pets). Your life may depend upon it. Information at www.ready.gov or www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family

Second, sign up for your local Homeland Security or Emergency Management office to receive an email, phone-call, or text message for EMERGENCY ALERTS. Just search online for the information. They will notify you whenever an emergency occurs and provide some information of what to do. It is also wise to procure, program, and keep on 24/7 a weather alert radio. It will also sound during emergencies. One option is www.emergencyemail.org

Third, DO NOT go to photo, film, take a selfie or gawk at the derailment. You do not know what hazards may be aboard. Not all chemical leaks smell or have visual fumes. The blast zone is considered to be a minimum of six blocks but could be as far as a mile. Just stay away.

Fourth, if the train derails be on the safe side and practice the RULE OF UP. Travel UP-wind, UP-hill, UP-stream of the disaster site. Gather the pets, humans, and depart immediately. Travel at least one mile away to be safe. Follow the instructions of the first responders (law enforcement, fire fighters, ambulance). However, if it is early in the response, they may be accessing the situation. It is always better to be safe rather than sorry. If anything, it is a good drill to practice evacuation.

Note: The only exception for evacuation are some types of chemical spills/leaks. The first responders may request that you stay at home and move everyone to the top floor or close windows/doors until the chemical disperses. Every situation is unique so listen to the first responders, they are specifically trained in this matter.

Finally, BE INFORMED. FEMA and Department of Homeland Security have a lot of information available. You can research and learn a lot from their sites and participate in free on-line training. Your local Emergency Management office or Red Cross may be able to come to your location and teach a class, just contact them for details. www.fema.gov or www.dhs.gov/how-do-i/prepare-my-family-disaster

Be a survivor, not a statistic.

Stay safe!
Copyright 2014 Ima B. Musing (c) All rights reserved.

BLAST ZONE ZOMBIES

Every day the oil industry sends millions of gallons of highly flammable crude oil through cities and towns across North America. Our rail system was never built for this dangerous cargo.

It’s time to take action! Sign the petition: Tell the President and Congress to stop the threat of oil train disasters today! Thank you to Oil Train Blast Zone for compiling this information. http://explosive-crude-by-rail.org/

PETITION (from Oil Train Blast Zone)
To: US President Obama and Congress

It seems each month another town is facing a terrifying oil train derailment, poisoned drinking water, or a deadly explosion. Our rail system takes these trains through population centers by schools and homes. Safety standards are weak and our emergency responders are not equipped for accidents.

We are not prepared for this threat:

Oil trains are more than a mile-long with 100+ cars, concentrating the risk of an accident that could ignite the three million gallons of crude on a single train.
Oil train traffic has increased more than 4,000 percent in the last five years.
Rail routes run right through major urban areas and cross water supplies. The US rail system was not designed to transport dangerous crude oil.
Dangerous DOT-111 cars, which make up the majority of US oil tanker trains, have serious flaws that make them highly prone to puncture during a derailment.

We have the solution:

The first step: Ban unsafe oil tanker cars.
We must prepare and equip emergency responders and reroute trains around population centers and away from water supplies.
New rail safety rules must be strong and must give citizens the information they need to protect themselves and the power to say no.

We do not need the extreme oil transported by these trains. The crude oil carried by train is more explosive and more toxic than conventional crude oil; it is also more carbon intensive. At a time when our oil use is decreasing and the threat of climate disruption is growing, the risk from oil trains is unacceptable.

END OF PETITION

Please go to their website to sign.
Thanks, Ima
Copyright 2014 (c) Ima B. Musing: all rights reserved.

SLATHER IT ON

Booty ogling
Too tight speedos
Too small bikinis
Hot summer’s day
Fools go to the pool to display.

Mmmm, Butter o'Tan
Copyright © 2014 by Ima B. Musing; All rights reserved

TOO DANG THIN

I am so exhausted. I don’t have the time or energy to volunteer anywhere now. I have to be selfish to survive. I can’t focus externally because my internal is too tense and I am the proverbial “stretched too thin.” I have to work two jobs, care for two cats, and maintain a home. I have too much fear. Fear that if I share anything else, I will cease to function.

I felt terrible informing my volunteer position(s) supervisors that I have to take a hiatus. Thankfully, they understand. I feel rather sad, though, because I wanted to help during the summer floods and presidential visit. I am compelled to aid others but I am the one needing assistance now. I am desperate for a better paying job. I have been in this terrible situation for five long years and several months. I am so over it. I wasn’t materialistic before so I don’t know why I have had to endure this experience.

Due to my lack of time and mental fuel, I have been blogging less. I don’t know if I should persist. If you think that I should continue, please leave a comment. More importantly, urge your friends, family, and others to become regular readers. Without an audience, this blog is worthless.

Thanks for reading!
Copyright © 2014 by Ima B. Musing; All rights reserved

TREAT TRAMP

Fuzzy vulture
Circles around
Big soft eyes
Minor tilt of the head
Subtle sigh
“For me?” she inquires
Alas, I succumb to her desire.

Silly kitty!
Copyright © 2014 by Ima B. Musing; All rights reserved.