Operation Weather Survival
Operation Weather Survival (OWS) is a network of public and private organizations that coordinate resources and help the National Weather Service educate the public to prevent illness and death caused by extreme hot or cold weather. The organization also serves as a “think tank” to help participating agencies solve problems and initiate new ideas. OWS itself does not provide services. Services and programs are provided and administered by member organizations.
Background and Information on OWS
Note: All documents linked on this page are in pdf format. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view them.
Important Note: Many of the people who need the information or services explained on this page, or other Internet pages, do not have access to the Internet! So it is up to you to help people you know who are in need and get the information to them.
NEW!!! Excessive Heat Briefing Page
Wind Chill Briefing Page
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A new program, Meet the Heat – Head On, puts the power in your hands to save the life of a friend, a neighbor, family member or to save your own life.
Missouri Summer Weather Safety Week: June 22 - 28, 2008
Excessive Heat Safety from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Missouri Winter Weather Awareness Day: November 14, 2007
Winter Storms: The Deceptive Killers : Safety publication from the NWS
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OWS Hot and Cold Weather Safety Magnet |
Have you ever wondered what agencies are involved in helping the area cope with excessive heat?
Check out the Excessive Heat Plan below to find out who is working for you!
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OWS Plans |
| Cold Weather Plan |
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Minutes from OWS Meetings |
| August 2008 |
| July 2008 |
| June 2008 |
| May 2008 |
| February 2008 |
| January 2008 |
| September 2007 |
| August 2007 |
| May 2007 |
| April 2007 |
| January 2007 |
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OWS Safety Documents |
| Excessive Heat Tips |
| Safe Fan Use |
| Air Conditioner Selection and Care |
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Are you worried about paying your heating bills? The Missouri Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has two components: Energy Assistance/Regular Heating (EA) and Energy Crisis Assistance Program (ECIP). EA is designed to help pay heating bills for those Missourians in need of assistance during the months of October, November, December, January, February and March. Applications for this year's program will be accepted in Community Action Agency offices throughout Missouri. For information, visit the Department of Social Services web site. You can also contact you local Community Action Agency (CAA). Information on the CAA's serving Missouri is available HERE. For Illinois agencies, click HERE.
Home Weatherization
High heating or cooling bills are often the result of homes that are very inefficient in terms of energy usage. One way to tackle the high cost of heating or cooling is to weatherize your home. The Community Action Agency of St. Louis County (CAASTL) has FREE weatherization services available to people who qualify. For more information go the the CAASTL webpage.
Are You OK? (RUOK)
RUOK is a telephone reassurance program in St. Louis City through the St. Louis Fire Department. Elderly and/or disabled City residents can sign up for this service. An automated system calls the resident 7 days a week, if there is no live answer after the 3rd attempt, the system notifies the 911 center to send emergency personnel to check on the resident. This is a great way to check on elderly friends or relatives during excessive heat or cold outbreaks. For more information, call the St. Louis Fire Department at 314-289-1988, and ask about Are You OK (RUOK).
Care Calls volunteers are assigned to make telephone calls to older adults to check on their well being and provide relief from the loneliness that some seniors feel. Home visits are also available. For information call (314) 615-4516, or visit County Older Resident Programs.
