How to Protect Your Animals During the Eclipse

Local News

August 19th 2017 by Dee Loflin

Stoddard County, Missouri - No one knows exactly what will happen with our pets during the Total Solar Eclipse on Monday. One thing is for sure is that all pets should be on a leash or fenced in during the Eclipse.

During 1932 there was a major eclipse so there is some research available and there have been other partial eclipses to view animal behavior. Dogs and other animals don't typically look up at the sun, but they could damage their eyes just like people so it's best to keep them inside during the eclipse.

Dogs are among the most affected household animals during eclipses. During a major eclipse in 1932, the Boston Society of Natural History recorded data suggesting around half the nation’s pet dogs were emotionally affected. For most dogs, this meant they became quite frightened, though some terrified pups went as far as trying to hide from the eclipse. So, during the eclipse, give your dog a little extra love and take measures to ensure they don’t try to run away. If you head outside, keep your dog on a leash.

Cats don't seem to be affected too much. They may nap right through the eclipse!

For at least a century, they have known birds hate eclipses. In the 1932 eclipse, there were reports nationwide of birds stopping their singing, with many appearing visibly shaken. As anyone who keeps birds knows, they can be sensitive animals at the best of times, so you should do everything you can to shelter your feathered buddy from the phenomenon.

This is Mother's Nature's "fake-out" when day becomes night and back to day again so many animals think it is night and begin to either settle down for the night or go out and hunt for dinner if they are nocturnal. Spiders have known to destroy their webs or even spin in circles. Many zoos will have animals show strange behavior during the eclipse and will take extra precautions to make sure the animals are safe.

More than likely your pets will be more affected by their human's behavior during the eclipse. If the owner is anxious, so will their pet. If the owner is excited, their pet may be excited also.

Last Updated on August 19th 2017 by Dee Loflin

https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/v86t/How-to-Protect-Your-Animals-During-the-Eclipse

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3.1 Earthquake Rattles Parts of Southeast Missouri

August 19th 2017 by Dee Loflin

Southeast, Missouri - A magnitude 3.1 earthquake rattled parts of southeast Missouri on Friday, Aug. 18.

The quake happened around 9:18 a.m. Friday about six miles northeast of Portageville, Missouri.

It had a depth of about seven miles.

Last Updated on August 19th 2017 by Dee Loflin

https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/v86u/31-Earthquake-Rattles-Parts-of-Southeast-Missouri

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Countywide Insurance Has Tips for a Safe Solar Eclipse Watch

August 17th 2017 by Dee Loflin

Have you heard? The Great American Solar Eclipse will occur on August 21, 2017!

Stoddard County, Missouri - Because you live in one of 12 states in the "path of totality" for prime viewing, County Wide Insurance wants to share some helpful tips for you, which you can share with your friends and family, to safely enjoy the eclipse.

This full solar eclipse will traverse the United States from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. The last total solar eclipse to cross the United States from coast-to-coast was 99 years ago in 1918. Your state is projecting especially heavy volume—up to a million eclipse visitors! As a result, streets and highways across the state will be susceptible to very heavy traffic in the days before and after the eclipse. Take a look at this map of the eclipse path and review the tips below to stay safe and maximize your enjoyment of the eclipse.

If you plan to travel:

Arrive in your viewing location at least one day–or ideally two days–in advance of August 21. Some interstate highways in or near the path of totality may become parking lots on the morning of the eclipse.

Be aware of distracted drivers. Leave plenty of space between yourself and the car ahead as there may be drivers on the road who are unfamiliar with the area.

If you have not yet secured lodging, plan to camp or take an RV. There will be plenty of temporary campsites on farms and empty lots.

Be as self-sufficient as possible. Keep your gas tank topped, and if safely possible, carry extra fuel. Bring plenty of water, food, and toilet paper. Don't forget sun-screen and hats.

If you absolutely must stay in touch with family or work, rent a satellite phone. Cell phone systems may be overwhelmed. Carry extra cell phone batteries/chargers and bring an old-fashioned paper map in the event limited cell service disrupts navigation apps. It may be helpful to download a traffic app to stay informed of real time traffic data.

Bring eclipse glasses, and be sure to grab them now before shortages occur. You'll need these to watch the partial stages of eclipse. Learn how to safely view the eclipse.

Get good eclipse maps of the path. These will be invaluable if you need to relocate, and they'll make a great souvenir of the event!

Watch the weather report on your local TV station in the days before the eclipse. Broadcast meteorologists will be giving eclipse weather forecasts. Try to relocate to another area early if your target destination has a poor weather prospect.

For those not traveling:

Stock up on necessities up to a week ahead as stores may run low on supplies.

Avoid the areas of peak congestion as much as possible. Consider rescheduling non-critical appointments to a day and time after the eclipse has ended.

Finally, enjoy the eclipse! This is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime experience-the next solar eclipse to touch only American soil won't occur again until January 25, 2316!

Last Updated on August 17th 2017 by Dee Loflin

https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/v86h/Countywide-Insurance-Has-Tips-for-a-Safe-Solar-Eclipse-Watch

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Dexter PD to Participate in Labor Day Crackdown

August 17th 2017 by Dee Loflin

August/Labor Day Crackdown “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” (DSOGPO) Weekend Crackdown

To Reduce Substance–Impaired Driving Fatalities

Dexter, Missouri - Local police will be out in full force as part of the annual nationwide August/Labor Day Crackdown weekend "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" substance-impaired driving crackdown. The crackdown, which will include high-visibility enforcement throughout Dexter, will run from August 18 - September 3, 2017.

The effective nationwide substance–impaired driving crackdown will include high-visibility enforcement, high-profile events, and will be supported by national paid advertising, creating a comprehensive campaign to curb substance–impaired driving over the August/Labor Day weekend holiday.

Dexter Police said its Officers will be aggressively looking for substance–impaired drivers during the crackdown and will arrest anyone caught driving impaired. Although it is illegal in all 50 States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to drive impaired (having a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher), far too many people across the nation get behind the wheel after consuming too much alcohol. The latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration underscore the serious nature of the nation’s continuing drunk driving epidemic.

"Every year, about one third of all motor vehicle traffic deaths involve one or more substance- impaired drivers or motorcycle operators," said Chief Stone. “Preliminary data indicates in 2016, 218 people were killed and 664 seriously injured on Missouri’s roadways in crashes that involved at least one substance-impaired driver.” That works out to approximately one substance-impaired driver involved fatality every 1-3/4 days and one substance-impaired driving serious injury every ½ day.

Chief Stone added the August/Labor Day Weekend holiday is particularly dangerous. During the August/Labor Day weekend holiday August 19 – September 5, 2016, 16 people were killed and 34 seriously injured involving at least one substance-impaired driver.

"Research has shown that high-visibility enforcement like the 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' campaign reduces substance–impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. By joining this nationwide effort, we will make Dexter’s roadways safer for everyone throughout the holiday," said Chief Stone.

"We want to remind everyone that getting behind the wheel impaired is a terrible idea. Unfortunately, not only does being under the influence impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely, it also impairs your judgment and good sense about whether you can, or should drive. If you have any doubt about your sobriety, do not get behind the wheel. If you do chose to drive impaired, you will be arrested. No warnings. No excuses," Chief Stone said.

Chief Stone noted that being arrested for driving under the influence of any substance brings a wide range of negative consequences into one’s life. Substance-impaired drivers face jail time, loss of their driver licenses, and steep financial consequences such as higher insurance rates, attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of job. When family, friends and co-workers find out, violators also often face tremendous personal embarrassment.

"Driving while impaired is simply not worth the risk. So don’t take the chance. Remember, we will be out in force and we will be watching, so ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over," said Chief Stone.

Last Updated on August 17th 2017 by Dee Loflin

https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/v86l/Dexter-PD-to-Participate-in-Labor-Day-Crackdown

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