Disaster Activity Update: Week of June 22

Severe Storms and Flooding, Wildfires & Other Disasters
On Wednesday, powerful storms will again target the Midwest and Plains with damaging winds, large hail and the possibility of tornadoes. Further west, a massive heat wave is expected to hit the Northwest this weekend. It's important that residents take time now to learn how to stay safe during these extreme conditions.

The Red Cross is still helping people affected by recent storms and ongoing flooding. More than 175 people spent Tuesday night in Red Cross shelters in Alabama, Illinois, Texas and Tennessee.

Severe Storms and Flooding
Thousands of Red Cross workers have been helping people in the Midwest since early May when the flooding began. With this new threat of additional severe weather, the Red Cross is still on the job, preparing to provide more help if needed.

Illinois: A series of storms caused flooding and tornado activity that affected several counties and displaced residents on Tuesday. The Red Cross opened three shelters in Northern Illinois to support people displaced by severe weather yesterday. Since Tuesday, more than 30 people have stayed overnight at the Red Cross shelter location in Coal City and a handful stayed at the Red Cross shelter located in Sublette. The Red Cross has additional shelter locations on standby if needed.

The Red Cross will continue to help those impacted by the severe weather and tornadoes that occurred June 22 throughout Northwest Illinois. Volunteers were ready to help before the storms hit and are now actively on the ground providing hope and comfort to residents in need. "Right now we want to make sure people get into safe shelter and their immediate needs like food, infant supplies and medications are met," said Ken Cozzi, Executive Director, American Red Cross of Southwest Suburbs.

Michigan: Severe weather caused possible tornado activity that affected hundreds of residents in Portland on Monday. The Red Cross is providing shelter, food, casework, support services as well as bulk distribution to affected residents. In a separate event, a storm with tornado activity impacted several residents in Manchester on Tuesday. The Red Cross deployed disaster workers who provided, shelter, food and support services.

South Dakota: Severe storm activity, with wind gusts up to 100 mph, left thousands of residents without power in several portions of the state on Monday. The Red Cross deployed disaster workers who provided shelter, food, comfort and clean up kits and casework. Additional disaster workers and shelters are on standby to assist, as well.

Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana: Since early May, the Red Cross has provided the following services in Texas and Oklahoma: served more than 365,000 meals and snacks; distributed nearly 187,000 relief supplies; and provided more than 3,600 shelter stays. Red Cross workers are also providing health services such as replacing lost eyeglasses and medications, and providing emotional support to those affected. Trained Red Cross workers are meeting one-on-one with people to help them plan their recovery. Over the past two weeks, the Red Cross has provided similar services after flooding in Louisiana, serving more than 3,300 meals and snacks and distributed nearly 700 relief items.

Wildfires in Alaska and California
Wildfires in Alaska are still burning, damaging thousands of acres and numerous homes. Red Cross workers are helping, making sure people have a safe place to stay. Red Cross workers have shelters open and providing food and water to those affected. The Red Cross is also providing health services and emotional comfort and working with state and local officials to determine if additional help is needed.

Wildfires also continue to burn in California and surrounding states, destroying hundreds of acres and forcing people to evacuate. Red Cross shelters are on standby and ready to assist evacuees with information, food, water, hygiene items and comfort.

Responding to Home Fires and Other Disasters
The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters every year, many of which are less visible in the news media. From multi-family fires, to supporting search and rescue responders, severe weather and more, the Red Cross is there to provide hope and help for families in the aftermath of a disaster. In addition to large-scale relief efforts taking place, below is a list of other disasters Red Cross workers have responded to in the last 24 hours.

Connecticut - Severe Weather: A series of severe storms impacted Norwich and caused a variety of power outages and brought down trees and power lines on Tuesday. Hundreds of residents were affected. The American Red Cross opened a shelter for the affected families.

New Jersey - Tornado & Hazardous Material Incident: Three homes were damaged and about 1,000 homes in the Gloucester and Camden County areas were left without power due to a tornado on Tuesday. The Red Cross deployed disaster workers to assist in relief efforts.  Separately, a hazmat incident occurred in Paulsboro and the Gloucester office of emergency management is trying to determine if it was related to severe weather and what the impact was. A Red Cross representative is on site to assist with the operation.

Pennsylvania - Severe Weather, Flooding & Multi-Family Fire: A storm brought strong winds that knocked down trees in Warren County on Tuesday. The Red Cross provided food and beverages for 80 people affected by the storms. Storms also affected Delaware, Montgomery, Bucks and Philadelphia Counties and caused a power outage for thousands of residents. In communication with local emergency management authorities, the Red Cross opened a shelter for displaced residents. Separately, flooding affected 15 families in New Castle on Wednesday. The Red Cross sent disaster workers to the scene to assess the situation and provide assistance as needed. In another event, a fire affected 12 apartments and displaced residents in Bristol Borough on Tuesday. The Red Cross assisted the affected residents, such as helping to locate immediate lodging and health services, for people in four apartments units as well as four other people.

Tennessee - Hazardous Materials & Storms: A tanker truck overturned on the highway in Dickson and spilled gasoline which resulted in a two block perimeter evacuation on Tuesday. The Red Cross opened a shelter for the evacuees, which was later placed on standby. In a separate incident on Tuesday, a storm removed the roof of a motel which affected 20 rooms in Murfreesboro. Red Cross disaster workers opened a shelter for the displaced residents.

Virginia - Explosion: A lab exploded in a room at an extended stay hotel and prompted an evacuation of the affected area in Chesterfield County on Tuesday. The Red Cross is prepared to offer assistance if it is requested.

Disaster Preparedness
To ensure you have lifesaving information at your fingertips, download the Red Cross Emergency App for real-time access to weather alerts, preparedness information, safety tips and shelter locations.

The Emergency App provides expert advice on what to do during floods, tornadoes, wildfires and other disasters. The app also provides lifesaving information on emergency first aid for various situations such as what to do for heart attacks, heat-related emergencies and includes water safety tips. Pre-loaded content ensures that guidance from Red Cross experts is available anytime, anywhere - even without mobile connectivity. The Emergency App is available for free in app stores for smart phones and tablets and can also be found by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/apps.

Hot Weather Safety
When the temperatures rise, drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. Drinks with caffeine or alcohol can increase dehydration. Eat smaller meals and eat more often. Other tips include :

• Slow down, stay inside and avoid heavy exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• Never leave kids or pets in hot vehicles.
• If you work outside, take a lot of breaks.
• Check on loved ones and neighbors who don't have air conditioning, who are alone, or who may be affected by the heat.
• Check on your animals frequently. Make sure they have enough water.

If you are in the path of a severe thunderstorm, here are some steps you should take:

• When you hear thunder go indoors immediately.
• Take shelter inside. Unplug appliances, avoid using the phone and electrical appliances.
• If you are driving, pull off the road and park. Keep the windows closed and turn on the emergency flashers. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside of the vehicle.
• Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose.
• Turn off the air conditioner. The storm could damage the unit.
• If you are caught outside during a thunderstorm and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground, water, tall, isolated trees and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are not safe.

LECLAIRE, Iowa -- Saturday, June 27 the "3rd Annual French Market Day" will take place. This event will include "Tour de LeClaire," free Big Wheel races kids 3-6 years old from 9-11am sponsored by the River Valley Optimists Club, farmers' market on the Levee from 3-6pm, and more.

New this year, the Wine & Beer Fest will take place from 2-8pm on the LeClaire, Iowa Levee - right along the river. It will feature wines and beers from around Iowa. Proceeds go towards River Valley Optimist Youth Programs. Entry is $20 and includes 5 tasting tickets. First 250 visitors receive a special souvenir glass. $10 Designated Driver entry includes complimentary soft drinks and water and a ticket for a complimentary food item. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Children under 5 are free.

French Market Day includes something for everyone. A complete list of upcoming LeClaire events can be found at http://www.visitleclaire.com/events.html

LeClaire, Iowa is located at a point where the Mississippi River makes a sharp bend to the southwest. LeClaire's historic bond with the river and the bold men who tamed the Upper Rapids is still visible in the homes and buildings they left behind. LeClaire's other attractions include the Buffalo Bill Museum/Lone Star Stern Wheeler, Mississippi River Distilling Co., and Antique Archaeology, home of the American Pickers.

www.visitleclaire.com • 563-289-4242 x61135 • info@visitleclaire.com

Quad Cities - As Sunday, June 21 came to a close, local museums reported increased visitation during the first annual Quad Cities Museum Week that ran June 13 through 21. Due to the success of the event, plans are underway for next year's event.

Museums reported anywhere from a 1% to 40% increase in visitation.  Most notably, the small museums recorded the highest percentage increase in visitation during the event.

Buffalo Bill Museum & River Pilot's Pier reported a 40% increase in visitation as did Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village, Alexander Brownlie Sod House, and the Buffalo Bill Cody Homestead.  These museums teamed up to create a Cody Trail passport that people could have punched at each location for a chance to win a gift basket.

The Deere-Wiman House welcomed 621 people during their first-ever tunnel tours.  Black Hawk State Historic Site had 94 people attend their tours, and Rock Island Arsenal Museum visitation was up 21%.  The Colonel Davenport reported strong numbers for their Pioneer Days & Buckskinners Rendezvous.

Additionally, the Family Museum had 4,471 visitors during their event up 1.5%, and Iowa 80 Trucking Museum was up nearly 50%.  All museums agreed the event was a success and brought many new visitors through their doors.

"I am so pleased that the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau brought area museums together for Quad Cities Museum Week, and that I had the opportunity to work with museums I had never partnered with before," says Elly Gerdts, Marketing Coordinator, Family Museum. "When you group all of these terrific entities together, it really shows the amazing collection of museums the Quad Cities has to offer its community and visitors."

A museum geocache was also part of the celebration and has become a popular new treasure hunt for many geocache enthusiasts. Twelve museums participated in the geocache which involves people using GPS to find hidden cache boxes located outdoors around the museum's property.  The boxes contain little prizes and participants log in when they found the caches. The geocaches will remain in place indefinitely and you can still participate by going on www.geocaching.com.

"The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum received many positive comments from our visitors during Museum Week. Many from local and surrounding communities had visited us for the first time," says Donna Winter, Iowa 80 Trucking Museum. "It's all due to the hard work and collaborative efforts of all those who made Museum Week happen. I personally have experienced a renewed enthusiasm for our local attractions."

The website for Quad Cities Museum Week received 5,000 visits from May 22 through June 21, and over 10,500 page views. Over 2,600 people used a mobile device to access the site. Visitors to the website were from the Quad Cities region followed by visitation from the cities of Chicago, Omaha, Madison, and Milwaukee.

Stories on the event appeared in several newspapers and magazines outside the Quad Cities region including Group Tour Magazine, a popular trade publication read by Group Tour Planners that bring tour buses to the Quad Cities.

"The Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau is ready to begin work on the 2016 Quad Cities Museum Week, and to continuing this great partnership," says Charlotte Doehler-Morrison, VP Marketing & Communications Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau. "This event shows what can happen when area attractions work together towards a common goal that everyone has a vested interest in."

Museums impact our community in a variety of ways. They play a key role in education, job creation, tourism, economic development and more.  They bring quality-of-life to our community and to those whole live here and visit.  In fact, 78% of all U.S. leisure travelers participate in cultural or heritage activities such as visiting museums.  These travelers spend 63% more on average than other leisure travelers.

In the Quad Cities region, there are some 30 museums that are available to residents throughout the year.  A total of 21 museums participated in this year's Quad Cities Museum Week.  The group hopes to increase participation in 2016.

To find out more about some of the museums that participated in Quad Cities Museum Week, visit www.qcmuseumweek.com and plan a visit this summer or anytime throughout the year.

DES MOINES, IA (06/24/2015)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair is known for fun, interesting, and delicious food. Each year, a list of new culinary adventures from sweet to salty, to strange and yummy are announced. In 2015, the list of new foods is sure to keep everyone in the family looking for more.

The 2015 New Foods includes:

• Apple Pie On-a-Stick

• Bruschetta

• Cattleman's Steak Wrap

• Chocolate Dipped Strawberries on a Stick

• Corn in a Cup

• Deep Fried Cherry Pie

• Deep Fried Nacho Balls

• Donut Sundae

• Golden Fried Peanut Butter & Jelly on a Stick

• Gluten Free Corndog

• Kernel Kluster

• Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cake

• Toasted Coconut Caramel Cluster

• Ultimate Bacon Explosion

• 27° Super Chill Beer

• and of course, the newest Fair Square flavor, Chocolate Marshmallow Malt

Concessionaires offering new foods in 2015 submitted entries for the New Food Contest. The New Food Contest entries were judged on taste/flavor, presentation/appearance, value and creativity/originality.

"We have something for everyone at the Fair," said Gary Slater, CEO for the Iowa State Fair. "But, we love the challenge of finding the next new and exciting Fair food."

Fairgoers can sample the top three contenders and cast their vote between August 13- 17. The 2015 New Fair Food winner will be announced on August 18.

Corn in a Cup is a heaping portion of grilled Iowa Sweet Corn cut straight off the cob. The best of Iowa's corn crop is then mixed with pork chorizo, butter, chayote cheese, lime juice, sour cream, mayo, and "Magic Dust," The Corn Stand's (Ruan Plaza) secret spice. It is considered the caviar of Iowa.

The Toasted Coconut Caramel Cluster is a delicious combination of toasted coconut, caramel fudge, and bits of pretzel, then frozen on a stick and freshly dipped in chocolate when ordered. The perfect treat for an August day, this sweet and salty goodness will be available at the Dipped in Chocolate Stand on the outside of the Livestock Pavilion. This will bring back Girl Scout cookie memories with a 2015 twist.

The Ultimate Bacon Explosion features 8 oz. of fresh brisket trimmings infused with a light jalapeno cheese, blended with seasonings, and then wrapped in bacon. It is then smoked and lightly sauced in a homemade Sweet Chili BBQ Sauce. As if it couldn't get any better, this is 100% gluten-free and can be found at the Rib Shack in Walnut Square.

Additional entries in the contest included Deep Fried Nacho Balls, Cattlemen's Steak Wrap, and Apple Pie On-a-Stick.

"It is fun to see what new foods we can offer each year and even though there will be only one winner in the New Foods Contest this year, Fairgoers will be able to try all the new foods and pick their favorite," said Slater.

To find new foods and old favorites, look for the Iowa State Fair Food Finder coming soon to iowastatefair.org.

 

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Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines is Iowa's greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. "Nothing Compares" to the 2015 Iowa State Fair, August 13-23, 2015. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.