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We hope you enjoyed a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend and that you took a moment to remember the men and women in uniform who are currently serving our country as well as our honored veterans. And, of course, those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is designated as a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America. Over two dozen cities and towns claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it’s difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. (Learn more about Memorial Day)
US Tornado Season Surges Toward New Record
According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate.gov:
The 2017 tornado season across the United States has gotten off to an active start. As of April 17, 570 tornadoes have been reported, which is almost a hundred more than average. The season jumped out of the gate with an incredibly active January: 134 tornadoes in total—more than triple the long-term average—and an especially radical departure from the past three years, during which the average number of January tornados was just 16.
The most important thing to know about tornadoes, is that they can strike without warning. That is why you should be alert to changing weather conditions, and use both broadcast information and your own senses and experience to know when to take cover.
Tornado Watch
A Tornado Watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. In this case, you should be alert to changes in the weather and take precautions to protect you and your property.
During a Tornado Watch:
- Move cars inside a garage or carport. Keep your car keys and house keys with you.
- Move lawn furniture and yard equipment such as lawnmowers inside if time permits.
- Account for family members at home.
- Have your emergency kit ready.
- Keep your radio or TV tuned into the weather reports.
Tornado Warning
A Tornado Warning means that a tornado has actually been sighted. Tornadoes can be deadly and devastating storms, with winds up to 260 miles per hour. If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, seek shelter immediately!
There is little time for closing windows or hunting for flashlights. It is a good idea to know where things are, and to have an emergency storm kit already prepared.
Tornado Preparedness:
- Learn the warning signals used in your community. If a siren sounds, that means stay inside and take cover.
- Consider setting up a neighborhood information program through a club, church group or community group. Hold briefings on safety procedures as tornado season approaches. Set up a system to make sure senior citizens and shut-ins are alerted if there is a tornado warning.
- Put together an emergency storm kit including a transistor radio, flashlight, batteries and simple first-aid items in a waterproof container.
- Make a complete inventory of your possessions for insurance purposes.
- Conduct drills with your family in the home; make sure each member knows the correct procedures if they are at work or school when a tornado hits.
During the Tornado
The safest place to be during a tornado is underground, preferably under something sturdy like a workbench.
If there is no basement or cellar in your home, a small room in the middle of house -- like a bathroom or a closet -- is best. The more walls between you and the outside, the better.
Driving During a Tornado
Tornadoes can toss cars and large trucks around like toys. Never try to outrun a tornado.If you see a funnel cloud or hear a tornado warning issued on the radio or by siren, get out of your vehicle and seek a safe structure or lie down in a low area with your hands covering the back of your head and neck.
Speaking of weather, and who isn’t lately, Summer is almost here and Summer means heat. Although not quite as deadly as a tornado, a heat wave can be just as dangerous. Here are some tips on how to beat the heat:
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Drinks containing caffeine will only make you thirstier and while they taste good, they actually make you more dehydrated. Try freezing a bottle of water to have on hand for those extra hot days.
Say Stress Free: The summer heat only adds more stress when things go bad on the road. Plan your trips carefully. Avoid rush hours, long stretches of highway driving in the middle of the day and keep your emotions under control. Road rage is more frequent in the summer heat, avoid putting yourself in that position. Remember, the other guy is just as hot as your are.
Relax and Stretch: Take a little time to unwind. Find some shade or air conditioning and stretch your arms and legs every now then. Don’t hop out of the bunk and plop down behind the wheel. Give yourself a little time to think about the work day ahead.
Sunscreen: Use it! Recent reports reveal the cheaper the sunscreen the more effective. A small price to pay to avoid sunburn. Place a cool damp towel around your neck when fueling or doing your inspection. Stay cool!
Get Plenty of Rest: Being tired only make you hotter. A good night’s sleep and a little nap in the afternoon will keep your energy from being zapped by the heat.
Women In Trucking Association
Announces its May Member of the Month
Paige Eber
Women In Trucking Association (WIT) announces Paige Eber as its May Member of the Month. Paige was recently promoted to District Service Manager for Rush Truck Centers, covering its dealership locations in South Georgia.
Paige joined Rush Truck Centers in June 2015 as part of Rush Enterprises’ New Graduate program, following her graduation from Clemson University. Later that year, Paige joined the company’s Leadership Development Program, an 18-month management training program. In that program, she spent six months each in service, sales/administration, and in parts. This program is a comprehensive rotation which provides training on the full scope of managing a dealership, including the inner workings of each department, and how all departments are connected and dependent upon each other.
Paige completed her first six months with Rush Enterprises working at Rush Truck Center-Charlotte and then transferred to the Service department in the company’s Richmond, Virginia location, where she immediately took charge in every capacity she was able to assist, including stepping in as interim Service Manager role for three months. With the guidance of the Director of Service and the Regional Service Manager, even with Paige’s brief tenure at both Rush Enterprises and in the industry, she performed remarkably well.
“We are proud of Paige and her accomplishments and for embodying our company values of excellence, fairness, productivity, and positive attitude. We are looking forward to her continued bright future,” said Rich Ryan, Senior Vice President of Navistar Dealerships at Rush Enterprises.
Victor Cummings, Rush Enterprises’ Vice President of Service Operations, said, “Paige’s efforts, dedication and leadership have helped to build more cohesive relationships between each department she worked, even though she was the one in training. Every manager that has worked with her has been complimentary of her work ethic, ability, and overall positive influence on her peers and our customers. Having had the pleasure to work with Paige for almost two years, I can say with confidence that she is an exceptional young professional and will no doubt go far in her career. I am happy for Paige and very proud of her.” |
