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Editorial<br>Even though the lakes <br>are full, we still want more<br>

Kudos go to the city of Williams crews — from all departments — who worked diligently to remove snow from our streets as soon as they were able. During and after the latest snowstorm, crews worked around the clock assuring Williams’ roadways would be as safe as possible. The crew at the city shop, particularly Sheldon Johnson and Arnie Sleeper, work behind the scenes during every snowstorm repairing and maintaining equipment.

To make snow removal easier for our city crews, remember that during and after a winter storm, no parking is allowed on any street within the city limits. A vehicle impeding snow removal will be towed from the area and impounded. Make sure your vehicle is not parked on the street to avoid being towed.

Hopefully, more moisture is on its way. Although many of us prefer that we receive snow prior to rain, we readily admit that we will take any form of moisture as is whenever it arrives. During snowstorms, we urge citizens to remain inside and avoid travel if possible. If you must travel, here are a few tips:

• Store blankets in your vehicle. Be sure that each occupant has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat and water-resistant boots.

• Always carry bottled water in your vehicle.

• Make sure your car has been winterized before the winter storm season arrives.

• Listen for updated storm information and know what watches and warnings mean. A winter storm watch means there is a winter storm possible in your area. A winter storm warning means that a winter storm is headed for your area. A blizzard warning means those strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow and dangerous wind chill are expected. Seek shelter immediately.

• If your vehicle becomes stuck, stay with your car and do not try to walk to safety. Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna of your car so rescuers will see it. Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won’t back up in the car. Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in fresh air. Keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.

How to donate to tsunami relief

World leaders pledged Jan. 6 to work together to help tsunami-shattered regions recover from the worst natural disaster in living memory, saying it was a race against time to get aid to survivors before they succumb to disease. The leaders gathered for a day in Indonesia, the hardest hit by the Dec. 26 disaster, to discuss the best way to speed aid to victims. While about $4 billion has been pledged worldwide, the United Nations has warned some of the promises might not be honored as in previous disasters.

As the conference ended, world leaders issued a declaration pledging to work together to help the shattered regions recover and set up a tsunami warning system. As the death toll continues to grow and exceeds 150,000, many predict that the final number dead due to the earthquake and tsunami may double. With tens of thousands still missing and threatened by disease from the powerful waves that hit 11 nations, the United Nations says the death toll would keep climbing. More than 1.5 million people are homeless across the region.

How can we help?

To provide the most effective aid possible in the wake of the tsunamis, the American Red Cross estimates that it will require approximately $400 million providing emergency relief and also responding to long-term needs that will emerge over months and even years to come.

The immediate focus of the American Red Cross is providing lifesaving help to millions affected by the disaster. This includes distributing culturally appropriate foods including rice, canned fish and lentils to millions of people. Safe water and sanitation is a priority, and the American Red Cross will be rehabilitating water and sanitation systems to ensure that people have clean water and waste disposal systems.

As of Jan. 7, the Grand Canyon Chapter had received approximately $500,000 in donations and pledges for the fund. You can help those affected by this crisis and countless others around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support.

Call (800) HELP NOW. Contributions can be mailed to the American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter, 6135 N. Black Canyon Hwy., Phoenix, AZ 85015. Online donations can be made by visiting www.arizonaredcross.org.


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