November 1, 2006
GIS DAY
Celebrate Your World With GIS
The City of Midland, Midland College, and the Permian Basin Arc User Group (PBAUG) will host a GIS Day event on Wednesday, November 15, 2006, at the Advanced Technology Center (ATC) from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in room 137.
Residents are encouraged to stop by and learn more about GIS and how organizations in the Permian Basin are using this technology. There will be a map gallery and several GIS applications on display. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to win prizes.
GIS Day is a global event that celebrates geographic information system (GIS) technology, the innovative technology that uses geography to bring countless benefits to the world. The PBAUG GIS Day event provides an opportunity for those curious about GIS to see its applications in action. A GIS is a computer-based mapping tool that takes information from a database about a location, such as streets, buildings, water features, and terrain, and turns it into visual layers. The ability to see geographic features on a map gives users a better understanding of a particular location, enabling planners, analysts, and others to make informed decisions about their communities.
Although you may not be aware, GIS touches our lives daily. It is used throughout the world to solve problems related to the environment, health care, land use, business efficiency, education, and public safety. The power supply directed to homes, the patrol cars and fire trucks that keep neighborhoods safe, and the delivery trucks on the road all function more efficiently because of GIS. This technology can also help businesses place ATMs and restaurants at more convenient locations, allow people to pull maps off the Internet, and help farmers grow more crops with less chemicals.
Most recently we have seen how GIS technology can be used to aid Homeland Security initiatives, map the debris field following the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy, and monitor the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The applications of GIS technology are endless, limited only by the imagination of its users. From border patrol agents to doctors, and from federal agency employees to local city planners, people in nearly every profession all over the world are reaping the benefits of this extraordinary technology.
The event is held each year on the Wednesday of National Geographic Society’s Geography Awareness Week (November 12–18 in 2006). This year marks GIS Day’s eighth year. For additional event information please log on to www.gisday.com.
RETIREMENT
The Midland Fire Department will bid farewell to one long time employee. A reception will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. at the Central Fire Station.
Fire Driver Mike Childs has worked for the Midland Fire Department since 1983 and will leave with 23 years of service.
The media is encouraged to attend and help make this a special event.
COLD WEATHER SAFETY
The Midland Fire department would like to remind everyone of the importance of fire safety with the approaching cold weather. Residents should not only be careful with heating devices, but also with static electricity and gasoline as well.
Colder dryer air promotes the chance of static electricity buildup. Flash fires at gas pumps are becoming more common with vehicles being constructed of more plastics and electronic devices. The fires occur after the occupants start the fueling process and re-enter their vehicle. By re-entering their car, a static charge is created. There are a few precautions to take to keep you and your family safe at the pump. Fire officials suggest that you touch the metal on their vehicle or gas pump prior to touching the nozzle. This will safely discharge the static buildup. If a fire does occur, leave the nozzle in the vehicle and turn the pump off and/or alert the gas station attendant.
Gasoline is an important part of our everyday lives however, it is dangerous, and if not handled or stored properly, gasoline will result in serious injury and/or death. Gasoline should only be used for its intended purpose - as a motor fuel - and stored only when absolutely necessary.
The fire code prohibits the storage or dispensing of flammable or combustible liquids in non-approved containers. All containers that are used to transport these liquids must be approved containers that have a tight closure with screwed or spring-loaded cover so designed that the contents can be dispensed without spilling. Containers MUST have a liquid tight closure that prevents spillage of the liquid. A dispensing nozzle with a rag or paper towel stuck in the end does not qualify as a liquid tight closure. All containers must be stored and transported with a liquid tight closure and the dispensing nozzle in the stored position. Containers that do not have an approved closure cannot be filled with a flammable or combustible liquid. When transporting gasoline in a portable container make sure the container is secure from tipping and sliding, and never leave in the direct sunlight or in the trunk of a car.
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