Mountain Lions in Omaha

While it's fairly uncommon to see mountain lions in the city, it's not completely unlikely.

The range of the mountain lion spans from the center of Canada all the way to the southern-most tip of South America.

Cougars also can make their way into heavily populated areas, with at least one report of a cougar spotting in Chicago city limits.

Nebraska had the highest number of puma sightings, with 67 as of 2008.

When confronted with a puma, make sure to keep eye contact with the animal.  Make yourself as big as possible and make intimidating sounds.  Try to place objects between you and the cougar or try to pick up weapons if at all possible.  Don't turn your back on a mountain lion.

Radon in Douglas County

Radon is a major problem in Douglas County, as its average radon level is four times the common amount natiowide. 

What makes this radioactive gas so troublesome is the fact that it cannot be detected by human senses.  It has no scent, taste or color.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency, radon exposure is the highest cause of lung cancer next to smoking.  An estimated twenty one thousand lung cancer deaths a year are attributed to radon according to the EPA, that’s higher than yearly drunk driving deaths and drowning deaths. 

In order to protect yourself from radon exposure, testing is important.  Both a short term and long term test are available.  In Douglas County, a test kit can be picked up from The Douglas County Health Department offices at 1111 South 41^st Street. 

If your home has high levels of the gas, there are a few ways to remove it.  A fan and vent leading from beneath your home is the most effective way currently to remove radon.  It’s important to seal any cracks in foundation, walls or floors, or around pipes.  You should use a contractor who knows how to effectively remove radon in homes. 

Radon is nothing to ignore, especially with such high levels in Eastern Nebraska.  It’s important to protect yourself and your family from the risks linked to this radioactive gas.

http://www.nationalradondefense.com/radon-contractors/nebraska.html

http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html

http://www.douglascountyhealth.com/latest-news/278-douglas-county-health-department-expands-free-radon-test-kit-offer

Nebraska Heat Wave

Nebraska will be facing a heat wave from today, September 7, through Monday.

Temperatures will reach over ninety-degrees.

Temperatures like these can be dangerous for prolonged periods of time.

These temperatures are still slightly below the record high of one-hundred-four-degrees.

It's important to stay safe in these high temperatures.