Southeast Region Area Command
Chad Ray, Incident Commander
1305 Goff Street
Eads, CO 80136
719-240-1531

MEDIA RELEASE – For Immediate Release

December 30, 2006

For more information contact
Kiowa County Division of Emergency Management
Chris Sorensen, Public Information Officer
719-688-1976 (cell, not for public release) or chris@kiowaoem.com

Aircraft Conducting Searches Sunday Over Southeast Colorado

   (EADS, COLORADO) The Colorado Division of Emergency Management has announced that, beginning Sunday morning at 6:30, airplanes will be flying over the counties in the southeast Colorado area looking for stranded motorists.
   If you are stranded, clear off the top of your vehicle, display a brightly colored item of clothing, stand outside and wave your arms or shine a mirror to attract the attending of rescue personnel on board the aircraft. Your position will be relayed to helicopters that will fly over and attempt a rescue or relay  to other rescue personnel.
   Do not abandon your vehicle to search for help. If you are stranded, stay with the vehicle until help arrives. If necessary, run the motor for 10 minutes per hour to stay warm, and make certain the tailpipe remains clear. Rescue workers have the best opportunity to help you if you stay with your vehicle.
   
   Media Outlets: For further information about the search and rescue effort, contact Chad Ray at 719-240-1531.

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Released 2006-12-30, 2243– Initial release – Also available electronically at www.kiowaoem.com