Are you Ready for a Party?

Don't miss the 2016 Corporate Challenge kick-off party on Friday, April 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. This event is FREE at the Truman Sports Complex, near I-70 and Blue Ridge Cutoff. We are in Parking Lot L.

All KC District employees and their families and friends are invited and encouraged to participate, and join the fun at the MoDOT booth. Hot dogs and buns, lemonade and water will be provided. Please bring a side dish to share with coworkers. 

The evening's event is the official kick-off for the 2016 KC Corporate Challenge. You do not have to be signed up to participate in the party. There will be a one mile optional walk to earn points for the KCCC. Let's show the other teams how great One Team MoDOT is. 


We will host games, a selfie station, have MoDOT equipment, food and lots of fun! Don't miss it! 


QUESTIONS? Reach out to Brian Burger at brian.burger@modot.mo.gov or 816-645-3925

KC Scout Partners with U.S. Department of Transportation to Host Connected Vehicle Workshop

 Autonomous and connected vehicles are quickly becoming buzz words in the transportation industry as automakers continue to roll out new cars with increased connectivity. Whether it’s parking assist or Google’s driverless car,

transportation experts are thinking ahead to how this new generation of smart cars will interact with the roadway and the cars sharing it.

On Mar. 31, 2016, KC Scout hosted local chapters of ITS Heartland for a USDOT-led workshop about future vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) applications.

‘As an organization that already capitalizes on technology to improve safety and reduce crashes, we are very interested in how car technology can interact with our systems,” said KC Scout Manager Randy Johnson. “In the future, we expect vehicles that will literally talk to our roadways, whether to warn drivers of yellow lights ahead or to re-route them around an incident or even a workzone.”

The workshop is designed specifically for transportation managers, project engineers, and operations staff to participate in a connected vehicle pilot deployment. Participants will identify regional and local transportation challenges, discuss integrating connected vehicle projects into ongoing operations and look at establishing communication and physical security needs.

Learn more about KC Scout at http://www.kcscout.net. Follow KC Scout on twitter at twitter.com/kansascityscout, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KansasCityScout.

MoDOT's Nancy Powell Speaks to Sedalia Rotary Club

Our very own Nancy Powell gave a special presentation to the Sedalia Rotary Club. She spoke to more than 30 members Monday, March 28. Powell's discussion focused on the use of RITIS and HERE data.

Those two particular programs help to auto-populate the rural I-70 boards as quickly as the data indicates a "slowed” or “stopped” traffic condition at the point that a queue begins. 

Powell says this happens based on threshold conditions being met that indicate the potential for congestion ahead. 

She adds, a TMC operator can then investigate using available CCTVs or MHP data that is shared via Scout’s TransSuite Event Receiver which can provide additional incident information on those same upstream DMS boards.  

This innovation provides more information, delivered in real-time, which enables improved driver decision making and evasive action.

Powell says the presentation went well and the club asked her to return for periodic updates. 

Spring Meetings Coming Soon!

Don't forget to come on your assigned Spring Meeting date. Breakfast begins at 7 a.m. 

For those attending at the District Office, everyone is invited to eat some pancakes beginning at 7 a.m. in the break room, even though the day is split into two sessions. 

See you there!

Don't forget to volunteer for Big Truck Night!

Calling All Volunteers-Big Truck Night Coming Soon

We need YOUR help! Do you want to have fun while helping out with one of the district's big events? Then sign up to be a volunteer for BIG Truck Night on April 11. We need people to help in the following areas: 

• Color/Activity Table

• Tattoo Station

• Seat Belt Convincer

• Red Light/Green Light Game

• Truck dig in sand activity (for younger kids)

• Floaters:

• Highway Patrol Boat Dock Monitor (Help direct families for safe entry into boat)

If interested in helping or if you would like more information, please contact Kerri Lewis: 607-2152 or kerri.lewis@modot.mo.gov.

KC Corporate Challenge Update

It's not too late to sign up for the KC Corporate Challenge. Teams are forming, but we could still use your help!

Deadline to sign up is April 6, so don't delay. Click here to get started. With so many fun team activities, there is plenty to choose from.

Here are some areas needing more participants:

•  3-on-3 Ladies Basketball
• Half marathon
• Bike Race
• Swimming: All age brackets. 
• 5K Run/Walk
• Track

And many more areas!

Don't forget about the big Kick-off tailgate event April 15. More information coming your way soon. 

MoDOT Takes Part in Driver Education Presentation

Several members of MoDOT KC stopped by Northwest High School in Hughesville, Mo Wednesday, March 16, 2016 for a Driver's Ed. presentation. The presentation was given to more than one hundred students. The discussion included safe driving, distracted driving and seat belt safety.

Students also got a chance to wear "drunk goggles" to help give them a sense of how things would be if they were drunk. 

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens.

On average, six teens ages 16 to 19 die every day from motor vehicle injuries.  
 

KC District Leader Celebrates Birthday

District Engineer Dan Niec celebrated another birthday on March 17, which is also St. Patrick's Day. 

During the weekly management team meeting, a birthday video was shown to Dan and the managers.

Happy birthday Dan!! 

KC Customer Service Answers the Call

They answer the call, and they step up and help out when needed. They are the KC Customer Service team. 

Recently, the group was honored for their help during the historic flooding event late last year. Although the flooding affected the eastern side of Missouri, KC Customer Service fielded calls, worked extra hours, assisting the best they could during the messy flooding event.  

More than 17,000 calls were answered during that week of December. In fact, on Dec. 28, Customer Service hit a new record for the most phone calls answered in one day. A total of 9,250 calls came in statewide. Now that's a lot of customers!

The biggest concern from customers was the fact that major roads such as I-70, I-44 and I-55 were closed, in addition, 50 highway along with dozens of numbered and letter routes. Customers needed a way to get around the flooded roads, and called for help. 

A special letter of appreciation from the St. Louis District's customer service team and an achievement coin was given to each one of the KC team. Way to go KC Customer Service!

   

 

The Dangers of Thunderstorms

Day four of Severe Weather Awareness Week focuses on the dangers of thunderstorms. A thunderstorm is defined as a rain shower that contains lightning. In addition, thunderstorms also hold the potential for high winds, flash flooding, hail and tornadoes.

Here are some facts about thunderstorms:

• A severe thunderstorm is a storm that contains large hail, 1 inch in diameter or larger, and/or damaging straight-line winds of 58 mph or greater.  
• Rain cooled air descending from a severe thunderstorms can move at speeds in excess of 100 mph. This is what is called “straight-line” wind gusts. 
• There was 1 death and 3 injuries from thunderstorm wind gusts in Missouri in 2015, with 0 deaths and injuries from tornadoes. 
• A downburst is a sudden out-rush of this wind. Strong downbursts can produce extensive damage which is often similar to damage produced by a small tornado. A downburst can easily overturn a mobile home, tear roofs off houses and topple trees. 
• Severe thunderstorms can produce hail the size of a quarter (1 inch) or larger. 
• Quartersize hail can cause significant damage to cars, roofs, and can break windows. 
• Softballsize hail can fall at speeds faster than 100 mph.

How to stay safe when a severe thunderstorm is approaching: 

• Listen to local news or NOAA weather radio for emergency updates. Watch for signs of a storm, like darkening skies, lighting flashes or increasing wind.
• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning. If thunder roars, go indoors! Don't wait for rain. Lightning can strike out of a clear blue sky. 
• Avoid electrical equipment and corded telephones. Cordless phones, cell phones and other wireless handheld devices are safe to use.
• Keep away from windows.
• If driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends.  
• If outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid higher ground; water; tall, isolated trees; and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are not safe. 

Knowing the warning signs, and seeking shelter are key to staying safe during the threat of severe weather. 

Flooding: Day Three of Severe Weather Awareness Week

Severe Weather Awareness Week continues to offer great safety tips as spring approaches. 

In 2015, 27 people in Missouri died from flooding. 23 of those deaths involved a vehicle. Here are some interesting facts provided by the National Weather Service regarding flooding:

Fact: Six inches of swiftly flowing can knock a person over. 

Fact: Two feet of water will make most vehicles float. 

Fact: Each foot of water exerts 500 pounds of force. If two feet of water hits a vehicle door, that is 1000 pounds of force and you cannot open the door. The result is people drown in their vehicle. Perhaps you can climb out a window. But even if you do, then you have to swim through rapidly flowing water which will be full of debris. People are usually trapped underwater by the debris and drown.



The best tip to remember is NEVER drive into a flooded area! Be especially cautious at night when darkness will often hide flood dangers. If you live in a flood prone area, have a plan of action in case flooding strikes. Stay tuned to the latest weather developments and be ready to move quickly. Abandon personal property and move to higher ground.


Keeping these tips in mind will help keep you and your family/friends safe. 

Members of MoDOT KC Learn Life Saving Tips in CPR Classes

Many jobs these days require up to date lifesaving skills because they address health emergencies found every day in the workplace.

Emergencies come in many shapes and sizes – some man-made, others acts of nature. While it is impossible to control every outcome, education and planning can help you feel more confident that you and your loved ones will have the skills needed to cope. 

That's why members of the KC District team took part in CPR class training. It's also important that family members know CPR as well, in case of an emergency.

To learn more information, http://www.firstaidweb.com/  

Tornado Safety

As Severe Weather Awareness Week continues, so do the helpful tips to prepare for severe storms. Tornadoes are a threat in the Midwest. We can't stop tornadoes, but by being prepared and following tornado safety rules, lives can be saved and injuries prevented. 

Warning the public of severe weather is the National Weather Service's (NWS) most important job. To help the public prepare for tornado situations, the NWS has adopted a Watch and Warning program.

Tornado Watch: This means that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms and possible tornado development. This is the time to prepare.  

Tornado Warning: This means a tornado has been sighted or the NWS is seeing signs on radar that
indicate a thunderstorm may be capable of producing a tornado at any minute. People in the path of the storm should take immediate precautions. 

The NWS has also offered these tips:

In Homes and Most Structures: A basement or other underground location is by far the best shelter from a tornado. If a basement is not available, move to an all interior small room, or other interior location such as a hallway. Stay away from outside walls, doors, and windows. Keep as many walls as you can between you and the wind outside. 

In schools, hospitals, factories, shopping centers and other public places, move to designated shelter areas. Interior hallways on the lowest level are best. Stay away from windows and out of auditoriums, gymnasiums, or structures with large free span roofs.

In Vehicles: Try to avoid driving when severe weather threatens! If a tornado is a reality, you must quickly assess your situation! If you have a clear path, and you can drive in a direction away from the tornado, then do so. Another option would be to seek shelter in a nearby substantial building. As a last resort, abandon your vehicle and hide in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head.

There are just a few ways to stay safe during a potential tornado. Always keep safety as your top priority.  

Severe Weather Preparedness

Severe Weather Awareness Week is a week-long look at the potential dangers that accompany storms typically seen during spring and summer in the Midwest. This is an opportunity to look at the dangers and how to protect yourself and others when severe weather strikes. 

Having a plan of action for the most common forms of severe weather is the first step for being prepared when storms strike. Here are some tips offered by the National Weather Service (NWS) to start being prepared not just at work but also important for home. 

Step 1: Identify the severe weather hazards you may face.  Thunderstorms are a major threat in our area.  These storms can produce tornadoes, damaging wind gusts, large hail, and heavy rain that can produce flash flooding. At some point in your life, you will likely be faced with one of these hazards.

Step 2: Set up your plan. 

• Know who is in charge of the plan. 
• Identify how will you receive weather warnings. Today's technology allows several options, but don't make the mistake on relying on just one. Choose several options to stay on top of the latest warnings and threats such as a NOAA weather radio, media channel, and/or internet.
• If you receive a weather warning such that you need to activate your plan, how will you inform the people you are responsible for? Sounds easy enough, but for large groups, it is important to identify ways to make those announcements.
• Establish shelter areas in your home or workplace. Depending on the amount of people who need to be sheltered, multiple areas may be needed. 

Step 3: Practice your plan. Practice makes perfect, and allows you the opportunity to identify issues, or weaknesses that could be addressed before an actual emergency. 

Being prepared is a step closer in helping keep everyone safe. For more great ides on how to be prepared when severe weather strikes, visit the Severe Weather Preparedness handout provided by NWS.  

 

 

Safety Glasses WILL Save an Eye

March is Workplace Eye Health and Safety Month. It is imperative to wear the proper safety glasses as advised by the MoDOT policy. In fact, it is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce and even avoid eye injuries. In fact, Prevent Blindness America (PBA) estimates that 90 percent of workplace eye injuries could be avoided if safety eyewear is used effectively. Nearly three out of five people suffering eye injuries at work were wearing no protection at all.   

Remember, MoDOT requires employees to wear appropriate head and eye/face protection when engaged in work activities occurring on or near right-of-way, grounds and facilities. It could save your sight.

Need another reason? Recently, a KC employee was operating a backhoe with the window open. He reached out with the boom and began to curl the pipe back. As he did this, a small piece of culvert broke off, and flew into the cab hitting the left lens of his safety glasses. This result could have been devastating, resulting in the loss of an eye.

Because he was wearing the proper PPE, including safety glasses, his eyes were protected. The glasses prevented him from damaging his eye or even worse, losing his eye sight. The result was a simple scratch to the safety glasses, with no injury to the employee. 

  

Don’t fall victim to chance! Always wear the proper PPE, and keep yourself safe, so you can go home safe! 

MoDOT Teammates Come Through for Blood Drive (Photo Gallery)

Yet another good turnout for MoDOT KC District quarterly blood drive. The American Red Cross of Greater Kansas City collected 23 units of blood Wednesday, March 9. 23 units will go a long way. It will help up to 69 people. The next blood drive with the Community Blood Center will be May 25, 2016.  

Severe Weather Awareness Week begins March 14

Spring has sprung, and so has the chance for severe weather impacting the area. March 14 through March 18 is Severe Weather Awareness Week and offers some important safety tips to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws our way.

Each day during the awareness week focuses on one theme. 

• Day 1 is Severe Weather Preparedness: The first day for severe weather awareness shares the importance of being prepared. The question is NOT IF severe weather will happen; it is how will you be prepared WHEN severe weather strikes?
• Day 2 is Tornado Safety: One very common form of severe weather for our area is tornadoes. Know the warning signs, listen for the sirens, and take precautions by seeking shelter when the warning hits. We can't stop tornadoes, but being prepared and following tornado safety rules will help save lives and prevent injuries.
• Day 3 is Flash Flood and Flood Safety:  Floods are a weather killer in Missouri and are the cause of multiple deaths every year. Pay attention to rising waters and never drive through water over the road. Taking precautions could save you and your family’s lives.
• Day 4 is Severe Thunderstorm Day: Did you know that every thunderstorm produces lightening? Severe thunderstorms also have the potential of dropping large sized hail, producing straight-line wind gusts. Any of these threats can cause bodily harm and even death.
• Day 5 is Communication: NOAA Weather Radio:  Stay on top of the latest severe weather threats. Knowing when warnings are issued is critical in seeking the right kind of shelter.

Keep an eye on next week’s Daily DOT for more specific safety tips for each day’s theme.