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Background: Heat wave early warning systems help alert decision-makers and the public to prepare for hot weather and implement preventive actions to protect health. Prior to harmonization, public health units across Ontario either used independent systems with varying methodologies for triggering and issuing public heat warnings or did not use any system. The federal government also issued heat warnings based on different criteria. During heat events, adjacent public health units in Ontario and the federal government would routinely call heat warnings at different times with separate public messages, leading to confusion. This article describes the collaborative process and key steps in developing a harmonized Heat Warning and Information System (HWIS) for Ontario. Setting: Public health units across Ontario, Canada, collaborated with the federal and provincial government to develop the harmonized HWIS for Ontario. Intervention: In 2011, stakeholders identified the need to develop a harmonized system across Ontario to improve heat warning services, warning criteria, and health messaging. Through a 5-year process facilitated by a non-governmental organization, the three levels of government collaborated to establish the Ontario HWIS. Outcomes: The province-wide HWIS was implemented in 2016 with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s release of the harmonized HWIS Standard Operating Practice, which outlined the notification and warning process. Implications: The lessons learned could help spur action in other provinces and jurisdictions internationally in the development of similar health evidence-based warning systems, including in particular those for protecting public health during extreme heat events.

The adoption of risk-based and data-driven (risk–data) approaches is leading to a successful FHWA Scour Program for highway bridges. FHWA, which has oversight for 463,000 bridges spanning waterways, estimates that 60% of bridge failures have hydraulic-related components. Prominent scour failures led to the FHWA Scour Program’s use of legal authority under the National Bridge Inspection Standards. The fundamentals of the FHWA Scour Program include scour evaluations and development of action plans. Quandaries for bridge owners include prioritization and the appropriate level of effort for these fundamentals. In 2011, FHWA implemented a risk–data approach for oversight of the National Bridge Inspection Program. Specific to scour, bridge owners compare the consequence of failure (risk) against facility operational characteristics (data). The risk–data approach prioritizes and applies resources toward bridges posing the greatest threat to public safety or disruption of vital services. The keys to the program’s success are outreach to facilitate progress; comprehensive enhancements to publications and training; and promotion of risk–data within policy, programmatic, stewardship, deployment, and research initiatives.

The adoption of risk-based and data-driven (risk–data) approaches is leading to a successful FHWA Scour Program for highway bridges. FHWA, which has oversight for 463,000 bridges spanning waterways, estimates that 60% of bridge failures have hydraulic-related components. Prominent scour failures led to the FHWA Scour Program’s use of legal authority under the National Bridge Inspection Standards. The fundamentals of the FHWA Scour Program include scour evaluations and development of action plans. Quandaries for bridge owners include prioritization and the appropriate level of effort for these fundamentals. In 2011, FHWA implemented a risk–data approach for oversight of the National Bridge Inspection Program. Specific to scour, bridge owners compare the consequence of failure (risk) against facility operational characteristics (data). The risk–data approach prioritizes and applies resources toward bridges posing the greatest threat to public safety or disruption of vital services. The keys to the program’s success are outreach to facilitate progress; comprehensive enhancements to publications and training; and promotion of risk–data within policy, programmatic, stewardship, deployment, and research initiatives.

Highlights an elk hunting experience in Colorado's Gunnison National Forest. Features of the national forest; Details on the hunting experience.

Lists several bear busters equipment used by outfitter Darrel Collins and guide Darwin Collins during their spring bear-hunting in British Columbia. Advantages of Bushnell Trophy 20-60X spotting scope; Remington Model 7 Action Ultra Magnum rifle.

In the article, the author discusses the aware, learn, early, react, and train (ALERT) strategy that should be adopted by home medical equipment (HME) stores in the U.S. to effectively promote their assistive products for preventing falls and slips among older adults.

The article discusses the home medical equipment (HME) industry that can provide home accessibility products to baby boomers. Topics discussed view of Jerry Keiderling, president of Accessible Home Improvement of America (AHIA), on accessibility equipment, developing strategy to grown in this market, and provide training to the staff such as via AHIA's Certified Environmental Access Consultant (CEAC) course.

The article presents an overview of the research conducted by the U.S. national agency Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the stages of accessibility to trips and falls, provides tips for prevention from falls and includes statistical information on the injuries caused by the same.

The article focuses on the aspects of planning for the implementation of home modification business. Topics discussed include the several aspects to be considered in running the plan which includes knowing the market through understanding customers, offering comprehensive options to customers considering the cost of home modification services, and creating strategic plan which will check back the customer.

The article offers suggestions for home accessibility providers on how to effectively access the aging-in-place demographic. It advises providers to understand their target customers, to market the business and develop relationships with customers, and to use the correct marketing and advertising mediums including social media, cable television (TV) and local radio. Also noted is the importance of staying connected with key professionals in the community in terms of saving costs.

The article discusses how kitchen can be made accessible in a home for an old person. Topics included are malnutrition due to growing age and disability, counter top strategy, and storage space in the kitchen for food and utensil storage. Also included are comments by full service access equipment Gamburd's member Israel Gambur,

Provides information on the firearms used in deer hunting in Ontario. Efficiency of shotguns and slugs; Improvement in the performance of firearms; Similarity between slug shooters and trapshooters in terms of improving firearm performance improvement.

Opinion. Comments on the author's experience in being a customer of the New Zealand Inland Revenue Department. Problems incurred with filing a return in January 1994; Length of time the audit took; Initiative of the author in seeking assistance from Member of Parliament Rodney Hide; Information on the brochure entitled `Problem Resolution Service'; Details on an internal inquiry into the audit.

The article offers information on the issue of accessibility in older people, including increasing chances of fall injury, visiting independent living communities to look for opportunities, and the availability of physical fitness centers near home.

The article offers information on the benefits of cause marketing to home medical equipment (HME) providers. Among the benefits of cause marketing to HME providers are employee recruitment and retention, customer bonding, and stakeholder trust. Details from a 2014 Nielsen Global Research study regarding products that show commitment to positive environmental and social impacts are also provided.

The article discusses home safety and how to provide best solutions to hazard areas of home, in context of home care for seniors. It mentions that a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which showed that need for home accessibility. It suggests installing electrical outlets at mid-room level, doing basic maintenance of floors to avoid senior falls, and highlights importance of discussing home accessibility needs with families.

The article reviews products from EZ-Access, a company in the U.S. offering equipment for people with mobility problems, which include the Haulway Scooter & Power Chair Lift, Concierge Power Door Opener, and Suitcase Singlefold Graphite Fiber Ramp.

The article reviews the Gatewary Solid Surface Portable Ramp ideal for home entrances with 1-2 step made of heavy-duty extruded tread and aluminum ramp that can be moved and stored easily from EZ-Access.