Severe Storms

• After a Storm-Rodents and Squirrels
• After the Disaster-Mold & Mildew
• After the Disaster-Returning home
• After the disaster-Snakes
• After the Flood
• Lightening
• NOAA Radio
• Pets and Disasters
• Thunderstorms & Lightening Fact Sheet

AFTER THE DISASTER - Rodents & Squirrels

After a storm, many rodents are displaced from their natural habitat. As a result, these animals seek areas that provide food and shelter. Unfortunately, many of the new rodent havens are in houses, sheds, barns and other buildings.

Structures damaged by the storm are particularly attractive and provide easy access for rodents. The unwelcome pests can damage property and, in extreme cases, pose a potential health problem.

Rats and Mice

• As soon as possible, remove from around houses and buildings all debris that provides protective cover for rodents.

• Keep lawn and field vegetation mowed at a low level to eliminate protective cover for rodents.

• Remove any potential food source such as household trash, waste grain or other foods that might attract mice and rats.

• Close openings into buildings around water pipes, electrical wires, vents and doors with 1/8-inch mesh hardware cloth or sheet metal.

• Poison baits registered for rat and mouse control contain anticoagulant and non-anticoagulant toxicants. All rodent baits are effective in controlling these pests.

• Set snap traps to capture nuisance rats and mice. Successful trap baits for the trigger mechanism include bacon skin, peanut butter, oatmeal and cotton balls. Check traps each day.

Squirrels in houses and buildings

• Trim trees near the house to prevent squirrels from jumping onto roofs.

• Prevent squirrels from traveling on wires to houses and buildings by installing 2-foot sections of lightweight plastic pipe 2 or 3 inches in diameter. Slit the pipe lengthwise, spread open and place over wire. The pipe will rotate on the wire and cause traveling squirrels to fall.

• Close openings to attics and eaves of houses and buildings with heavy 1/2-inch wire mesh or sheet metal.

• Use chemical repellants. In closed attics, naphthalene (mothballs), methyl nonyl ketone crystals or paradichlorobenzene (moth crystals) may work temporarily as a repellent. Use 1 to 2 pounds spread evenly throughout the attic.

• Set traps. Traps, including No. 0 or 1-leghold traps, box traps and cage traps, will catch squirrels. Regular rat-size snap traps will catch flying squirrels. Good baits are apple, cracked corn and pecans removed from the shell, peanut butter and sunflower seeds.

• Use firearms if permitted in your community. Shooting reduces squirrel numbers. Check with local law enforcement officials and wildlife conservation officers in your area.

AFTER THE DISASTER - Dealing with Mold & Mildew

Mold, a common term for fungus, attacks organic materials such as paper, cloth and leather. It can stain or destroy these articles, if left untreated.

Mold grows from spores, which are everywhere in our environment and usually inactive. However, they grow when the humidity is more than 75 percent. When temperatures rise above 65 degrees, the likelihood of mold increases.

To stop mold from spreading, lower the humidity and temperature. Open the windows if humidity outside is less than inside; otherwise use air conditioning. Install dehumidifiers and empty them often.

To dispose of moldy objects seal them in plastic bags and remove them as soon as possible.

Objects you want to save should be dried and cleaned as soon as possible or frozen until you can clean them.

To clean moldy objects, air-dry them away from other objets. Mold spores spread easily. Spread out papers, stand books on end and fan the pages open. Use blotting materials such as clean towels or absorbent paper between layers of cloth or paper affected by mold. Increase air circulation with a fan, but don’t aim it directly at the objects.

Once the old is dry (and inactive) gently wipe or brush away the residue. Work outdoors, if possible, and wear protective clothing and a respirator.

Be sure items are free of mold before you return any clean object to its display or storage place. Reinspect objects from time to time for new mold growth.

To remove mold from walls, baseboards and storage spaces, wash them with a mixture of household bleach and water.

AFTER THE DISASTER - Returning to a Storm Damaged Home

When you return to a storm damaged home

Homes and furnishings damaged by flooding, windstorm, or tornado need prompt clean-up action. These are general instructions for reducing loss due to storm damage and may be supplemented or superseded by officials in charge of relief and recovery work.

Entering Damaged Buildings

Before entering a damaged building, be sure that it is not about to collapse. If there is a gas buildup inside, a spark can cause a fatal explosion. Turn off the gas—at the meter outside if possible. To dissipate escaping gas (or other foul odors), let the house air for several minutes—as long as odor is present. Do not smoke or use open flame until you are sure that it is safe to do so. Do not turn on an electrical system; it may have become short-circuited. After dark, use a flashlight to avoid igniting escaped gas.

Flooding may have swollen doors tight. When entrance must be forced because of swollen doors, accumulated mud, or bulged floors, enter by a window or other opening. Lift the pins from door hinges with a screwdriver and hammer. Be sure the door is unlocked and then carefully push it in from the outside to avoid further damage. Watch for holes in the floor or loose boards with exposed nails.

Loose, wet ceiling plaster is heavy and dangerous. Knock down hanging plaster before moving around in the building and watch for loose plaster as the structure dries our.

Use even greater caution if damage resulted solely from high winds. Tornadoes may demolish some buildings and move others almost intact some distance from their foundations. Before entering or cleaning a tornado-damage building be sure that walls, ceiling, and roof are in place and that the structure rests firmly on the foundation. Look out for broken glass and broken power lines.

Drying and Cleaning

Open doors and windows to permit essential air and heat to dry the house. To open swollen windows, remove the small strip that holds the lower sash. Use a chisel carefully to avoid marring woodwork. Force the sash up lightly and remove from the frame by pushing it from the outside into the hands of a helper. Be careful not to break the glass.

AFTER THE DISASTER - Avoiding Snakes

Many snakes, like other residents in the path of a major storm, have been displaced and left homeless. As a result, it is commonplace to find these animals seeking shelter and food in areas close to people. These areas include the inside of houses, storage sheds, barns and other buildings. Damaged structures have a higher probability of attracting snakes because of the many accessible entrances. In addition, displaced snakes may also be found under debris scattered by the storm or in debris piles created during the cleanup effort.

If a poisonous snake bites you, don’t try to treat the bite yourself. Go to the nearest hospital for treatment immediately. Try to make a mental note of the appearance of the snake for identification and treatment purposes.

Avoiding Snakes Outdoors

• Watch where you place your hands and feet when removing or cleaning debris. If possible, don’t place your fingers under debris you intend to move.

• Wear snake-proof boots at least 10 inches high or snake leggings in heavy debris areas where snakes are likely to be found.

• Never step over logs or other obstacles unless you can see the other side.

• If you encounter a snake, step back and allow it to proceed on its way. Snakes are usually not fast-moving animals, and a person can easily retreat from the snake’s path.

Encountering Snakes Indoors

• If you find a snake in your house, try to isolate the snake within a small area of the house.

• Nonpoisonous snakes can be captured by pinning the snake down with a long stick or pole, preferably forked at one end, and then removed by scooping up with flat-blade shovel.

• If you are uncomfortable about removing the snake yourself, seek someone within the community who has experience handling snakes to do it for you. A good starting point is your local animal control shelter or sheriff’s department.

General Tips

As a last resort, you may need to kill a poisonous snake. Club it with a long stick, rod or other tool such as a garden hoe. Never try to kill a poisonous snake with an instrument that brings you within the snake’s striking range (usually estimated at less than one-half the total length of the snake).

Seal all openings around the house a quarter-inch and larger to exclude snakes. Check areas such as corners of doors and windows, around water pipes and electrical service entrances. Holes in masonry foundations should be sealed with mortar to exclude snakes. Holes in wooden buildings can be sealed with fine 1/8-inch mesh hardware cloth or sheet metal.

Remove debris from around the house as soon as possible. This attracts rodents that snakes feed on and also provides shelter. Keep vegetation around the house closely mowed.

Don't rely on repellents. No legal toxicants or fumigants are registered to kill snakes. Repellents are available, but they have limited success. Learn to identify nonpoisonous and poisonous snakes. Information on snake identification can be obtained from books such as field guides on amphibians and reptiles, from your local Extension office or from your state’s wildlife department.

AFTER THE DISASTER - Floods

Even when the disaster has passed, major health and safety hazards remain. Serious injury can result for anyone dealing with the aftermath of a major storm, so it's wise to be overly cautious. Do not walk, ride bikes or drive through a flooded area. Roads are weakened, ditches are hard to distinguish from roads and bridges may be washed out. Never go around a police barricade.

Do not touch any building, car or other structure that has a fallen power line touching it. Call a professional electrician or power company representative to remove the line.

Dousing with dishwashing liquid can destroy floating fire ant colonies.

Small children, pregnant women and people with health problems should avoid floodwater and flooded areas until cleanup is complete.

If children are in the area, be sure they are safe and being cared for at all times. Never leave young children alone or allow them to play in damaged buildings or areas that might be unsafe.

Keep a battery-powered radio on so you can hear bulletins from emergency managers

RETURNING HOME:

• Walk or drive cautiously. Debris-filled streets are dangerous. Washouts may weaken road and bridge structures, and they could collapse under vehicle weight. Watch for downed power lines.

• Beware of displaced snakes and rodents.

• Turn off any outside gas lines, and let the house ventilate for several minutes to remove escaping gas. Make sure there is no live power in or around the home.

• Before entering a damaged building, check for structural damage. Make sure the building is not in danger of collapsing. Look for leaning walls, sagging roofs and ceilings, and weakened support columns.

• When entering a damaged building, use a battery-operated flashlight. Don't use an open flame as a light source. Do not smoke.

• Keep chemicals used for disinfecting and poisons used for insect and rodent control out of the reach of children.

• Wear protective clothing on legs, arms, feet and hands while cleaning up debris. Wear rubber gloves while scrubbing flood-damaged interiors and furniture.

• Molds can pose a health hazard, especially for infants, the elderly and those with asthma, allergies, or illnesses. If mold is present, or materials have not been cleaned and dried within two or three days of the floodwater receding, then vulnerable persons should stay away during restoration and precautions should be taken to protect workers. Well-fitting respirators with toxic particle (purple) cartridges are recommended; dust masks are not adequate.

• Consider tap water to be contaminated until you are told it is safe.

• Consider all foods that have been in contact with floodwaters to be contaminated.

• Remember that you, your family and your neighbors are in stressful situations

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

There is real danger of shocks and electrocution. Serious injury can result for anyone dealing with the aftermath of a disaster, so it's wise to be overly cautious.

• Beware of outdoor hazards. Watch out for loose or dangling power lines, and report them immediately to proper authorities.

• Be sure all electric service is turned off before entering the building for the first time. If the main disconnect is inside the house, it would be wise to call your utility company for assistance.

• Even if power is out in your neighborhood, disconnect the main switch, fuse or circuit breaker at your home and disconnect all circuits.

• Unplug all appliances that have been flooded

Turning Off the Electricity

• Stand on a dry spot when working with electrical boxes and panels.

• If you have to step in water to get to the circuit or fuse box, call an electrician. Do not try to turn the power off yourself.

• Use a dry stick to open panel doors and throw switches whenever possible. Use caution when removing fuses (can't be done with a stick

• Putting the Electrical System Back in Service

• Where freshwater flooding has occurred, remove covers from all outlets and fuses or multi-breaker boxes after determining that power is not on. Flush with clean water to remove any buildup of sediment. Let dry, and spray with contact cleaner/lubricant. Saltwater flooding will require replacement of outlets, breakers and controls. The wiring possibly can be reused after being checked by an electrician. Watch for electrical shorts or live wires. Don't turn on any lights or appliances until an electrician has checked the system for short circuits

• Electric motors in appliances that have been flooded with fresh water should be thoroughly cleaned, reconditioned and dried before they are put back into service.

LIGHTNING - Safety

Lightning is one of nature’s most awe-inspiring and dangerous phenomenon. The average lightning flash could light a 100-watt light bulb for more than three months. The temperature of a lightning bolt may reach 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hotter than the surface of the sun.

On the average, lightning kills one person in Kansas per year. In fact, lightning remains one of the most deadly weather phenomena in the United States and it can occur almost anywhere throughout the entire year. Many people incur injuries or are killed due to misinformation and inappropriate behavior during thunderstorms. A few simple precautions can reduce many of the dangers posed by lightning.

Avoid being in or near high places and open fields, isolated trees, unprotected gazebos, picnic shelters, baseball dugouts, towers, flagpoles, light poles, bleachers, metal fences, convertibles, golf carts, lakes, swimming pools, and rivers.

If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Louder or more frequent thunder indicates that lighting activity is approaching, increasing the risk of lightning injury or death. If the time delay between seeing the lightning and hearing the thunder is less than 30 seconds, you should go inside or immediately go to a safe shelter, such as a sturdy building or a hard top automobile.

If an automobile is not available, find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles. Be alert to the possibility of flash flooding.

If you are in the woods, take shelter under short trees or bushes.

If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stands on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact with the ground. Do not lie flat on the ground!

Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Avoid using electrical appliances. Use phones only in an emergency.

Turn off your air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor.

Unplug your computer and disconnect the phone line if you have a modem. Avoid taking a shower, washing your hands, doing dishes, or any contact with conductive surfaces with exposure to the outside such as a metal door or window frames, electrical wiring, telephone wiring, cable TV wiring, plumbing, etc.

If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately!

If you are driving, stay in your automobile. An enclosed automobile offers reasonably good protection from lightning as long as you don’t touch metal.

Local weather forecasts should be monitored prior to any outdoor event to see if thunderstorms are in the forecast.

Lightning Facts

• All thunderstorms produce lightning.

• Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.

• Most lightning occurs within the cloud or between the cloud and ground.

• Lightning results from the buildup and discharge of electrical energy between positively and negatively charged areas. The action of rising and descending air within a thunderstorm separates positive and negative charges.

NOAA WEATHER RADIO BROADCASTS

For less than the cost of a new pair of shoes, you can own a special weather radio that provides instant access to the same weather reports and emergency information that meteorologists and emergency personnel use—information that can save your life!

The NOAA weather radio broadcasts National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day. Weather radios equipped with a special alarm tone feature can sound an alert and give you immediate information about a life-threatening situation. During an emergency, National Weather Service forecasters will interrupt routine weather radio programming and send out the special tone that activates weather radios in the listening area. The hearing and visually impaired can also receive these warnings by connecting weather radios with alarm tones to other kinds of attention-getting devices like strobe lights, pagers, bed-shakers, personal computers and text printers.

Public safety experts agree: the receivers should be standard equipment in every home. They are especially valuable in places that are entrusted with public safety, including hospitals, schools, places of worship, nursing homes, restaurants, grocery stores, recreation centers, office buildings, sports facilities, theaters, retail stores, bus and train stations, airports, marinas and other public-gathering places.

Where can I purchase a NOAA Weather Radio? Check with stores that sell electronics, or call the National Weather Service office closest to you. More information is available through the Internet at the National Weather Service’s NOAA Weather Radio Web Site— www.nws.noaa.gov

NOAA Weather Radio Kansas Broadcast Frequencies

• Chanute 162.400
• Colby/Goodland 162.400
• Concordia 162.550
• Dodge City 162.475
• Ellsworth 162.400
• Joplin 162.425
• Lenora 162.425
• St. Joseph 162.400
• Topeka 162.475
• Tribune 162.550
• Wichita 162.550

PETS AND DISASTERS

Whether it’s a large-scale natural catastrophe or an unforeseen emergency that causes you to leave your home temporarily, everyone’s family can benefit from having a household evacuation plan in place before disaster strikes. Every disaster plan must include your pets!

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) offers the following tips to pet owners designing an emergency safety plan:

• If you evacuate your home, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND! Pets most likely cannot survive on their own; and if by some remote chance they do, you may not be able to find them when you return.

• For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets. Find out which motels and hotels in your area allow pets – well in advance of needing them. Include your local animal shelter’s number in your list of emergency numbers—they might be able to provide information concerning pets during a disaster.

• Make sure identification tags are up to date and securely fastened to your pet’s collar. If possible, attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site. If your pet gets lost, his tag is his ticket home. Make sure you have a current photo of your pet for identification purposes.

• Make sure you have a secure pet carrier, leash or harness for your pet so that is he panics, he can’t escape.

• Take pet food, bottled water, mediations, veterinary records, cat littler/pan, can opener, food dishes, first aid kit and other supplies with you in case they’re not available later. While the sun is still shining, consider packing a “pet survival” kit that could be easily deployed if disaster hits.

• If you are unable to return to your home right away, you may need to board your pet. Most boarding kennels, veterinarians and animal shelters will need your pet’s medial records to make sure all vaccinations are current. Include copies in your “pet survival” kit along with a photo of your pet.

• If it is impossible to take your pet with you to temporary shelter, contact friends, family, veterinarians, or boarding kennels to arrange for care. Make sure medical and feeding information, food; medicine and other supplies accompany your pet to his foster home. NOTE: Some animal shelters will provide temporary foster care for owned pets in times of disaster, but this should be considered only as a last resort.

• If you have no alternative but to leave your pet at home, there are some precautions you must take, but remember that leaving your pet at home along can place your animal in great danger! Place a notice outside in a visible area, advising what pets are in the house and where they are located. Provide a phone number where you or a contact can be reached as well as the name and number of your vet.

Not only are pets affected by disaster, but the other animals in the disaster area are affected as well. The HSUS offers these basic tips for people who encounter wildlife or have livestock on their property:

Wildlife

• Wild animals often seek higher ground that, during floods, eventually becomes submerged (i.e. island) and the animals become stranded. If the island is large enough and provides suitable shelter, you can leave food appropriate to the species (i.e. sunflower seeds for squirrels). Animals have a flight response and will flee from anyone approaching too closely. If the animal threatens to rush into the water, back away from the island or you may frighten the animal into jumping into the water to escape from you.

• Wildlife often seeks refuge from floodwaters on upper levels of a home and may remain inside even after the water recedes. If you meet a rat or snake face to face, be careful but don’t panic. Open a window or other escape route and the animal will probably leave on its own. Never attempt to capture a wild animal unless you have the training, protective clothing, restraint equipment and caging necessary to perform the job.

• Beware of an increased number of snakes and other predators who will try to feed on the carcasses of reptiles, amphibians and small mammals that have been drowned or crushed in their burrows or under rocks.

• Often, during natural disasters, mosquitoes and dead animal carcasses may present disease problems. Outbreaks of anthrax, encephalitis and other diseases may occur. Contact your local emergency management office for help.

• If you see an injured or stranded animal in need of assistance, or you need help with evicting an animal from your home, please contact your local animal control office or animal shelter.

Livestock

• EVACUATE LIVESTOCK WHENEVER POSSIBLE. Arrangements for evacuation, including routes and host sites, should be made in advance. Alternate routes should be mapped out in case the planned route is inaccessible.

• The evacuation sites should have or be able to readily obtain food, water, veterinary care, handling equipment and facilities.

• Trucks, trailers, and other vehicles suitable for transporting livestock (appropriate for transporting each specific type of animal) should be available along with experienced handlers and drivers to transport them. Whenever possible, the animals should be accustomed to these vehicles in advance so they’re less frightened and easier to move.

• If evacuation is not possible, a decision must be made whether to move large animals to available shelter or turn them outside. This decision should be determined based on the type of disaster and the soundness and location of the shelter (structure).

All animals should have some form of identification that will help facilitate their return. Your disaster plan should include a list of emergency phone numbers for local agencies that can assist you if disaster strikes – including your veterinarian, state veterinarian, local animal shelter, animal care and control, county extension service, local agricultural schools and the American Red Cross. These numbers should be kept with your disaster kit in a secure, but easily accessible place.

THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNING - Fact Sheet

Thunderstorms can be seen approaching, while others hit without warning. It is important to learn and recognize the danger signs and to plan ahead.

BEFORE

Learn the thunderstorm danger signs.

• Dark, towering, or threatening clouds.
• Distant lightning and thunder.

Have disaster supplies on hand

• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food and water
• Non-electric can opener
• Essential medicines
• Cash and credit cards
• Sturdy shoes

Check for hazards in the yard.

• Dead or rotting trees and branches can fall during a severe thunderstorm and cause injury and damage.

Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a thunderstorm.

• Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water.

• Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, fire department, and which radio station to tune for emergency information.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCHES AND WARNINGS

A severe thunderstorm watch is issued by the national weather service when the weather conditions are such that a severe thunderstorm (damaging winds 58 miles per hour or more, or hail three-fourths of an inch in diameter or greater) is likely to develop. This is the time to locate a safe place in the home and tell family members to watch the sky and listen to the radio or television for more information.

A severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a severe thunderstorm has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. At this point, the danger is very serious and everyone should go to a safe place, turn on a battery-operated radio or television, and wait for the "all clear" by the authorities.

Learn how to respond to a tornado and flash flood.

Tornadoes are spawned by thunderstorms and flash flooding can occur with thunderstorms. When a "severe thunderstorm warning" is issued, review what actions to take under a "tornado warning" or a "flash flood warning."

Develop an emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated from one another during a thunderstorm (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.

Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact". After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

Contact you local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on thunderstorms and lightning.

DURING

If indoors:

• Secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture that could blow away or cause damage or injury. Take light objects inside.

• Shutter windows securely and brace outside doors.

• Listen to a battery operated radio or television for the latest storm information.

• Do not handle any electrical equipment or telephones because lightning could follow the wire. Television sets are particularly dangerous at this time.

• Avoid bathtubs, water faucets, and sinks because metal pipes can transmit electricity.

If outdoors:

• Attempt to get into a building or car.

• If no structure is available, get to an open space and squat low to the ground as quickly as possible. (If in the woods, find an area protected by low clump of trees--never stand underneath a single large tree in the open.) Be aware of the potential for flooding in low-lying areas.

• Crouch with hands on knees.

• Avoid tall structures such as towers, tall trees, fences, telephone lines, or power lines.

• Stay away from natural lightning rods such as golf clubs, tractors, fishing rods, bicycles, or camping equipment.

• Stay from rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water.

• If you are isolated in a level field or prairie and you feel your hair stand on end (which indicates that lightning is about to strike), bend forward, putting your hands on your knees. A position with feet together and crouching while removing all metal objects is recommended. Do not lie flat on the ground.

If in a car:

• Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.

• Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside.

• Avoid flooded roadways.

ESTIMATING THE DISTANCE FROM A THUNDERSTORM

Because light travels much faster than sound, lightning flashes can be seen long before the resulting thunder is heard. Estimate the number of miles you are from a thunderstorm by counting the number of seconds between a flash of lightning and the next clap of thunder. Divide this number by five.

Important: You are in danger from lightning if you can hear thunder. Knowing how far away a storm is does not mean that you're in danger only when the storm is overhead.

Hail is produced by many strong thunderstorms. Hail can be smaller than a pea or as large as a softball and can be very destructive to plants and crops. In a hailstorm, take cover immediately. Pets and livestock are particularly vulnerable to hail, so bring animals into a shelter.

AFTER

Check for injuries.

A person who has been struck by lightning does not carry an electrical charge that can shock other people. If the victim is burned, provide first aid and call emergency medical assistance immediately. Look for burns where lightning entered and exited the body. If the strike cause the victim's heart and breathing to stop, give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until medical professionals arrive and take over.

Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.

Report downed utility wires.

Drive only if necessary. Debris and washed-out roads may make driving dangerous.