The Michigan State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division announced, pursuant to MCL 480.14(4), all grandfather rights cards issued to commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers shall expire on Dec. 31, 2014. All CMV drivers who possess a grandfather rights card must obtain a medical examiners certificate as required by 49 CFR 391.41-391.49, or apply for and receive a medical waiver for a person not physically qualified to drive pursuant to MCL 480.13, before Jan. 1, 2015.

The medical waivers for physical disability issued by the Motor Carrier Safety Appeal Board are not affected by this change and continue to be valid.

Last week, Michigan launched OK2SAY, a new program that enables students to confidentially report potential harm or criminal activities involving students or school employees. OK2SAY’s focus is on early intervention and prevention, acting as an early warning system to thwart school tragedies before they occur.

Students (and others) are able to submit tips 24/7 by telephone, text, email, mobile application, and via a web-based form on the OK2SAY website at www.michigan.gov/ok2say.

Tips can be filed on a wide range of issues, including: planned school attacks, weapons at school, assault, bullying/cyberbullying, threats, gang activity and more. Upon receipt of a tip, OK2SAY operators working in the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center will address the immediate need and, as necessary, forward the information to the appropriate responding agency or organization.

Most tips are expected to go to schools and law enforcement agencies, but in some instances, tips may go to local community mental health agencies or the Michigan Department of Human Services.

Operators will be trained to recognize and appropriately address mental illness and emotional disturbance. Tips suggesting a psychiatric emergency will be forwarded to the local community mental health psychiatric crisis line.

If an incoming tip involves a possible crime, the operator will forward the tip information to the public safety answering point closest to the alleged crime for referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency for disposition.

This week’s Do 1 Thing tip continues with staying connected. Be Informed: Get a NOAA Emergency Alert Radio. Weather can change very quickly. Severe weather may strike when people are sleeping or unaware of the forecast. This can be deadly if people do not seek a safe shelter. A NOAA emergency alert radio (sometimes called a weather radio) can turn itself on when an emergency alert is issued and warn you at any time — day or night.

Emergency alert radios can also be used to warn about other emergencies, such as a chemical spill. With the Emergency Alert Radio, you will be warned about dangerous situations in time to take shelter or other safe action.

Every home should have an emergency alert radio, just the way all homes should have a smoke detector. They can be purchased at stores that sell electronics. Prices start at about $20. Most run on batteries or have battery back-up.

 

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at TrooperRob53@yahoo.com or (269) 683-4411.