Showing posts with label FEMA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FEMA. Show all posts
Monday, May 14, 2012
ABOVE THE FLOOD
SALEM, Ore. – In January, the Siuslaw River rose and covered much of Mapleton, but 22 area families didn’t have to muck out their homes, tear down wallboard or toss waterlogged treasures. That is because those homes had been elevated using funding from FEMA.
After the massive 1996 floods, the Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) earmarked a portion of its FEMA hazard mitigation funds to elevate homes in hard-hit areas like Mapleton. The goal was to provide long-term solutions to repetitive floods.
The January 2012 flooding was the first major test of the elevation projects begun 16 year ago. They passed with flying colors.
“The stress is nothing like before,” said Bryan Moore, a Mapleton resident. “There was no water in the house—that’s awesome!”
Moore’s wife Mashell remembers what it was like in 1996. Her husband is pastor of the church next door which “always floods.” As the water rose, Bryan and the other men in the neighborhood worked frantically to move everything in the church to higher levels. Mashell was left to deal with their 102-year-old home.
“I was by myself, trying to haul things upstairs,” Mashell said. “Then the lights went out and I was working in the dark.” She set out candles but the flame ended up setting a table on fire. “It wrecked everything.”
When she learned about the FEMA funding, Mashell was the driving force behind elevating their home. The process took time and plenty of paperwork, but by November 1996 her home had been jacked up onto steel piers.
It’s a good thing, because Mapleton flooded again that November.
Mapleton’s building requirements also have changed since 1996. New construction now must be built above flood levels.
Mike McAllister engineered many of the Mapleton home elevations. A long-time resident himself, McAllister knows firsthand what his neighbors went through then and now.
“We had fewer people out of their homes this time,” said McAllister. “And by people I mean entire families including kids and pets.”
Fewer people out of their homes also meant less mess, less expense and less disruption to the small town along the river.
Lane County Emergency Manager Linda Cook is well aware of the community’s flood issues. She will be requesting hazard mitigation money to elevate at least one more Mapleton home and “will be on the lookout for other interested property owners to include in the application.”
If elevating the entire structure is not feasible or possible, “a lot of damage can be mitigated,” said Cook. This could include elevating critical structures such as electrical panels, water heaters and furnaces.
Cook also recommends people “learn the art and science of sandbagging so you can be ready to use them whenever the river reaches a certain trigger level.”
The dictionary defines elevate as “to move or raise to a higher position.” It also means to raise the spirits. Both definitions apply to the Mapleton home elevations.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Protect Your Community from Early Spring Flooding Risks
While March brings the promise of warmer weather and longer days, many communities still face the risk of flooding. Just four years ago, late winter storms swept through almost every state from Pennsylvania to Texas, causing flooding in most. In Missouri, paid losses reached over $13 million and policyholders in Texas filed over 3,000 paid losses totaling more than $127 million.
In 2009, counties throughout North Dakota and Minnesota also experienced severe late winter/early spring flooding. A combination of a cold winter, resulting in frozen grounds, coupled with snow melt and heavy rain, raised the Red River to over 20 feet in most places before cresting. This caused over $9 million in damages throughout 42 counties and on two Indian reservations, despite preemptive measures, such as sandbagging, taken by several communities.
In 2010, most of the country experienced a wetter-than-normal winter followed by heavy spring rains that caused flooding. The Red River in the Midwest rose to almost 40 feet before cresting. When the storms hit Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the frozen ground made absorption difficult. Heavy rains began on March 12, drenching most of the eastern portion of Massachusetts. The rain was relentless for days, shattering previous rainfall records and resulted in a federally declared disaster.
Recovering from such devastation is lengthy and difficult, particularly for those without flood insurance. According to FEMA records, nearly 7,000 Massachusetts residences were impacted by the 2010 floods, and 422 experienced major damage.
Over $27 million in total individual assistance was provided, mostly in the form of disaster loans that have to be repaid along with any existing mortgages. Sadly, even after these floods and subsequent flooding from other storms like Hurricane Irene, out of three million households only about 55,800 polices are in force (November 30, 2011).
With flooding occurring in different parts of the nation, now is an excellent time to remind residents and business owners in your community about the importance of flood insurance.
You may also be interested in viewing and utilizing information from a Multimedia News Release (http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109573620877&s=399&e=0019hHsA-DgwsiHd617Djvx6H_Oao6pbXE4lZkdt4NOpz5ZsWcQ3hmdGkHt_LFhKrGh-sX8sBEz8KsU9YdxSxePQE01beC_HkXMKP4VaL2XiJwAGZcpQcyDC1XnOf0Hx5e5Dl28sdI_SYL_Ym7OiGP0MpRq2S4gdSqH) that FloodSmart recently distributed to media outlets around the nation.
This release highlights flooding risks during the winter months and includes video of customer testimonials and dramatic footage of recent floods.
FloodSmart Web Sites Offer New Resources for Consumers, Agents and FloodSmart Partners.
Have you visited FloodSmart’s consumer or agent Web sites lately? In the next few weeks you’ll see several interesting additions, including:
· New Community Resource Page - FloodSmart has a new resource for stakeholders and communities that want to go the extra mile to help property owners better understand their flood risk and the financial impact of flooding. This new page on FloodSmart.gov provides shareable tools for communicating the risks, causes and costs of flooding and a wealth of information about how to empower local residents to obtain flood insurance policies. Learn more at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109573620877&s=399&e=0019hHsA-Dgwsi4lG6IfOi9daUobttQAj1qm1gyGEDJnyLsu_0Wr-UV0mBqmPaeTww9wMXfuhVICMwYpZQ8TgYnTKdwfnm_7zxZm4XXEwqvFZoYvZpLRwTJbPy2uShSapMVPWSAslRHLlsYkfy4NJJEh4pm9PcL0SUMsqRSUGiBI83_29l7pKZRjQ==.
· Updated Map Change Toolkit - The Map Change Toolkit is a comprehensive suite of materials that help local leaders, lending, insurance and realty professionals, builders, developers, and others communicate about the insurance implications of local flood map updates. The kit is being updated to include more current data and reflect the evolution of mapping efforts. It includes templates for outreach that can be customized with local data and flood history information. Look for it at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109573620877&s=399&e=0019hHsA-DgwsjfBL-tYMl_eItFhD0vraeqQXwWIDAYZZPqmq3u997bD-stL47VhFextaSEGpeCEkktjT-VFsi1hqXUCcYB-qD5uT-4V9W8pJFn0_S5yp9qYH0Fd0Nd4iuM.
FEMA Seeks Public Comments on Draft National Mitigation Framework
FEMA has developed a working draft of the National Mitigation Framework that outlines the roles that individuals, the private sector, community leaders, and others should play in managing risks of disasters. The framework also provides information that state, territorial, tribal, and local governments and private sector partners can use to develop or revise mitigation plans.
FEMA is encouraging feedback from stakeholders on the framework, which can be found at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109573620877&s=399&e=0019hHsA-DgwsjtDMP7LVZzpzikm_6Uc626qYu8p-kiiEQAf6xiyG0Z-dU_tBMvTafIvILG00-4oa_dEf8J0wrMiWU31Sg1tQuZcheORWX3QMfVRgqzRpzPew== (“Working Draft: National Mitigation Framework”). To comment, please use the “National Mitigation Framework Submission Form,” which is also located at that site. Submission forms are due Monday, April 2 at noon EDT and should be emailed to PPD8-Engagement@fema.gov.
Look for FloodSmart at Upcoming Conferences
FloodSmart will be attending numerous conferences around the country this year in support of our key stakeholders, including FLASH, ASFPM, NACo, and key state floodplain manager and emergency management agencies. FloodSmart recently presented at NOAA's Social Coast Forum in Charleston, SC, the Michigan Flood and Stormwater Association Conference in Detroit, and the Virginia Water Conference in Richmond, and will have a presence at the National Flood Conference as well. Please visit us at the FloodSmart booth!
Visit the National Flood Insurance Program Web sites at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109573620877&s=399&e=0019hHsA-DgwsjVvEJ9Ltzbzw5H_UpdbPbyp-l_pYW94SxzLTe2dA174OcZU4Tk2T12gWNG1MPx2u56BSQU6vwi29ucGOnJqPzZW33FdiJ4IxMP0WfbUJGRIGokA5PKT0s8FloodSmart.gov and Agents.FloodSmart.gov Email us at info@femafloodsmart.gov FEMA, 500 C Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20472
In 2009, counties throughout North Dakota and Minnesota also experienced severe late winter/early spring flooding. A combination of a cold winter, resulting in frozen grounds, coupled with snow melt and heavy rain, raised the Red River to over 20 feet in most places before cresting. This caused over $9 million in damages throughout 42 counties and on two Indian reservations, despite preemptive measures, such as sandbagging, taken by several communities.
In 2010, most of the country experienced a wetter-than-normal winter followed by heavy spring rains that caused flooding. The Red River in the Midwest rose to almost 40 feet before cresting. When the storms hit Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the frozen ground made absorption difficult. Heavy rains began on March 12, drenching most of the eastern portion of Massachusetts. The rain was relentless for days, shattering previous rainfall records and resulted in a federally declared disaster.
Recovering from such devastation is lengthy and difficult, particularly for those without flood insurance. According to FEMA records, nearly 7,000 Massachusetts residences were impacted by the 2010 floods, and 422 experienced major damage.
Over $27 million in total individual assistance was provided, mostly in the form of disaster loans that have to be repaid along with any existing mortgages. Sadly, even after these floods and subsequent flooding from other storms like Hurricane Irene, out of three million households only about 55,800 polices are in force (November 30, 2011).
With flooding occurring in different parts of the nation, now is an excellent time to remind residents and business owners in your community about the importance of flood insurance.
You may also be interested in viewing and utilizing information from a Multimedia News Release (http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109573620877&s=399&e=0019hHsA-DgwsiHd617Djvx6H_Oao6pbXE4lZkdt4NOpz5ZsWcQ3hmdGkHt_LFhKrGh-sX8sBEz8KsU9YdxSxePQE01beC_HkXMKP4VaL2XiJwAGZcpQcyDC1XnOf0Hx5e5Dl28sdI_SYL_Ym7OiGP0MpRq2S4gdSqH) that FloodSmart recently distributed to media outlets around the nation.
This release highlights flooding risks during the winter months and includes video of customer testimonials and dramatic footage of recent floods.
FloodSmart Web Sites Offer New Resources for Consumers, Agents and FloodSmart Partners.
Have you visited FloodSmart’s consumer or agent Web sites lately? In the next few weeks you’ll see several interesting additions, including:
· New Community Resource Page - FloodSmart has a new resource for stakeholders and communities that want to go the extra mile to help property owners better understand their flood risk and the financial impact of flooding. This new page on FloodSmart.gov provides shareable tools for communicating the risks, causes and costs of flooding and a wealth of information about how to empower local residents to obtain flood insurance policies. Learn more at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109573620877&s=399&e=0019hHsA-Dgwsi4lG6IfOi9daUobttQAj1qm1gyGEDJnyLsu_0Wr-UV0mBqmPaeTww9wMXfuhVICMwYpZQ8TgYnTKdwfnm_7zxZm4XXEwqvFZoYvZpLRwTJbPy2uShSapMVPWSAslRHLlsYkfy4NJJEh4pm9PcL0SUMsqRSUGiBI83_29l7pKZRjQ==.
· Updated Map Change Toolkit - The Map Change Toolkit is a comprehensive suite of materials that help local leaders, lending, insurance and realty professionals, builders, developers, and others communicate about the insurance implications of local flood map updates. The kit is being updated to include more current data and reflect the evolution of mapping efforts. It includes templates for outreach that can be customized with local data and flood history information. Look for it at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109573620877&s=399&e=0019hHsA-DgwsjfBL-tYMl_eItFhD0vraeqQXwWIDAYZZPqmq3u997bD-stL47VhFextaSEGpeCEkktjT-VFsi1hqXUCcYB-qD5uT-4V9W8pJFn0_S5yp9qYH0Fd0Nd4iuM.
FEMA Seeks Public Comments on Draft National Mitigation Framework
FEMA has developed a working draft of the National Mitigation Framework that outlines the roles that individuals, the private sector, community leaders, and others should play in managing risks of disasters. The framework also provides information that state, territorial, tribal, and local governments and private sector partners can use to develop or revise mitigation plans.
FEMA is encouraging feedback from stakeholders on the framework, which can be found at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109573620877&s=399&e=0019hHsA-DgwsjtDMP7LVZzpzikm_6Uc626qYu8p-kiiEQAf6xiyG0Z-dU_tBMvTafIvILG00-4oa_dEf8J0wrMiWU31Sg1tQuZcheORWX3QMfVRgqzRpzPew== (“Working Draft: National Mitigation Framework”). To comment, please use the “National Mitigation Framework Submission Form,” which is also located at that site. Submission forms are due Monday, April 2 at noon EDT and should be emailed to PPD8-Engagement@fema.gov.
Look for FloodSmart at Upcoming Conferences
FloodSmart will be attending numerous conferences around the country this year in support of our key stakeholders, including FLASH, ASFPM, NACo, and key state floodplain manager and emergency management agencies. FloodSmart recently presented at NOAA's Social Coast Forum in Charleston, SC, the Michigan Flood and Stormwater Association Conference in Detroit, and the Virginia Water Conference in Richmond, and will have a presence at the National Flood Conference as well. Please visit us at the FloodSmart booth!
Visit the National Flood Insurance Program Web sites at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109573620877&s=399&e=0019hHsA-DgwsjVvEJ9Ltzbzw5H_UpdbPbyp-l_pYW94SxzLTe2dA174OcZU4Tk2T12gWNG1MPx2u56BSQU6vwi29ucGOnJqPzZW33FdiJ4IxMP0WfbUJGRIGokA5PKT0s8FloodSmart.gov and Agents.FloodSmart.gov Email us at info@femafloodsmart.gov FEMA, 500 C Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20472
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Prepare Your Community for Winter Flooding Risks
The arrival of cold weather doesn't mean that the risk of flooding is over. In fact, winter often brings severe conditions such as snow, heavy rains, melting, and ice jams, which can pose major problems for home and business owners in your community. In coastal areas, winter storms such as Nor’easters often generate high winds that can cause widespread beach erosion and coastal flooding.
Some communities in western states face days and even weeks of rain during the winter months, and others face an increased risk of flooding because of wildfires that burn away vegetation and leave the ground barren and unable to absorb water. Near the end of the season, melting snow can flow into lakes, streams and rivers, causing excess water to spill over their banks or overtop levees.
Now is a good time to ensure that residents of your community are protected by flood insurance. Encourage them to visit FloodSmart.gov to learn about their flood risk and find an agent who can protect them with a flood insurance policy. In addition, visit FloodSmart’s new partner section at
www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/partner/partner_index.jsp to learn about the wide variety of communications tools that are available to you, such as:
• Testimonials from home and business owners impacted by flooding.
• Shareable interactive tools that you can post on your own websites.
• A Map Updates Toolkit and links to information about map changes around the United States, which will help residents of your community better understand their flooding risks.
• A Flood Outreach Toolkit, which provides resources to help the audiences you communicate with on a regular basis (other community officials, the public and the media) understand the importance of flood preparedness and protection. The materials are designed to support your outreach to victims of flood disasters. The materials include core messages and information about flood risk and flood insurance that are appropriate for use in most areas of the country. Find this toolkit online at www.floodsmart.gov/toolkits.
Two-Year PRP Eligibility Extension Working Well Two-Year PRP Eligibility Extension Continues to Benefit Policyholders
On January 1, 2011, FEMA launched a new rating option called the Two-Year Preferred Risk Policy Eligibility Extension that enables property owners who find themselves newly mapped into high-risk areas to save money on their policies. To help launch the new rating option, FEMA used the FloodSmart campaign to reach out to the public, agents, WYOs, community officials and other stakeholder groups.
The purpose was to inform them about the new cost-savings option and how property owners could apply. The various stakeholder groups showed great support by sharing the information.
FEMA recently updated a WYO industry committee on its progress and reported that 40,000 PRP Extensions are currently in force (through August 2011), with up to 100,000 expected by year’s-end. FEMA complimented and thanked the WYOs, agents, and community officials for helping make this a successful launch!
Make sure as your county or community goes through a mapping change that you are promoting both grandfathering and the 2-Year PRP Extension as well. For more information, go to FloodSmart.gov/prpextension.
AnnouncementsNFIP Extended Until December 16 - With the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) facing expiration on November 18, 2011, Congress passed on November 17th (and the President then signed) a short-term funding bill that included an extension of the NFIP. This extension expires on December 16, 2011. It is important that insurance agents and WYO companies continue to monitor the status of the NFIP. Should the Program lapse, FEMA has issued updated guidance for agents and WYOs in NFIP Bulletin W-11084
(www.nfipiservice.com/stakeholder/pdf/bulletin/w-11084.pdf).
Share your thoughts on this newsletter - As part of our continuing effort to ensure that our newsletter is meeting your needs, we are soliciting input on its content, frequency, and subject matter. Please let us know what you think by emailing us at info@femafloodsmart.com.
Some communities in western states face days and even weeks of rain during the winter months, and others face an increased risk of flooding because of wildfires that burn away vegetation and leave the ground barren and unable to absorb water. Near the end of the season, melting snow can flow into lakes, streams and rivers, causing excess water to spill over their banks or overtop levees.
Now is a good time to ensure that residents of your community are protected by flood insurance. Encourage them to visit FloodSmart.gov to learn about their flood risk and find an agent who can protect them with a flood insurance policy. In addition, visit FloodSmart’s new partner section at
www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/partner/partner_index.jsp to learn about the wide variety of communications tools that are available to you, such as:
• Testimonials from home and business owners impacted by flooding.
• Shareable interactive tools that you can post on your own websites.
• A Map Updates Toolkit and links to information about map changes around the United States, which will help residents of your community better understand their flooding risks.
• A Flood Outreach Toolkit, which provides resources to help the audiences you communicate with on a regular basis (other community officials, the public and the media) understand the importance of flood preparedness and protection. The materials are designed to support your outreach to victims of flood disasters. The materials include core messages and information about flood risk and flood insurance that are appropriate for use in most areas of the country. Find this toolkit online at www.floodsmart.gov/toolkits.
Two-Year PRP Eligibility Extension Working Well Two-Year PRP Eligibility Extension Continues to Benefit Policyholders
On January 1, 2011, FEMA launched a new rating option called the Two-Year Preferred Risk Policy Eligibility Extension that enables property owners who find themselves newly mapped into high-risk areas to save money on their policies. To help launch the new rating option, FEMA used the FloodSmart campaign to reach out to the public, agents, WYOs, community officials and other stakeholder groups.
The purpose was to inform them about the new cost-savings option and how property owners could apply. The various stakeholder groups showed great support by sharing the information.
FEMA recently updated a WYO industry committee on its progress and reported that 40,000 PRP Extensions are currently in force (through August 2011), with up to 100,000 expected by year’s-end. FEMA complimented and thanked the WYOs, agents, and community officials for helping make this a successful launch!
Make sure as your county or community goes through a mapping change that you are promoting both grandfathering and the 2-Year PRP Extension as well. For more information, go to FloodSmart.gov/prpextension.
AnnouncementsNFIP Extended Until December 16 - With the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) facing expiration on November 18, 2011, Congress passed on November 17th (and the President then signed) a short-term funding bill that included an extension of the NFIP. This extension expires on December 16, 2011. It is important that insurance agents and WYO companies continue to monitor the status of the NFIP. Should the Program lapse, FEMA has issued updated guidance for agents and WYOs in NFIP Bulletin W-11084
(www.nfipiservice.com/stakeholder/pdf/bulletin/w-11084.pdf).
Share your thoughts on this newsletter - As part of our continuing effort to ensure that our newsletter is meeting your needs, we are soliciting input on its content, frequency, and subject matter. Please let us know what you think by emailing us at info@femafloodsmart.com.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Nationwide EAS test 11:00 a.m. in Oregon
As part of their ongoing efforts to keep our country and communities safe during emergencies, the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Emergency Management Agency will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The EAS test plays a key role in ensuring the nation is prepared for all hazards, and that the U.S. public can receive critical and vital information, should it ever be needed.
The first nationwide test will be conducted Wednesday, November 9 at 2 p.m. ET. This test may last up to three and a half minutes, and will be transmitted via television and radio stations within the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. Similar to local emergency alert system tests, an audio message will interrupt television and radio programming indicating: "This is a test." When the test is over, regular programming will resume.
For more information about the nationwide Emergency Alert System test, please visit http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/6407 and www.FCC.gov. On November 9 at 2 p.m. EDT, please remember: Don't stress; it's only a test.
· FEMA Administrator's Message - In English http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/6407
· FEMA Administrator's Message - In Spanish http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/6408
· FEMA Press Release - http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=55722
· FEMA Blog - http://blog.fema.gov/2011/10/emergency-alert-system-test-one-month.html
· FCC Website - http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/emergency-alert-system-nationwide-test
The first nationwide test will be conducted Wednesday, November 9 at 2 p.m. ET. This test may last up to three and a half minutes, and will be transmitted via television and radio stations within the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. Similar to local emergency alert system tests, an audio message will interrupt television and radio programming indicating: "This is a test." When the test is over, regular programming will resume.
For more information about the nationwide Emergency Alert System test, please visit http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/6407 and www.FCC.gov. On November 9 at 2 p.m. EDT, please remember: Don't stress; it's only a test.
· FEMA Administrator's Message - In English http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/6407
· FEMA Administrator's Message - In Spanish http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/6408
· FEMA Press Release - http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=55722
· FEMA Blog - http://blog.fema.gov/2011/10/emergency-alert-system-test-one-month.html
· FCC Website - http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/emergency-alert-system-nationwide-test
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
November 9 – This is a TEST!
On Wednesday, November 9 at 11:00 a.m. Oregonians will hear on their radios and see on their televisions a test of the emergency alert system (EAS). The test will last approximately three (3) minutes. Normal programming will return following the test. This is a nationwide test organized by the FCC and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
This test will be different than those we have had in the past. The November 9 test will utilize a "live" national alert code, i.e., a coded message that will present itself as an actual emergency announcement, not a test. This is necessary in order to allow FCC and FEMA to test the actual working order reliability of legacy EAS equipment and the state of readiness of EAS operators and participants. Television stations are being encouraged to run a scroll at the bottom of the screen throughout the test stating that it is just a test.
Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM), FEMA, Broadcasters, NOAA and many other agencies are diligently trying to get the word to people that this is, in fact, a test. Often, citizens who are unsure of whether the alert is real or a test, place calls to 911 which tie up the phone lines for legitimate emergencies.
If anyone has questions about the test, please do NOT call 911. Please tell your neighbors and friends about this test so that Oregonians will be the most informed of all the states and will not be caught off guard by this unusual test of the EAS equipment.
More information can be found at www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm
This test will be different than those we have had in the past. The November 9 test will utilize a "live" national alert code, i.e., a coded message that will present itself as an actual emergency announcement, not a test. This is necessary in order to allow FCC and FEMA to test the actual working order reliability of legacy EAS equipment and the state of readiness of EAS operators and participants. Television stations are being encouraged to run a scroll at the bottom of the screen throughout the test stating that it is just a test.
Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM), FEMA, Broadcasters, NOAA and many other agencies are diligently trying to get the word to people that this is, in fact, a test. Often, citizens who are unsure of whether the alert is real or a test, place calls to 911 which tie up the phone lines for legitimate emergencies.
If anyone has questions about the test, please do NOT call 911. Please tell your neighbors and friends about this test so that Oregonians will be the most informed of all the states and will not be caught off guard by this unusual test of the EAS equipment.
More information can be found at www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm
Friday, October 28, 2011
NATIONWIDE EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM TEST
As part of our larger efforts to strengthen our nation’s preparedness and resiliency, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will conduct the first nation-wide test of the Emergency Alert System on November 9th, at 2 p.m. eastern standard time.
Testing the Emergency Alert System plays a key role in evaluating and improving the systems we need in place to ensure our nation is prepared for all hazards and that people within its borders are able to receive critical and vital information through the system, should it ever be needed.
It’s important to keep in mind that this is not a pass or fail test of the Emergency Alert System, but an opportunity to improve the system on a national level. Below we have provided a template for both a press release and/or a newsletter that you can use in your organizations to help inform.
For additional information and FAQ’s, please visit the FCC Web Site. If you have additional FEMA-Private-Sector-Specific questions, please contact our Private Sector Division Office at: FEMA-Private-Sector@dhs.gov.
Testing the Emergency Alert System plays a key role in evaluating and improving the systems we need in place to ensure our nation is prepared for all hazards and that people within its borders are able to receive critical and vital information through the system, should it ever be needed.
It’s important to keep in mind that this is not a pass or fail test of the Emergency Alert System, but an opportunity to improve the system on a national level. Below we have provided a template for both a press release and/or a newsletter that you can use in your organizations to help inform.
For additional information and FAQ’s, please visit the FCC Web Site. If you have additional FEMA-Private-Sector-Specific questions, please contact our Private Sector Division Office at: FEMA-Private-Sector@dhs.gov.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Preparedness Considerations for the Pets, Livestock, and Animals in Our Homes and in Our Lives
Click on this link to log in at 1:50 pm on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011
https://connect.hsin.gov/pets/
No registration is required, and the webinar is free.
From the home to the farm, pets, livestock, and animals are an important part of our lives. However, when it comes to preparing for disasters, they can pose some unique challenges and it's important that they are included in emergency and disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
If you are part of an organization that does work in the pet and livestock field, or you are a pet or livestock owner, this call is for you. Join us and hear from leaders in animal emergency management about:
https://connect.hsin.gov/pets/
No registration is required, and the webinar is free.
From the home to the farm, pets, livestock, and animals are an important part of our lives. However, when it comes to preparing for disasters, they can pose some unique challenges and it's important that they are included in emergency and disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
If you are part of an organization that does work in the pet and livestock field, or you are a pet or livestock owner, this call is for you. Join us and hear from leaders in animal emergency management about:
- Disaster Preparedness Resources and Reimbursements available to those with pets and animals in their lives
- Emerging trends and considerations in pet and animal emergency management
Personal experiences with animal emergency management - What's required in your emergency planning concerning pets and animals
- What you can do to bring animal preparedness to your home, organization, and community.
Friday, September 2, 2011
SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
-A Time to Remember. A Time to prepare-
SEATTLE – September is National Preparedness Month, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has joined with more than 6,000 federal, tribal, state and local coalition members from across the country to encourage Americans to prepare their homes, businesses, schools and communities for disasters of all kinds. According to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, this year marks the eighth annual observance of National Preparedness Month, and the ten year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
“This year’s National Preparedness Month theme is: A Time to Remember. A Time to Prepare,” said Murphy. “We focus on taking simple, but potentially life-saving steps to enhance preparedness, including: Get an Emergency Supply Kit; Make a Family Emergency Plan; Be Informed about the different types of emergencies; and Get Involved in your community’s preparedness efforts.”
“Preparing for disasters means that we must plan for the Whole Community, including people of different ages and those with various access and functional needs,” continued Murphy. “It means planning for children – and not just thinking of them as small adults. It means planning for the elderly, and planning for families without access to personal transportation. Whole Community preparedness means more than just planning for what’s easy – we have to plan for what’s real.”
National Preparedness Month is sponsored by the Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Advertising Council. For more information on National Preparedness Month activities, and how to become a coalition member, visit www.Ready.gov, www.fema.gov, or www.CitizenCorps.gov.
Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. Social media links are provided for reference only. FEMA does not endorse non-government websites, companies or applications.
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
SEATTLE – September is National Preparedness Month, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has joined with more than 6,000 federal, tribal, state and local coalition members from across the country to encourage Americans to prepare their homes, businesses, schools and communities for disasters of all kinds. According to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, this year marks the eighth annual observance of National Preparedness Month, and the ten year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
“This year’s National Preparedness Month theme is: A Time to Remember. A Time to Prepare,” said Murphy. “We focus on taking simple, but potentially life-saving steps to enhance preparedness, including: Get an Emergency Supply Kit; Make a Family Emergency Plan; Be Informed about the different types of emergencies; and Get Involved in your community’s preparedness efforts.”
“Preparing for disasters means that we must plan for the Whole Community, including people of different ages and those with various access and functional needs,” continued Murphy. “It means planning for children – and not just thinking of them as small adults. It means planning for the elderly, and planning for families without access to personal transportation. Whole Community preparedness means more than just planning for what’s easy – we have to plan for what’s real.”
National Preparedness Month is sponsored by the Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Advertising Council. For more information on National Preparedness Month activities, and how to become a coalition member, visit www.Ready.gov, www.fema.gov, or www.CitizenCorps.gov.
Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. Social media links are provided for reference only. FEMA does not endorse non-government websites, companies or applications.
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Americans need to prepare for emergencies
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2011 - Recent weather events such as Hurricane Irene, the earthquake on the East Coast and other natural disasters highlight the need for Americans to prepare for emergencies. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the American Red Cross, the Ad Council and Google Crisis Response are collaborating to launch a new preparedness web resource, Get Tech Ready, on behalf of the Ready campaign.
Released just before the start of National Preparedness Month, this new resource educates individuals and families about how using modern-day technology can help them prepare, adapt and recover from disruptions brought on by emergencies or disasters.
A recent American Red Cross survey showed that the internet, including online news sites and social media platforms, is the third most popular way for Americans to gather emergency information and let their loved ones know they are safe.
"As technology becomes more a part of our daily lives, people are turning to it during emergencies as well. We need to utilize these tools, to the best of our abilities, to engage and inform the public, because no matter how much federal, state and local officials do, we will only be successful if the public is brought in as part of the team," FEMA Administrator, W. Craig Fugate.
"During Hurricane Irene, we saw people using new technologies in many ways, whether it was thousands of people downloading our new shelter finder App or others using our Safe and Well site and social media to let their friends and family know they are OK, " said Gail McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross. "People now have more varied resources available at their fingertips that they can use before, during and after emergencies."
Get Tech Ready provides Americans with tips on how to use technological resources before, during and after a crisis to communicate with loved ones and manage your financial affairs. Preparedness tips on the website include:
• Learn how to send updates via text and internet from your mobile phone to your contacts and social channels in case voice communications are not available;
• Store your important documents such as personal and financial records in the cloud or on a secure and remote area or flash or jump drive that you can keep readily available so they can be accessed from anywhere; and
• Create an Emergency Information Document using the Ready.gov Family Emergency Plan template in Google Docs or by downloading the Ready Family Emergency Plan to record your emergency plans.
"Get Tech Ready is a resource that will truly help people in the US and around the world understand how they can use widely available technology to prepare for potential crises," said Nigel Snoud, Product Manager, Google Crisis Response. "We're thrilled to be working with FEMA, the American Red Cross, and the Ad Council on this public service project."
"We are delighted to collaborate with FEMA, Google and the American Red Cross to expand our Ready messages through this new web site to educate more Americans about the vital need to get prepared in advance of an potential emergency," said Peggy Conlon, president & CEO of the Ad Council. "The web site will provide access to critical resources to Americans addressing the importance of using technology as part of their individual and family preparedness plans."
Launched in 2003, National Preparedness Month is designed to encourage Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies throughout the year. The Ready campaign was also launched in 2003 by FEMA in partnership with the Ad Council. Since its launch, media outlets have donated more than $900 million in advertising time and space for the PSAs. The new PSAs will air in advertising time that will be entirely donated by the media.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
AMERICAN RED CROSS
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit http://www.redcross.org/ or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies. The Ad Council addresses issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.
FEMA does not endorse any non-Federal government organizations or products.
Released just before the start of National Preparedness Month, this new resource educates individuals and families about how using modern-day technology can help them prepare, adapt and recover from disruptions brought on by emergencies or disasters.
A recent American Red Cross survey showed that the internet, including online news sites and social media platforms, is the third most popular way for Americans to gather emergency information and let their loved ones know they are safe.
"As technology becomes more a part of our daily lives, people are turning to it during emergencies as well. We need to utilize these tools, to the best of our abilities, to engage and inform the public, because no matter how much federal, state and local officials do, we will only be successful if the public is brought in as part of the team," FEMA Administrator, W. Craig Fugate.
"During Hurricane Irene, we saw people using new technologies in many ways, whether it was thousands of people downloading our new shelter finder App or others using our Safe and Well site and social media to let their friends and family know they are OK, " said Gail McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross. "People now have more varied resources available at their fingertips that they can use before, during and after emergencies."
Get Tech Ready provides Americans with tips on how to use technological resources before, during and after a crisis to communicate with loved ones and manage your financial affairs. Preparedness tips on the website include:
• Learn how to send updates via text and internet from your mobile phone to your contacts and social channels in case voice communications are not available;
• Store your important documents such as personal and financial records in the cloud or on a secure and remote area or flash or jump drive that you can keep readily available so they can be accessed from anywhere; and
• Create an Emergency Information Document using the Ready.gov Family Emergency Plan template in Google Docs or by downloading the Ready Family Emergency Plan to record your emergency plans.
"Get Tech Ready is a resource that will truly help people in the US and around the world understand how they can use widely available technology to prepare for potential crises," said Nigel Snoud, Product Manager, Google Crisis Response. "We're thrilled to be working with FEMA, the American Red Cross, and the Ad Council on this public service project."
"We are delighted to collaborate with FEMA, Google and the American Red Cross to expand our Ready messages through this new web site to educate more Americans about the vital need to get prepared in advance of an potential emergency," said Peggy Conlon, president & CEO of the Ad Council. "The web site will provide access to critical resources to Americans addressing the importance of using technology as part of their individual and family preparedness plans."
Launched in 2003, National Preparedness Month is designed to encourage Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies throughout the year. The Ready campaign was also launched in 2003 by FEMA in partnership with the Ad Council. Since its launch, media outlets have donated more than $900 million in advertising time and space for the PSAs. The new PSAs will air in advertising time that will be entirely donated by the media.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
AMERICAN RED CROSS
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit http://www.redcross.org/ or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies. The Ad Council addresses issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.
FEMA does not endorse any non-Federal government organizations or products.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
September is National Preparedness Month
FEMA Encourages Americans to Participate in September’s National Preparedness Month
Eighth Annual National Preparedness Month in September: "A Time to Remember. A Time to Prepare," Encourages Americans to Take Simple Steps to Prepare for Emergencies
WASHINGTON - The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Ready Campaign, in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Ad Council, today announced the launch of new web tools that will make it easier for individuals and organizations throughout the nation to join the 2011 National Preparedness Month (NPM) coalition and pledge their support to help prepare their families, businesses and communities for emergencies of all kinds.
The eighth annual NPM will kickoff this September, using the slogan: "A Time to Remember. A Time to Prepare." The campaign seeks to transform awareness into action by encouraging all Americans to take the necessary steps to ensure that their homes, workplaces and communities are prepared for disasters and emergencies of all kinds.
"As we move forward with planning for this year's events and activities, we also recognize that this September marks the ten year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "By doing what we can to ensure that our communities, and our nation, are prepared to respond and recover from all types of disasters and hazards, we honor the memory of those who were lost that day."
Individuals and groups can now register to become NPM coalition members by visiting http://community.fema.gov. Once registered, members have access to a toolkit that includes suggestions for activities and events, templates, articles, banners and customizable materials. Coalition members also have access to an events calendar allowing them to post and promote preparedness events, share success stories, and participate in national and regional discussion forums to engage with fellow coalition members and FEMA representatives.
By hosting events, promoting volunteer programs and sharing emergency preparedness information, coalition members can help ensure that their communities are prepared for emergencies. Becoming a coalition member is easy and free, so register now to get started. Nearly 2,000 coalition members have already joined this year's campaign.
While NPM is held each September, FEMA's Ready Campaign promotes individual emergency preparedness at home, in the workplace, and throughout America's communities throughout the year. Ready is a national campaign, produced in partnership with The Ad Council, designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to all types of emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks.
The Ready Campaign's websites (ready.gov and listo.gov) and toll-free numbers (1-800-BE-READY and 1-888-SE-LISTO) provide free emergency preparedness information and resources available in English and Spanish. Additionally, through FEMA's partnership with the Ad Council, public service announcements are available to increase the American public's involvement in preparedness.
###
Eighth Annual National Preparedness Month in September: "A Time to Remember. A Time to Prepare," Encourages Americans to Take Simple Steps to Prepare for Emergencies
WASHINGTON - The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Ready Campaign, in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Ad Council, today announced the launch of new web tools that will make it easier for individuals and organizations throughout the nation to join the 2011 National Preparedness Month (NPM) coalition and pledge their support to help prepare their families, businesses and communities for emergencies of all kinds.
The eighth annual NPM will kickoff this September, using the slogan: "A Time to Remember. A Time to Prepare." The campaign seeks to transform awareness into action by encouraging all Americans to take the necessary steps to ensure that their homes, workplaces and communities are prepared for disasters and emergencies of all kinds.
"As we move forward with planning for this year's events and activities, we also recognize that this September marks the ten year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "By doing what we can to ensure that our communities, and our nation, are prepared to respond and recover from all types of disasters and hazards, we honor the memory of those who were lost that day."
Individuals and groups can now register to become NPM coalition members by visiting http://community.fema.gov. Once registered, members have access to a toolkit that includes suggestions for activities and events, templates, articles, banners and customizable materials. Coalition members also have access to an events calendar allowing them to post and promote preparedness events, share success stories, and participate in national and regional discussion forums to engage with fellow coalition members and FEMA representatives.
By hosting events, promoting volunteer programs and sharing emergency preparedness information, coalition members can help ensure that their communities are prepared for emergencies. Becoming a coalition member is easy and free, so register now to get started. Nearly 2,000 coalition members have already joined this year's campaign.
While NPM is held each September, FEMA's Ready Campaign promotes individual emergency preparedness at home, in the workplace, and throughout America's communities throughout the year. Ready is a national campaign, produced in partnership with The Ad Council, designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to all types of emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks.
The Ready Campaign's websites (ready.gov and listo.gov) and toll-free numbers (1-800-BE-READY and 1-888-SE-LISTO) provide free emergency preparedness information and resources available in English and Spanish. Additionally, through FEMA's partnership with the Ad Council, public service announcements are available to increase the American public's involvement in preparedness.
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Monday, July 11, 2011
LOW-RISK DOESN’T MEAN NO RISK - from FEMA
-Whole Community Answers to Pacific NW Wildfire Threats-
Wildfire experts and weather specialists have predicted a low-risk, late-starting wildfire season for the Pacific Northwest this summer, but emergency managers caution against complacency. As tall grasses and foliage dry out—the likelihood of brush, range and timber fires increases, and according to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, even a mild wildfire season—and there are never any guarantees—begs the question: What if it’s your woods that are burning?
“An informed, responsible and committed public can play a major role in safeguarding property and saving lives. Our firefighters are well-trained, well-resourced and totally dedicated—but they can’t do it alone,” said Murphy. “Planning for disasters means that we must plan for the Whole Community, including people of different ages and those with various access and functional needs.”
Murphy encourages all homeowners to exercise extreme caution with grills, campfires, trash fires and other heat sources, and to embrace the commonsense commitment to pre-disaster wildfire preparedness accepted in more traditionally recognized wildfire-prone areas. “Talk with your local fire department or forestry office,” said Murphy. “Stay abreast of local burn bans and changing weather conditions. Talk with your neighbors. After all, a community is only as safe as its least prepared member.”
Common sense wildfire preparedness measures include creating a Safety Zone or Defensible Perimeter:
• Establish firebreaks around the perimeter of structures, power poles and property.
• Cut back flammable weeds and brush, and remove branches within 15 feet of the ground.
• Mow regularly and rake leaves, limbs and twigs.
• Landscape with fire resistant plants.
• Keep roofs, chimneys and gutters clean.
• Install smoke detectors on every floor, and near sleeping areas.
• Stack firewood away from your home. Store combustible materials only in approved containers.
• Keep fire tools (shovel, rake, water bucket and ladders) handy.
• Clear overgrowth from house numbers and street signs
• Clear driveways and access roads so fire vehicles have room to maneuver.
• Plan and rehearse family evacuation plans.
• Don’t overlook adequate insurance coverage. Sit down with your insurance agent and make sure that coverage is still adequate and up to date for the hazards you face.
It is also smart to keep important personal documents quickly available should you need to evacuate. Consider collecting your driver’s license, passport and other identification, birth and marriage certificates, Social Security card, insurance policies, tax records, wills, deed or lease and stocks and bonds. Also know where your main turn-off switches and valves are for electricity, water and gas.
Evacuation kit contents should include:
• Flashlights.
• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries.
• First Aid Kit.
• Medicines, prescriptions and eyeglasses.
• Water.
• Change of clothes.
• Sleeping bags and pillows.
FEMA’s Resolve to be Ready in 2011 campaign promotes Whole Community involvement in disaster preparedness. For more information on protecting your family and your home from wildfires, go to: www.usfa.fema.gov, www.firewise.org, or www.fema.gov. For more information on the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, visit www.fema.gov, Ready.gov and CitizenCorps.gov.
Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. Social media links are provided for reference only. FEMA does not endorse non-government websites, companies or applications.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Wildfire experts and weather specialists have predicted a low-risk, late-starting wildfire season for the Pacific Northwest this summer, but emergency managers caution against complacency. As tall grasses and foliage dry out—the likelihood of brush, range and timber fires increases, and according to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, even a mild wildfire season—and there are never any guarantees—begs the question: What if it’s your woods that are burning?
“An informed, responsible and committed public can play a major role in safeguarding property and saving lives. Our firefighters are well-trained, well-resourced and totally dedicated—but they can’t do it alone,” said Murphy. “Planning for disasters means that we must plan for the Whole Community, including people of different ages and those with various access and functional needs.”
Murphy encourages all homeowners to exercise extreme caution with grills, campfires, trash fires and other heat sources, and to embrace the commonsense commitment to pre-disaster wildfire preparedness accepted in more traditionally recognized wildfire-prone areas. “Talk with your local fire department or forestry office,” said Murphy. “Stay abreast of local burn bans and changing weather conditions. Talk with your neighbors. After all, a community is only as safe as its least prepared member.”
Common sense wildfire preparedness measures include creating a Safety Zone or Defensible Perimeter:
• Establish firebreaks around the perimeter of structures, power poles and property.
• Cut back flammable weeds and brush, and remove branches within 15 feet of the ground.
• Mow regularly and rake leaves, limbs and twigs.
• Landscape with fire resistant plants.
• Keep roofs, chimneys and gutters clean.
• Install smoke detectors on every floor, and near sleeping areas.
• Stack firewood away from your home. Store combustible materials only in approved containers.
• Keep fire tools (shovel, rake, water bucket and ladders) handy.
• Clear overgrowth from house numbers and street signs
• Clear driveways and access roads so fire vehicles have room to maneuver.
• Plan and rehearse family evacuation plans.
• Don’t overlook adequate insurance coverage. Sit down with your insurance agent and make sure that coverage is still adequate and up to date for the hazards you face.
It is also smart to keep important personal documents quickly available should you need to evacuate. Consider collecting your driver’s license, passport and other identification, birth and marriage certificates, Social Security card, insurance policies, tax records, wills, deed or lease and stocks and bonds. Also know where your main turn-off switches and valves are for electricity, water and gas.
Evacuation kit contents should include:
• Flashlights.
• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries.
• First Aid Kit.
• Medicines, prescriptions and eyeglasses.
• Water.
• Change of clothes.
• Sleeping bags and pillows.
FEMA’s Resolve to be Ready in 2011 campaign promotes Whole Community involvement in disaster preparedness. For more information on protecting your family and your home from wildfires, go to: www.usfa.fema.gov, www.firewise.org, or www.fema.gov. For more information on the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, visit www.fema.gov, Ready.gov and CitizenCorps.gov.
Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. Social media links are provided for reference only. FEMA does not endorse non-government websites, companies or applications.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
SUMMER FIRE SAFETY TIPS FROM FEMA
Emergency Managers Urge Caution
SEATTLE – As skies clear and weather turns warmer, Pacific Northwest residents are hoping for glorious weather this Fourth of July. But however the weather turns out, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) warn that careless handling of fireworks and outdoor grills can ruin parties and picnics – and entire summers. In 2010, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,600 people for fireworks-related injuries, and according to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, 73 percent of fireworks injuries occurred between 18 June and 18 July.
“When celebrating the Fourth of July, Americans need to remember to use fireworks, fires and barbecues with care. The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public displays held by trained professionals,” said Murphy. “Summer holidays should be fun and generate good memories, not pain and remorse. Have fun, but be safe.”
FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS:
If fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:
• Observe local laws.
• Keep a bucket of water handy in case of a malfunction or fire.
• Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. Never shoot a firework at or near another person.
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
• Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
• Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
• Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
• Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.
GRILLING FIRE SAFETY TIPS
• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, they pose a fire hazard and a risk of exposing occupants to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic. Grills should be positioned at least 10 feet away from siding, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep, matches, lighters, and starter fluid out of the reach of children in a locked drawer or cabinet.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area: declare a three-foot "kid-free zone" around the grill.
• Use long barbeque mitts and long-handled grilling tools to protect the chef from heat and flames when cooking.
• Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
USFA, part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, serves the American public and the nation’s fire services through training, data collection and analysis, public fire education, and fire protection technology research. For more information, visit: http://www.usfa.fema.gov.
For wildfire preparedness tips, sample preparedness plans and emergency checklists, visit http://firewise.org/ or www.fema.gov.
Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. Social media links are provided for reference only. FEMA does not endorse non-government websites, companies or applications.
SEATTLE – As skies clear and weather turns warmer, Pacific Northwest residents are hoping for glorious weather this Fourth of July. But however the weather turns out, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) warn that careless handling of fireworks and outdoor grills can ruin parties and picnics – and entire summers. In 2010, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,600 people for fireworks-related injuries, and according to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, 73 percent of fireworks injuries occurred between 18 June and 18 July.
“When celebrating the Fourth of July, Americans need to remember to use fireworks, fires and barbecues with care. The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public displays held by trained professionals,” said Murphy. “Summer holidays should be fun and generate good memories, not pain and remorse. Have fun, but be safe.”
FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS:
If fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:
• Observe local laws.
• Keep a bucket of water handy in case of a malfunction or fire.
• Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. Never shoot a firework at or near another person.
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
• Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
• Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
• Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
• Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.
GRILLING FIRE SAFETY TIPS
• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, they pose a fire hazard and a risk of exposing occupants to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic. Grills should be positioned at least 10 feet away from siding, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep, matches, lighters, and starter fluid out of the reach of children in a locked drawer or cabinet.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area: declare a three-foot "kid-free zone" around the grill.
• Use long barbeque mitts and long-handled grilling tools to protect the chef from heat and flames when cooking.
• Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
USFA, part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, serves the American public and the nation’s fire services through training, data collection and analysis, public fire education, and fire protection technology research. For more information, visit: http://www.usfa.fema.gov.
For wildfire preparedness tips, sample preparedness plans and emergency checklists, visit http://firewise.org/ or www.fema.gov.
Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. Social media links are provided for reference only. FEMA does not endorse non-government websites, companies or applications.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
FEMA Administrator Calls Amateur Radio “The Last Line of Defense”
05/25/2011
In an FCC forum on earthquake communications preparedness, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate described the Amateur Radio operator as “the ultimate backup, the originators of what we call social media.” The forum-- held May 3 at FCC Headquarters in Washington, DC -- brought together officials from the White House, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the United States Geological Survey (USGS), FEMA, the FCC and the private sector. Fugate and FCC Bureau of Public Safety and Homeland Security Chief Jamie Barnett gave the opening remarks.
Later in the forum, Fugate spoke more on Amateur Radio. “During the initial communications out of Haiti, volunteers using assigned frequencies that they are allocated, their own equipment, their own money, nobody pays them, were the first ones oftentimes getting word out in the critical first hours and first days as the rest of the systems came back up,” he told the forum. “I think that there is a tendency because we have done so much to build infrastructure and resiliency in all our other systems, we have tended to dismiss that role ‘When Everything Else Fails.’ Amateur Radio oftentimes is our last line of defense.”
Fugate said that he thinks “we get so sophisticated and we have gotten so used to the reliability and resilience in our wireless and wired and our broadcast industry and all of our public safety communications, that we can never fathom that they’ll fail. They do. They have. They will. I think a strong Amateur Radio community [needs to be] plugged into these plans. Yes, most of the time they’re going be bored, because a lot of the time, there’s not a lot they’re going to be doing that other people aren’t doing with Twitter and Facebook and everything else. But when you need Amateur Radio, you really need them.”
In an FCC forum on earthquake communications preparedness, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate described the Amateur Radio operator as “the ultimate backup, the originators of what we call social media.” The forum-- held May 3 at FCC Headquarters in Washington, DC -- brought together officials from the White House, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the United States Geological Survey (USGS), FEMA, the FCC and the private sector. Fugate and FCC Bureau of Public Safety and Homeland Security Chief Jamie Barnett gave the opening remarks.
Later in the forum, Fugate spoke more on Amateur Radio. “During the initial communications out of Haiti, volunteers using assigned frequencies that they are allocated, their own equipment, their own money, nobody pays them, were the first ones oftentimes getting word out in the critical first hours and first days as the rest of the systems came back up,” he told the forum. “I think that there is a tendency because we have done so much to build infrastructure and resiliency in all our other systems, we have tended to dismiss that role ‘When Everything Else Fails.’ Amateur Radio oftentimes is our last line of defense.”
Fugate said that he thinks “we get so sophisticated and we have gotten so used to the reliability and resilience in our wireless and wired and our broadcast industry and all of our public safety communications, that we can never fathom that they’ll fail. They do. They have. They will. I think a strong Amateur Radio community [needs to be] plugged into these plans. Yes, most of the time they’re going be bored, because a lot of the time, there’s not a lot they’re going to be doing that other people aren’t doing with Twitter and Facebook and everything else. But when you need Amateur Radio, you really need them.”
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Information from FEMA on Donations for Joplin, MO
Good afternoon everyone!
I'm currently working in FEMA's National Response Coordination Center in support of the disaster operation in Joplin MO. As a member of the donations management community, your help is requested in getting a strong donations message out to Facebook and Twitter networks, your friends, family and colleagues, and partner organizations that unsolicited donations of "stuff" (e.g. used clothing, miscellaneous food items, household goods) are NOT needed. The community is now facing a situation where the management of these donations is taking attention, focus, and energy away from relief activities.
The message that FEMA and the state of Missouri wish to have distributed is:
• Cash is best. It doesn't need to be sorted, stored or distributed, and cash allows the receiving voluntary agency to direct the donation to the needs that most urgently need addressing. Go to www.aidmatrix.org/fema and click on "Missouri" for links to voluntary agencies helping on the ground.
• For information on other ways to help go to: www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/howtohelp.shtm.
Thanks for your help!
Susan Jensen
I'm currently working in FEMA's National Response Coordination Center in support of the disaster operation in Joplin MO. As a member of the donations management community, your help is requested in getting a strong donations message out to Facebook and Twitter networks, your friends, family and colleagues, and partner organizations that unsolicited donations of "stuff" (e.g. used clothing, miscellaneous food items, household goods) are NOT needed. The community is now facing a situation where the management of these donations is taking attention, focus, and energy away from relief activities.
The message that FEMA and the state of Missouri wish to have distributed is:
• Cash is best. It doesn't need to be sorted, stored or distributed, and cash allows the receiving voluntary agency to direct the donation to the needs that most urgently need addressing. Go to www.aidmatrix.org/fema and click on "Missouri" for links to voluntary agencies helping on the ground.
• For information on other ways to help go to: www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/howtohelp.shtm.
Thanks for your help!
Susan Jensen
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
NATIONAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK 15-21 MAY 2011
- Celebrate Everyday Heroes; Support Whole Community Preparedness-
SEATTLE—National Emergency Medical Services Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day life saving of emergency medicine’s “front line.” Observances run 15-21 May, with 18 May set aside as Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Day.
This year’s theme is Everyday Heroes, and according to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, it’s all about celebrating EMS providers—first responders, hospitals, emergency physicians and public health providers, and engaging the Whole Community in reducing risk and saving lives.
“Our nation’s EMS providers do an incredible job, often risking their own lives to save ours. But they can’t do it all alone. National EMS Week offers an opportunity to celebrate this nation’s first responders, while sounding a clarion call for all of us to help them help us,” said Murphy.
“Planning for disasters means that we must plan for the Whole Community, including people of different ages and those with access and functional needs. It means planning for children, planning for the elderly, and planning for families without access to personal transportation. It means meeting our first responders more than half way when the chips are down.”
Tips to help be better prepared for emergencies, and enhance access to help during disasters include:
• Check on your access to 9-1-1. Some areas may not have 9-1-1.
Some have E-9-1-1 where an address is automatically stored in a data base.
Know what is available where you live and work.
• Build a “72 hour Disaster Kit” make a disaster plan, and keep a well-stocked
First Aid Kit.
• Make a list of emergency phone numbers. Write down the numbers you need in
your disaster plan and display them near all telephones in the house.
• Make sure your house number is visible from the street. Make it easier for
police, fire officials or emergency medical personnel to find your house.
Put large house numbers in a highly visible area. Make sure the numbers are
well-lit and can be seen at night.
• Keep a clear and up-to-date record of immunizations. This can help doctors
do a better job of diagnosing problems in an emergency.
• Write down medical conditions, medications and dosages. Being prepared in
advance helps assure proper treatment and prevent drug interactions.
• Make a list of allergies and reactions, and consider medical I.D. bracelets
or tags.
• Take first-aid classes. A basic class will teach CPR and proper ways to
treat burns, wrap sprains, apply splints, and perform the Heimlich maneuver.
FEMA’s Resolve to be Ready in 2011 campaign promotes Whole Community involvement in disaster preparedness. “Become involved in programs that strengthen your community’s disaster resilience. Investigate training and volunteer opportunities available through the American Red Cross, Citizen Corps or Community Emergency Response Teams,” continued Murphy. “No matter how busy or hectic our daily routine, we all need to take the time to take positive action to prepare ourselves, our loved ones and our communities in the event of severe weather, earthquake—or any other major disaster.”
Resolve to be Ready in 2011 is led by FEMA’s Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and The Advertising Council. Individuals with medical skills who would like to volunteer in a disaster should see the Medical Reserve Corps Program webpage at www.medicalreservecorps.gov. For more information on National EMS Week observances, visit: http://www.acep.org/emsweek/ . For more information on the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, visit www.fema.gov, Ready.gov and CitizenCorps.gov.
Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. Social media links are provided for reference only. FEMA does not endorse non-government websites, companies or applications.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
SEATTLE—National Emergency Medical Services Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day life saving of emergency medicine’s “front line.” Observances run 15-21 May, with 18 May set aside as Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Day.
This year’s theme is Everyday Heroes, and according to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, it’s all about celebrating EMS providers—first responders, hospitals, emergency physicians and public health providers, and engaging the Whole Community in reducing risk and saving lives.
“Our nation’s EMS providers do an incredible job, often risking their own lives to save ours. But they can’t do it all alone. National EMS Week offers an opportunity to celebrate this nation’s first responders, while sounding a clarion call for all of us to help them help us,” said Murphy.
“Planning for disasters means that we must plan for the Whole Community, including people of different ages and those with access and functional needs. It means planning for children, planning for the elderly, and planning for families without access to personal transportation. It means meeting our first responders more than half way when the chips are down.”
Tips to help be better prepared for emergencies, and enhance access to help during disasters include:
• Check on your access to 9-1-1. Some areas may not have 9-1-1.
Some have E-9-1-1 where an address is automatically stored in a data base.
Know what is available where you live and work.
• Build a “72 hour Disaster Kit” make a disaster plan, and keep a well-stocked
First Aid Kit.
• Make a list of emergency phone numbers. Write down the numbers you need in
your disaster plan and display them near all telephones in the house.
• Make sure your house number is visible from the street. Make it easier for
police, fire officials or emergency medical personnel to find your house.
Put large house numbers in a highly visible area. Make sure the numbers are
well-lit and can be seen at night.
• Keep a clear and up-to-date record of immunizations. This can help doctors
do a better job of diagnosing problems in an emergency.
• Write down medical conditions, medications and dosages. Being prepared in
advance helps assure proper treatment and prevent drug interactions.
• Make a list of allergies and reactions, and consider medical I.D. bracelets
or tags.
• Take first-aid classes. A basic class will teach CPR and proper ways to
treat burns, wrap sprains, apply splints, and perform the Heimlich maneuver.
FEMA’s Resolve to be Ready in 2011 campaign promotes Whole Community involvement in disaster preparedness. “Become involved in programs that strengthen your community’s disaster resilience. Investigate training and volunteer opportunities available through the American Red Cross, Citizen Corps or Community Emergency Response Teams,” continued Murphy. “No matter how busy or hectic our daily routine, we all need to take the time to take positive action to prepare ourselves, our loved ones and our communities in the event of severe weather, earthquake—or any other major disaster.”
Resolve to be Ready in 2011 is led by FEMA’s Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and The Advertising Council. Individuals with medical skills who would like to volunteer in a disaster should see the Medical Reserve Corps Program webpage at www.medicalreservecorps.gov. For more information on National EMS Week observances, visit: http://www.acep.org/emsweek/ . For more information on the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, visit www.fema.gov, Ready.gov and CitizenCorps.gov.
Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. Social media links are provided for reference only. FEMA does not endorse non-government websites, companies or applications.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Friday, April 15, 2011
What FEMA Is Doing For Children
FEMA's Children's Working Group (CWG) was established by Administrator Fugate in August 2009, and is responsible for leading FEMA's efforts, in partnership with other Federal agencies, to ensure that the needs of children are considered and integrated into all disaster planning, preparedness, response and recovery efforts initiated at the Federal level. Read about the CWG’s accomplishments and view available resources and news here: http://www.fema.gov/about/cwg.shtm. We encourage you to sign up on the link at the top of the page to stay up to date on what FEMA is doing for children. NEW! FEMA has released a new resource for Youth Preparedness, the Catalogue of Youth Disaster Preparedness Education Resources created to assist individuals and organizations with locating preparedness resources that are tailored to children and youth.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
SUBJECT: DROP, COVER and HOLD EARTHQUAKE SAFETY MEASURE Triangle of Life
There have been recent inquiries to Oregon Emergency Management regarding an article circulating on email promoting the “Triangle of Life” protective measure during earthquakes rather than using the Drop, Cover and Hold procedure recommended in Oregon and throughout the United States. While the advice in the “Triangle of Life,” article is well intentioned; its prescribed actions are gleaned only from worst-case accounts from collapsed buildings outside of the United States. Because buildings in the United States are built to stricter codes and enforcement standards than those in other countries, including Mexico, and Turkey, collapses from earthquakes in the U.S. are rare. Structural analysis and behavioral studies confirm that the use of Drop, Cover and Hold reduces the likelihood of serious injury, since most earthquake injuries are a result of falling nonstructural elements (lighting fixtures, ceiling tiles, windows) and contents (appliances, shelves, office equipment). Post-earthquake investigations in recent California earthquakes have shown that most injuries occurred when building occupants attempted to exit buildings or move to a different location in the building. Drop, Cover and Hold is the earthquake safety procedure recommended by Oregon Emergency Management, the Oregon Seismic Safety Policy Advisory Commission, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the US Geological Survey, and the American Red Cross. Recent scientific research has found that Oregon will experience future earthquakes. Ultimately, Oregon residents should evaluate the earthquake readiness of their homes and work places and take appropriate steps to reduce their risk from structural and nonstructural building components. More information can be found at this link. < http://www.bpaonline.org/Emergencyprep/arc-on-doug-copp.html>.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Governor Kitzhaber Applauds Federal Approval for Curry County Disaster Assistance
(SALEM, Ore.) –The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced it will fund repairs and replace damaged public infrastructure in Curry County just four days after Governor Kitzhaber sent a formal request for a Federal Disaster Declaration to President Obama. The Port of Brookings-Harbor was damaged by tsunami waves that hit the Oregon Coast on March 11. “I am grateful for the speed with which our Federal partners have made this assistance available,” Governor Kitzhaber said. “It will help us quickly rebuild the port and get Oregonians back to work.” State and federal disaster assessment teams estimated damages at $6.7 million to the Port of Brookings- Harbor. Curry County met the state’s criteria to request federal disaster assistance. FEMA will now begin working with Curry County and the state Office of Emergency Management on scopes of work, design and construction schedules and reimbursements. The Federal share of assistance is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost for emergency measures and permanent restoration. The remaining 25 percent is the responsibility of the applicant. With the Federal declaration, damage assessments will begin in Coos and Lincoln Counties, where ports were also damaged, to determine if they meet assistance thresholds. “We’ll continue to work with Curry County until they are back on their feet. We’re also looking toward the future to make sure we’re prepared for an emergency,” said Kitzhaber. Attached is a summary of the Federal Disaster Declaration. The Governor’s website has easy access to make donations to recovery efforts in Curry County and in Japan. For more information please visit: http://www.governor.oregon.gov/ For more information about FEMA’s Public Assistance Program: http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm For the formal request to President Obama: http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/docs/032111presidentobama.pdf
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Get Ready for Flood Safety Awareness Week - March 14-18, 2011
Flooding is a coast to coast threat to the United States and its territories in all months of the year. National Flood Safety Awareness Week, from March 14 to 18 this year, is intended to highlight some of the many ways floods can occur, the hazards associated with floods, and what you can do to save life and property.
You can prepare yourself and help prepare your communities by educating yourself on the risks of flooding and the ways you can prepare and respond to flooding. Here are some resources to get you started: The Ready Campaign has a page dedicated to flood safety awareness at www.ready.gov/floodawareness.
FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program has a variety of resources at www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/. Also, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a Flood Safety page at www.floodsafety.noaa.gov. The DHS Center for Faith Based & Neighborhood Partnerships will hold a National Flood Awareness Safety Week Stakeholder conference call, Tuesday, March 15 from 12-1PM EST that will provide additional information on what it means to get ready for flood season. There is a limit of 300 people on the call.
Call-in information is: 1-888-391-6569 Pin # 8622712.
Find out more about being a StormReady community at http://www.stormready.noaa.gov/.
You can prepare yourself and help prepare your communities by educating yourself on the risks of flooding and the ways you can prepare and respond to flooding. Here are some resources to get you started: The Ready Campaign has a page dedicated to flood safety awareness at www.ready.gov/floodawareness.
FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program has a variety of resources at www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/. Also, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a Flood Safety page at www.floodsafety.noaa.gov. The DHS Center for Faith Based & Neighborhood Partnerships will hold a National Flood Awareness Safety Week Stakeholder conference call, Tuesday, March 15 from 12-1PM EST that will provide additional information on what it means to get ready for flood season. There is a limit of 300 people on the call.
Call-in information is: 1-888-391-6569 Pin # 8622712.
Find out more about being a StormReady community at http://www.stormready.noaa.gov/.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
FEMA asks: How do you stay prepared on a budget?
The economic downturn has made staying prepared more difficult in recent years. Fortunately, many Americans have found creative and inexpensive ways to be ready in case of an emergency. FEMA asks, what steps have you taken to stay prepared on a budget? We are looking for items and their uses, tips, stories, and good practices.
What items do you keep in your home, car, or workspace that help you stay prepared? Have you been involved in a disaster and found a particular yet inexpensive item especially useful? Are there inexpensive ways that help you fulfill the Ready.gov recommendations (http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html) for a preparedness kit?
To help you get started thinking of ideas, we have provided an example guide for preparing on a budget from the Seattle Red Cross, the Everett Office of Emergency Management, and ReadyCorps. Before April 30, 2011, please send your suggestions to citizencorps@dhs.gov and put “Preparing on a Budget” in the subject line. We look forward to reading your ideas and examples!
This notice and other Individual & Community Preparedness news can be found on our website at www.citizencorps.gov.
Sincerely,
The National Office of Citizen Corps
FEMA Individual & Community Preparedness Division
FEMA · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Washington, DC 20472
Reply Reply to all Forward
What items do you keep in your home, car, or workspace that help you stay prepared? Have you been involved in a disaster and found a particular yet inexpensive item especially useful? Are there inexpensive ways that help you fulfill the Ready.gov recommendations (http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html) for a preparedness kit?
To help you get started thinking of ideas, we have provided an example guide for preparing on a budget from the Seattle Red Cross, the Everett Office of Emergency Management, and ReadyCorps. Before April 30, 2011, please send your suggestions to citizencorps@dhs.gov and put “Preparing on a Budget” in the subject line. We look forward to reading your ideas and examples!
This notice and other Individual & Community Preparedness news can be found on our website at www.citizencorps.gov.
Sincerely,
The National Office of Citizen Corps
FEMA Individual & Community Preparedness Division
FEMA · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Washington, DC 20472
Reply Reply to all Forward
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