National Lightning Safety Awareness Week

Observed the last full week of June, National Lightning Safety Awareness Week not only helps get safety messages out in time for the Fourth of July, but also signals summer as lightning season. Outside is the most dangerous place to be during a lightning or thunderstorm and more people are outside during the summer. According to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Acting Regional Administrator Dennis Hunsinger, lightning strikes and high winds associated with thunderstorms also increase the risk of wildfires.

2010 Ushers In Increased Wildfire Risk For NW

Wed, 12 May 2010 08:34:45 -0500
SEATTLE, Wash. -- El Nino weather patterns and a relatively mild winter left Idaho, eastern Washington and south central Oregon drier than normal and vulnerable to wildfire. In addition to urging extreme caution with campfires, fireworks, trash fires, grills and other heat sources, FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Dennis Hunsinger encourages residents living on wooded lots and wildland/urban interface areas to stay informed on local conditions.

Salem Wins Floodplain Management Recognition

Already a Bargain, Salem Residents to Pay Even Less for Flood Insurance

» 2010 Region X News Releases


SALEM, Ore. – City of Salem residents are about to pay even less for flood insurance, as a direct result of their community’s continued active participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). According to FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Dennis Hunsinger, they’ll not only qualify for reduced flood insurance premiums, but enjoy reduced vulnerability to flood hazards as well.

"The CRS rewards communities for implementing programs and policies which protect their citizens from floods. Such activities can range from mapping, regulations and flood damage reduction to flood preparedness and public awareness programs," said Hunsinger. "Salem's high regulatory standards, public education outreach and elevation certificate initiatives have earned a CRS Class 7 rating."

Flood insurance premium reductions resulting from qualifying community activities run in five percent increments, from five to 45 percent. Class ratings range from Ten to One. The higher the flood protection activity, the lower the Class rating. Total NFIP coverage in Salem is over $221 million, with average annual premiums of $848. With 1,042 policies currently in force within the city limits, that’s an average savings of around $112 per policy.

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.

ATTENTION NEWS ROOMS: FEMA Region X Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont will present the City of Salem with an official CRS plaque Monday, 22 March 2010 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 555 Liberty Street SE in Salem. Contact: Sara Jondahl (503) 588-6211.

Flood Safety Awareness Week March 15-19, 2010 - From FEMA

SEATTLE—The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is pleased to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)-sponsored 2010 National Flood Safety Awareness Week, observed March 15-19 (http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/). Flooding is a coast to coast threat in the United States and its territories in all months of the year, irrespective of local “flood seasons.” According to FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Dennis Hunsinger, flooding is the nation’s number one natural disaster.

“We learn time and time again that you just don’t need to live in a mapped floodplain to need flood insurance, and it just doesn’t pay to quibble over what side of a line on a flood map one lives on,” said Hunsinger. “The fact is— twenty to 25 percent of all flood insurance claims are filed in low-to-moderate flood-risk areas where flood insurance premiums can be a real bargain.”

Property owners and renters need to know that they can take steps to protect their property and financial security before disaster strikes. However, many eligible residents are unaware that they qualify or that affordable flood insurance is available. Residents can begin to take steps now to protect their home and assets from rising floodwaters at any time.

· Make sure gutters and drains are cleared. Clean and maintain storm drains and gutters and remove debris from your property to allow free flow of potential floodwater.

· Move valuables and sentimental items to the highest floor of your home or business.

· Install backflow valves in waste lines to keep water flowing in one direction.

Protect your well from contamination.

Anchor or elevate fuel tanks and elevate the main breaker or fuse box and the utility meters
above the anticipated flood level in your home or business, so that floodwater won’t damage utilities.

Make sure you have the right insurance: Review your insurance policies and find out what they do and do not cover. Learn the difference between replacement cost coverage versus standard coverage, which only pays the actual cash value of insured property. Be sure that you have enough insurance to cover recent home renovations or improvements.

Know that most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage, so be sure to consider flood insurance for both your structure and its contents. There is typically a 30 day waiting period for a flood insurance policy to take effect. Learn more by visiting http://www.floodsmart.gov/ and http://www.fema.gov/.

Learn your flood risk. Properties that are not located within high-risk areas can also flood. Find out your flood risk right now by entering your address at FloodSmart.gov “Assess Your Risk.” Insurance agents can also help check your risk.

Purchase a flood insurance policy. If you already have a flood policy, remember: your policy needs to be renewed each year.

Plan and practice a flood evacuation route, ask someone out of state to be your “family contact” in an emergency, and make sure everyone knows the contact’s address and phone number.
Build an emergency supply kit: Food, bottled water, first aid supplies, medicines, and a battery-operated radio should be ready to go when you are. Visit http://www.ready.gov/ for a complete disaster supply checklist.

Inventory your household possessions: For insurance purposes, be sure to keep a written and visual (i.e., videotaped or photographed) record of all major household items and valuables, even those stored in basements, attics or garages. Create files that include serial numbers and store receipts for major appliances and electronics. Have jewelry and artwork appraised. These documents are critically important when filing insurance claims.

Store copies of irreplaceable financial and family documents in a safe place, preferably one that is protected from both fire and water. Documents include automobile titles, tax records, stock and bond certificates, deeds, wills, trust agreements, birth and marriage certificates, photos, passports and insurance policies. Keep originals in a rented safe deposit box. And don’t forget the household inventory file!

Flood insurance is available through nearly 100 insurance companies in more than 21,000 participating communities nationwide. Everyone can purchase flood insurance – renters, business owners, and homeowners. Nation-wide, the average flood insurance policy costs around $563 a year. And in low- to moderate-risk areas, lower-cost Preferred Risk Policies (PRPs) start at just $119 a year. Individuals can learn more about their flood risk and how to protect their property by visiting http://www.floodsmart.gov/ or by calling 1-800-427-2419.


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.

FEMA news release on National Preparedness Month

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
Family-Friendly Tools Help Parents Prepare

September is National Preparedness Month, four calendar weeks set specifically aside to encourage citizens to prepare for disasters and emergencies by developing a plan, creating a disaster supply survival kit and staying informed. FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Dennis Hunsinger reminds parents that they are their family’s first-responders.

“Emergency plans help families stay in contact if they are separated unexpectedly. If you already have a plan, keep it current. If you don’t yet have a plan, get started with free Family Preparedness Plan templates available at http://www.ready.gov/,” said Hunsinger. “Another great resource is Ready Kids available at www.ready.gov/kids. It’s a family-friendly tool that helps parents and teachers educate children ages 8-12 about emergencies, and how they can better prepare.”

Ready Kids features fun activities such as Pack it Up Matching games, crossword puzzles, coloring pages and Scavenger Hunts, as well as step-by-step instructions on the role kids can play in family preparedness.

FEMA recommends that individuals and families prepare a disaster supply kit since it may take time for help to arrive and shelters and food to become available following a disaster. Detailed checklists are available at Ready.gov, but minimum guidelines include:

Store at least one gallon of water per person per day, and store the water in plastic containers. Water should be replaced every six months

Store at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food per person to include ready-to-eat canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats, and energy bars

Basic first-aid supplies like adhesive bandages, gauze pads, and antiseptic wipes

Essential medications

A copy of emergency contact numbers, a battery operated radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries.

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.

FEMA urges caution for those returning home after wildfires

News release - FEMA

SEATTLE – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges residents and business owners to take extra precautions when returning after wildfire-caused evacuations. Dennis Hunsinger, FEMA Acting Regional Administrator for Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington warns that unseen dangers may linger long after the flames die down.

“Fires can leave behind nasty surprises ranging from gas leaks and weakened foundations to exposed wires and power lines,” said Hunsinger. “Check for external damage and exercise caution when entering fire-damaged structures. Play it safe. When in doubt, ask for help or seek advice from an expert.”

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
Evaluate all utilities on the property for fire damage. Also check power lines coming into the house. Call your gas company to evaluate service. Contact your utility company immediately if you find downed power lines or smell gas.

Check the foundation for cracks or other damage. Check porches and overhangs to be sure they are adequately supported. If the foundation has been undermined, it may not be safe to enter the building. If you find obvious damage, ask that a building inspector check the building first.

If the door sticks at the top as it opens, it could mean the ceiling is ready to cave in. If you decide to force the door open, stand outside the doorway as you do so to avoid being hit by falling debris. As you enter, look before you step. Floors and stairs may be slippery or covered with debris. Watch for broken glass, nails and other hazards. Check the roof and attic immediately for hidden burning sparks and watch for flare-ups for several hours after the fire.

Be alert for gas leaks inside the house that might not be obvious from outside. Do not strike a match or use an open flame unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been well ventilated. Instead, use a flashlight to check for damage.

Turn off the electricity. Even if the power company has turned off electricity to the area, be sure to turn off your circuit breakers. Do not use appliances or motors that have been damaged until they have been repaired or replaced. If you use generators due to the loss of power, make sure they are used outside. All cooking on camp stoves and grills should be done outside. Gas and charcoal fumes can be deadly.

Watch for animals. Small animals that have been burned out of their homes may seek shelter in yours. Scare them away by poking a stick into likely hiding places, taking particular care to listen for the warning sound of a rattlesnake.

Don’t breathe the ash from the fires. Ash can irritate your respiratory system. Use painter masks to protect your airway. Water down the area around your home to reduce flying ash. Keep all windows closed to prevent odors from the burning area from entering your home.

Be careful when removing burned items from the home. Handle all burned plastics with gloves as possible toxins can come off the plastic.

Don’t allow children to play in burned areas. Trees may be weak and could fall unexpectedly and holes in the ground may be covered with ash and not visible.

To reduce your future risk of wildfire damage to your home, consider these tips:
Keep leaves and pine needles from roofs, gutters and downspouts and regularly prune low tree branches and mow dried grass;

Remove excess trees, dead trees and shrubs near the house (use a skilled contractor to remove large trees) and consider landscaping alternatives that don’t include shrubs planted close to the house, such as a rock garden;

Check with local building officials to verify building codes and recommendations;
Determine the potential for flooding and the need for erosion control;

Consider mitigation measures, such as using fire resistant roof materials, including asphalt shingles or metal roofs, tempered glass, and installing spark arresters in chimneys and fire resistant materials on the undersides of decks.

For more information on actions to take to reduce future risk of wildfire damage to your home, go to, www.fema.gov or www.firewise.org.

FEMA news release - Wildfires

29 July 2009
Contact: Mike Howard (425) 487-4610
Press Release No.: 09-71News Release

WHEN WILDFIRES RAGE: PREPARE, STAY INFORMED AND EVACUATE IF DIRECTED

SEATTLE –Sustained record-breaking temperatures have raised wildfire hazards throughout the Pacific Northwest. With wildfires burning in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington state, FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Dennis Hunsinger encourages at-risk residents to prepare for the worst, stay informed on local conditions and evacuate if instructed to by fire or emergency management officials.

“Fires can start and spread quickly, and it is essential that people living on wooded lots or wildland/urban interface areas take action now to protect their homes and properties,” said Hunsinger. “The time to discuss wildfire warnings and evacuation strategies with your local forestry and emergency management officials is before wildfires rage. Stay in the loop, follow developments, and evacuate if instructed to.”

FEMA recommends that residents take specific action before an evacuation is necessary, clearing flammable materials from around the home, keeping roofs and gutters clear of pine needles and debris and ensuring that house numbers are visible and driveways allow access to firefighting vehicles.

Another important step that FEMA recommends is preparing an evacuation kit. Items should be put in a container that can be easily loaded into a vehicle for a quick departure. Items to include:
Flashlight
Battery-powered radio with additional batteries
First aid kit
Medicines, prescriptions and eye glasses
Water (at least one gallon per person and enough for three days for each person in the household)
Change of clothing
Sleeping bags and pillows
Cash and credit cards

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 are for electricity, water and gas.

FEMA also recommends that family members discuss how to contact one another if the wildfire comes near when family members are separated. Discuss evacuation routes and identify relatives or friends outside the immediate area that can be contacted. Finally, make sure your pets have collars and identification tags and take your pets with you if you need to evacuate. While some shelters won’t accept pets, an increasing number of communities are organizing pet shelters when large evacuations are necessary. Check with your local Humane Society, animal shelter or veterinarian.

For more information on protecting your family and your home from wildfires, go to http://www.fema.gov/, or http://www.ready.gov/.

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.
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FEMA news release - NATIONAL LIGHTNING SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK 21-27 JUNE 2009

SEATTLE—Summer is the peak season for one of America’s deadliest weather phenomena—lightning. In 2008, hundreds of people were permanently injured by lightning strikes across the country, and 28 were killed. This year to-date, 11 people have been killed by lightning, and statistically, the Fourth of July is one of the most deadly times of the year. According to FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Dennis Hunsinger, National Lightning Safety Awareness Week, observed the last full week of June, not only helps get safety messages out in time for the Fourth of July, but also signals summer as lightning season.

“All thunderstorms produce lightning—and no place outside is safe when lightning is in the area. When thunder roars? Go indoors!” said Hunsinger. “If you can hear thunder, you are in danger. We all need to incorporate lightning safety into our family disaster planning.”

Lightning safety tips for inside the home include:
• Avoid contact with corded phones
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. If you plan to unplug any electronic equipment, do so well before the storm arrives.
• Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry.
• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
• Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls.
Lightning can strike as far as ten miles away from any rainfall, creating hotspots that smolder for days, to erupt when conditions are right. “Summer is also wildfire season in the Pacific Northwest,” cautions Hunsinger. “Those of us who live in urban interface areas, wooded lots, or near heavily-grassed and dry rangeland should create fire-safe perimeters, and update family disaster plans.”

For more information on lightning safety this year, visit: www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov. For wildfire preparedness tips, sample preparedness plans and emergency checklists, visit http://firewise.org/ or www.fema.gov.

National Arson Awareness Week

National Arson Awareness Week, 3-9 May 2009
Arson For Profit
Release Date: April 27, 2009Release Number: R10-09-60
» 2009 Region X News Releases
SEATTLE, Wash. -- Next week (3-9 May 2009) is National Arson Awareness Week, and the U.S. Fire Administration has partnered up with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Fire Arms; the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud and the International Association of Arson Investigators to educate the public on arson hazards. This year’s theme will focus on Arson for Profit, and according to FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Dennis Hunsinger, arson for profit is more than insurance fraud—it can turn deadly.
"Arson fires easily spread to adjacent properties, and can injure and kill innocent neighbors and bystanders," said Hunsinger. "According to the National Fire Incident Reporting System, arson for profit accounts for 28 percent of civilian fire deaths nation-wide."
National Fire Protection Association figures (2005) estimate that the 323,900 intentional fires in their databanks resulted in 490 civilian fire deaths, 3 firefighter on duty deaths, 1,500 civilian fire injuries, 7,600 firefighter on duty injuries and caused over $1.1 billion in direct property damage. The insurance Information Institute reports that arsonists destroyed nearly $900 million in insured property, and killed 295 civilians in 2007.
"Arson for profit affects everyone, through loss of life, increased insurance premiums, and related expenses for fire and law enforcement professionals," continued Hunsinger. "We can all help reduce and prevent these serious crimes by reporting suspicious activity, and by supporting local Neighborhood Watch programs and local fire department initiatives."
Arson Awareness Week information is available from the USFA (www.usfa.fema.gov), the Coaltion Against Insurance Fraud (www.insurancefraud.org) InterFIRE (www.interfire.org) and Firehouse Magazine (www.firehouse.com). For more information contact USFA at 1-888-603-3100.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism and man-made disasters