http://www.fireengineering.com/news/wire_story_display.html?dcmp=rss§ion=WIREN&category=HOME&id=178804&publicationId=25
FEMA wants public involved in disaster preparedness
washingtonpost.com (June 4, 2009)
"As we prepare for disasters, we have to look at the public as a resource, not as a liability," Fugate said during a conference call with homeland security bloggers on Tuesday -- one of the first times a DHS official has hosted a forum exclusively for online journalists.
"With all the other stuff we do at FEMA, that's one area that you'll probably hear and see me talk about more consistently than probably any other subject," he said, without providing any specific details for how he planned to recruit average Americans for the task.
Fugate touted the agency's YouTube and Twitter efforts and DisasterHelp.gov as examples of the agency's efforts to spread the word in new ways. During a visit to FEMA headquarters late last week, President Obama urged residents of hurricane-prone areas to plan ahead for this year's tropical weather, suggesting that preparedness is a responsibility of citizenship.
Go to the link for entire article.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
News Release from FEMA on Power Outages
News Release
THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNING CUT POWER IN POCKETS ACROSS PACIFIC NW
Preparedness Tips When the Lights Go Out
SEATTLE – Last night, a massive line of thunderstorms struck across the Pacific Northwest, knocking out power in over 100 communities across Washington, Oregon and Idaho. But all power outages can cause a number of safety concerns as residents seek to light, heat, cool or power their homes from alternative sources, and emergency management officials urge residents to exercise caution.
“Our region is prone to natural disasters ranging from windstorms and lightning strikes, to seasonal flooding, wildfires, earthquakes, and even volcanic activity,” said FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Dennis Hunsinger. “Power grids, generating plants, transformer stations, power poles and even buried cables are vulnerable. As we all review our family disaster plans and disaster kits, emergency power needs can rank right up with food, water, first aid kits and shelter, but we need to be careful!”
When the power fails, resist the temptation to call 9-1-1 for information—that’s what your battery-powered radio is for. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to prevent food spoilage. Turn off electric appliances to protect against power surges when power is restored. Turn off all lights but one (to alert you when power resumes). Plan on cell phones or corded phones for emergency calls—cordless phones require electricity. Keep your car fuel tank at least half-full (gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps). Candles can be dangerous fire hazards. Flashlights and electric lanterns are safer by far. Battery operated radios and clocks are other essentials, along with a supply of fresh batteries. If electric wheel chairs or electric life support devices are part of the equation, consider extra battery packs or a prearranged agreement from local police or fire stations for priority support.
Never use a portable generator in a garage, carport, basement, crawlspace or other enclosed or partially-enclosed area, even with ventilation. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately. Install home Carbon Monoxide alarms that have battery back-up. Store fuel safely.
When the power comes back on, wait a few minutes before turning on major appliances to help eliminate problems that could occur if there’s a sharp increase in demand. If you think that electric power has been restored to your area but your home is still without power, call your local power company.
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
###
THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNING CUT POWER IN POCKETS ACROSS PACIFIC NW
Preparedness Tips When the Lights Go Out
SEATTLE – Last night, a massive line of thunderstorms struck across the Pacific Northwest, knocking out power in over 100 communities across Washington, Oregon and Idaho. But all power outages can cause a number of safety concerns as residents seek to light, heat, cool or power their homes from alternative sources, and emergency management officials urge residents to exercise caution.
“Our region is prone to natural disasters ranging from windstorms and lightning strikes, to seasonal flooding, wildfires, earthquakes, and even volcanic activity,” said FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Dennis Hunsinger. “Power grids, generating plants, transformer stations, power poles and even buried cables are vulnerable. As we all review our family disaster plans and disaster kits, emergency power needs can rank right up with food, water, first aid kits and shelter, but we need to be careful!”
When the power fails, resist the temptation to call 9-1-1 for information—that’s what your battery-powered radio is for. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to prevent food spoilage. Turn off electric appliances to protect against power surges when power is restored. Turn off all lights but one (to alert you when power resumes). Plan on cell phones or corded phones for emergency calls—cordless phones require electricity. Keep your car fuel tank at least half-full (gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps). Candles can be dangerous fire hazards. Flashlights and electric lanterns are safer by far. Battery operated radios and clocks are other essentials, along with a supply of fresh batteries. If electric wheel chairs or electric life support devices are part of the equation, consider extra battery packs or a prearranged agreement from local police or fire stations for priority support.
Never use a portable generator in a garage, carport, basement, crawlspace or other enclosed or partially-enclosed area, even with ventilation. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately. Install home Carbon Monoxide alarms that have battery back-up. Store fuel safely.
When the power comes back on, wait a few minutes before turning on major appliances to help eliminate problems that could occur if there’s a sharp increase in demand. If you think that electric power has been restored to your area but your home is still without power, call your local power company.
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
###
Anything can happen anytime
Last night's storm is a reminder to all of us that strange things happen when we least expect them. During the summer it is always difficult to get people to take emergency preparedness seriously. When the sun comes out, we forget about all the things that could happen like fire, trees down, power outages, terrorist attacks, chemical spills, earthquakes, tsunamis, shootings, multiple car crashes, etc.
I don't want you to worry or be upset about these things, or let them run your life, but I do want you to be prepared. Just as you have a smoke detector in your home, you should have at least a 3 day (72 hours) emergency supply of food, water and other items.
You can put this kit together on your own or you can purchase one online. There are several companies out there that sell them. One good one I have found is www.quakedog.com/emergencykits72
Join OEM in the 72! I do, do you? campaign. Get your kit together, email me a photo of it and I'll send you a wrist band. jbailey@oem.state.or.us
I don't want you to worry or be upset about these things, or let them run your life, but I do want you to be prepared. Just as you have a smoke detector in your home, you should have at least a 3 day (72 hours) emergency supply of food, water and other items.
You can put this kit together on your own or you can purchase one online. There are several companies out there that sell them. One good one I have found is www.quakedog.com/emergencykits72
Join OEM in the 72! I do, do you? campaign. Get your kit together, email me a photo of it and I'll send you a wrist band. jbailey@oem.state.or.us
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Thunderstorms
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 330 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 900 PM PDT FOR THE FOLLOWING OREGON COUNTIES:
BENTON CLACKAMAS LANE
LINN MARION MULTNOMAH
POLK WASHINGTON YAMHILL
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 329 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 900 PM MDT FOR THE FOLLOWING OREGON COUNTIES:
BAKER CROOK DESCHUTES
GILLIAM GRANT HARNEY
JEFFERSON MALHEUR MORROW
UMATILLA UNION WALLOWA
WHEELER
BENTON CLACKAMAS LANE
LINN MARION MULTNOMAH
POLK WASHINGTON YAMHILL
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 329 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 900 PM MDT FOR THE FOLLOWING OREGON COUNTIES:
BAKER CROOK DESCHUTES
GILLIAM GRANT HARNEY
JEFFERSON MALHEUR MORROW
UMATILLA UNION WALLOWA
WHEELER
Thunderstorms
Tornado Warning has been lifted. The storm is passing over OEM at this time. Thunderstorm is severe but not long lasting.
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