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Families Get Prepared for Disasters

The Greater Buffalo Chapter of the American Red Cross is urging residents to prepare now for severe weather storms. It’s important to note that no one, including federal and state government officials, are recommending families to wait around for and rely on the government to bring relief. Instead, every agency is warning individuals to gear up with what they need to survive a natural disaster, by getting emergency kits for their home, vehicles, workplace and school.

“By preparing together for winter storms, we can make our families safer and our communities stronger,” said Executive Director Nancy Blaschak. “We can help you and your family create a disaster preparedness plan now, before our community is threatened by dangerously low temperatures, snow, ice and strong winds.”

Pack a winter-specific supply kit that includes a warm coat, hat, mittens or gloves, and water-resistant boots, along with extra blankets and extra warm clothing… Additionally, make sure you have a first aid kit and essential medications, canned food and can opener, bottled water, flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries in your home in the event of a power outage.

There’s no excuse for not taking the steps now to protect you and your family. Pay attention to the warnings, and take the simple step of purchasing at least a home survival kit to get started.

Source:
http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/local/Red-Cross-urges-residents-to-prepare

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Nor’easter Causes States to Get Declared Major Disaster Areas

President Obama has declared several states major disaster areas, the latest one being Commonwealth of Virginia. The declaration paves the way for states to receive federal public assistance. Local government and some non-profits can use the funds to repair damages. A portion of the monies will be allocated to long-term emergency preparedness for future natural disasters, like the recent Nor’easter that left several counties in Virginia devastated. Congressman Glenn Nye said:

“The November Nor’easter was a major disaster for families, businesses and communities across Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore. Many families I spoke with, both during and after the storm, suffered serious damage to their homes and have had nowhere to turn for help. Since the storm hit, I have been working closely with the Governor’s office and FEMA to get some relief for local families, businesses and communities affected by the flooding. The disaster declaration will finally clear the way for much-needed federal assistance, and I will keep working to help make sure every family has the assistance they need.”

Every family should take responsibility and have the right insurance in place to provide their own relief in case their home, property or business gets damaged due to a natural disaster. Homeowners and renters insurance are key to replace your items, but survival during the disaster is even more important. That’s where your disaster preparedness kits with handy supplies come in.

Source:
http://www.fox43tv.com/dpp/news/local/obama-declares-major-disaster1260459851460

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Emergency Meals in Queens Rising

What does emergency preparedness have to do with food banks? Natural disasters aren’t the only emergencies you have to be ready for. You also have to prepare for man-made disasters and civil unrest. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and state governments continue to warn that we could face a terrorist attack, and they suggest that your preparations include home, office and vehicle survival and kits. However, there are also the attacks to consider from hungry looters and others due to an escalating economic crisis. The New York Daily News Reports:

The number of emergency meals provided to the city’s hungry has jumped in every borough since 2006, with the Queens tally topped only by that in the Bronx, which saw a 110% boost. In Brooklyn the jump was 75% and in Manhattan 62%. The smallest increase was 29% for Staten Island.

340,000 households across the city are now considered “food insecure” – meaning that these families are unsure when or how they will get their next meal – with 53,285 in the Bronx.

“Because of the bad economy, New York families that typically donate food, warm clothes and other basics to those in need just can’t afford to this year,” Gillibrand said. “As a result, food bank shelves have gone bare, and hunger and food insecurity have reached disturbing, historic highs.”

That’s why being informed about these stories are important. It will help you to keep your pulse on just how bad things are getting. It will also keep you in the right mindset of being prepared.

Source:
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/queens/2009/12/09/2009-12 09_huge_surge_in_demand_for_emergency_meals.html

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Snow Emergency Causes Major Power Outages

Governor Doyle of Wisconsin has issued a state-of-emergency because of a severe snow storm that left some parts of the state with  18 inches of snow. The state is facing significant challenges because of the snow storm, including widespread power outages.

Alliant Energy spokesman Scott Reigstad said the storm cut power to about 22,000 people in southern Wisconsin. We Energies officials said about 30,000 people around southeastern Wisconsin lost power.

As temperatures fell across southern Wisconsin, thousands of residents were still without power and, likewise, heat Wednesday night, including about 500 homes in the Madison metro area.

Some residents in Monona lost power due to the storm. Their electricity was restored by Wednesday evening, but plenty of homes east and south of Madison, including Monona and Fitchburg, are still without power, and utilities will continue to work all night to restore power.

Being without electricity and heat during a snow storm is not fun. It can be dangerous, in fact, if you’re caught unprepared. Having a few blankets and candles, as some residents are reported to have relied on while waiting for the power to come back on, is the best option if you can avoid it. That’s certainly not want you want to rely on if you have young children or the elderly to take care of. The better option is to have a disaster preparedness kit that will suffice during winter emergencies.

Source:
http://www.channel3000.com/news/21914735/detail.html

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Wind Chill Advisory Preparedness

Storms aren’t your only worries when there’s snow. The wind alone can cause you much pain and suffering if you’re outdoors or if it knocks your power out. Take the state of Wisconsin, which got battered this week with a snow storm so severe that the governor issued a state-of-emergency. The National Weather Service also issued a wind chill advisory in Wisconsin, and wind chills were expected to be -10 to -25F. State officials were concerned and issued this warning to residents:

State emergency officials said they are advising people to stay home. People who must travel should prepare an emergency supply kit for their vehicles and monitor their local media for weather updates and road conditions.

A car kit is a necessity if you want to travel safely year round, but especially during the winter. The kit will include items to keep you safe and warm, such as food, water and hand warmers. You can also buy a car kit for your car, with jumper cables and other tools to help you get back on the road if you get stuck in the snow. Your cell phone may not always work, and therefore you need a backup plan in addition to calling for help.

Source:
http://www.channel3000.com/news/21914735/detail.html

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Wisconsin Snow Storm Causes State of Emergency

What would you do if your state declared an emergency, activating the National Guard to help if necessary? This took place in Wisconsin this week, when Governor Jim Doyle declared a state-of-emergency after a major snow storm. Many counties were hit with unprecedented snow fall. The Pierce County Herald reports:

Falk’s county was among the hardest hit. Eighteen-and-a-half inches of snow fell southwest of Madison Tuesday night and yesterday. The National Weather Service says that’s the most in the state. Other places got 6-to-17 inches.

All of Wisconsin’s state government shut down for at least one day because of the snow emergency. That hasn’t happened in more than 50 years. Schools and colleges shut down as well.

Snow storms can have a devastating impact on your ability to drive your car, conduct business or stay warm. It’s important not to take snow fall for granted and rely on heat and electricity in your home only. Instead, prepare for snow emergencies so that you won’t suffer much if everything does shut down around you. Make sure your emergency kit includes winter preparedness items, in addition to typical supplies or at least, add those to the home, car, and pet survival kits you purchase.

Source:
http://www.piercecountyherald.com/event/article/id/22746/group/News/

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Conference on Global Preparedness

Emergency preparedness is a concern on a national scale, and should be on your mind as an individual. Florida Tech held a 3 day conference which brought together national, state government officials, military and companies to share information on preparedness for natural and manmade disasters. Florida Today reports:

The conference brought together dozens of experts to share and discuss health, safety and security issues from terrorism, to hurricanes, to earthquakes and practices to maintain infrastructure for disaster preparedness. We decided national wasn’t enough because we have global issues,” said Clifford Bragdon, Florida Tech dean of continuing education and vice president of strategic initiatives.

This conference can serve as a reminder to all us to take the steps necessary to protect our assets in our home.

  • For example, if a hurricane or earthquake comes your way, is your home secured?
  • Do you have furniture bolted down if you live in areas prone to these storms?
  • Do you have homeowners or renters insurance?
  • Do you have home survival kits with food and water to sustain you when the power goes out or if transportation is not possible?
  • Even if transportation is possible, do you have more than a half a tank a gas in your vehicle at all times, so that you can evacuate?

Schedule time to think through these issues and take action by buying what you need to be prepared.

Source:
http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20091210/BUSINESS/912100308/1006/NEWS01/Tech+preparedness+event+goes+global

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Unusual Disaster Preparedness Gifts

Disaster preparedness kits make great gifts during the holidays, and everyone from FEMA spokespersons to fire marshals are recommending them. In addition to those kits, you might also gift larger and smaller preparedness items that every home needs, such as:

  • Foldable Ladder
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Smoke Alarms
  • Carbon Monoxide Alarms

‘For tech geeks, you might get one of those emergency crank-up radios. And I’m a big fan of those little flashlights as stocking fillers. You can never have enough flashlights when there’s a power cut,’ FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said.

‘You’re giving them a gift that can save a life and keep them safe in an emergency,’  he said.

‘What we’re saying is that the holidays are the only time families really get together. So it’s the ideal time to talk about a family communication plan in the event of a disaster,’ Mr. Fugate said.

It may seem awkward to talk about disasters and crisis this season, when family and friends would rather think about other things. However, giving preparedness gifts can help you begin a much needed discussion that could prove extremely valuable down the road. Just don’t make it the main focus of all of your discussions, or that will turn people off.

Source:
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_464352.html

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Animal Disaster Preparedness

Your first priority when it comes to emergency preparedness is you and your family. However, you can and should make plans for your animals as well. You may have heard about Community  Emergency Response Teams, volunteers who are equipped and trained to help residents when disaster strikes. Now, one state is training students to do the same, but for animals:

North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is helping to fill the need through a unique initiative that requires all of its students to receive disaster training, providing a new generation of leaders in veterinary medicine and disaster response.

“Emergency response is generally geared towards people, particularly at the local level. We need to protect the health of the people and the health of the animals –whether they are pets or livestock related to a region’s livelihood. We believe this training will help veterinarians respond to the needs of both people and animals,” says Dr. Dianne Dunning, co-author of a recent study on NC State’s landmark training requirement and director of the university’s Animal Welfare, Ethics and Public Policy Program.

This looks like it will be a great service to those animals who are left behind. However, like with your family, you should prepare in advance to help your pets during an emergency with a pet survival kit.

Source:
http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1796401/disaster_response_for_animals/index.html?source=r_science

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Don’t Depend on Police and Fire

Not to sound like broken record, but many local and federal officials are consistent in their warnings for individuals to be ready to help themselves in an emergency. Here’s one of the latest warnings as reported by the Journal News:

When a widespread event — such as a power outage, storm damage or other civil emergency — happens, there is no way that local, state or federal officials can meet the needs of a large number of people in a short period of time, many emergency officials say.

“People need to plan and prepare ahead to survive on their own for at least 72 hours or more,” [Willam Turner, director of the Butler County Emergency Management Agency] said. “Don’t depend on police and fire to help you, because they may not be able to reach you.”

Turner also explained that it was important for parents to share their emergency plans with children, including pertinent contact information. Everyone in your household should know how to shut off utilities to prevent leaks, know basic first aid techniques and should have a well stocked supplies kit. “People need to plan and prepare ahead to survive on their own for at least 72 hours or more,” Turner said.

Source:
http://www.journal-news.com/lifestyle/see-to-immediate-needs-in-event-of-disaster-439486.html?cxtype=rss_lifestyle