• Listen to your radio (battery powered if the lights go out), television, or NOAA Weather Radio for weather reports and emergency information.
• Eat regularly and drink ample fluids.
• Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. If you can temporarily close off heat to rooms that are not in use.
• If water pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate). Do not use any flames near the pipes to unfreeze them, the last thing you want is a fire to deal with in freezing conditions.
• Double check for proper ventilation if you are using kerosene heaters, to avoid the build-up of toxic fumes. Be sure to note which heaters can be used indoors. You should consider cooking food in the garage or carport to reduce CO emissions. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.

Also note that proper food storage and water storage is essential for any type of disaster. We tend to think of large earthquakes and other forms of disaster. What about an transportation problem that stops the flow of food to your local grocery store? You should have at least a months supply of food and water for every member of you family in home storage. Ideally a one years supply of food, water and any other necessities is the best option.

If you are outside

• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Better yet hire the neighbor kid to come shovel your walks and drives. A major cause of death in the winter in mature adults is a heart attack due overexertion during snow shoveling. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside, pick a moderate pace and rest if you feel tired.
• Cover your mouth. Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors
• Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits body heat rapidly.
• Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.
• If symptoms of hypothermia are detected:
1. Get the victim to a warm location, start a fire in a sheilded area.
2. Remove wet clothing.
3. Dress the person in dry clothing and wrap their entire body in blankets.
4. Warming the core of the body first will help quickly restore heat to the entire body.
5. Give warm, non-alcoholic or non-caffeinated beverages if the victim is conscious
6. Get medical help as soon as possible.

DO NOT PANIC! Use your head, keep your thoughts under control. If you can maintain an optimistic attitude during any type of disater you will prevail. Be sure to take care of those who can not take care of themselves. You must use your head, and keep cool (no pun intended) when surviving a severe winter storm.

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• Prepare for possible extended stay in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Insulate your home to extend the life of your fuel supply. Insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic or heavy drapes.
• Winterize your out buildings that can provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment.
• Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).

Gas meter outside your home. This is were the gas can be turned off.

• Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.
• Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
• Don’t forget your food storage in any emergency this is critical.

Prepare your vehicles

Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your automobile first aid kit:
• Antifreeze - ensure it is the proper mix to avoid freezing.
• Battery and ignition system - should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean. Use baking soda and water to clean terminals.
• Brakes
• Exhaust system - check for leaks and crimped pipes, repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
• Fuel and air filters – help keep water out of your fuel system by using additives and keeping your tank full.
• Heater and defroster - ensure they work properly.
• Lights and flashing hazard lights – replace defective bulbs and elements.
• Oil - check for level and proper winter weight.
• Thermostat - ensure it works properly.
• Windshield wiper equipment – replace wiper blades every 3 months and maintain proper washer fluid level.
Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions.
* Place a winter emergency kit in each car that includes:
•  a shovel
•  windshield scraper and small broom
•  flashlight
•  battery powered radio
•  extra batteries
•  water
•  snack food
•  matches
•  extra hats, socks and mittens
•  first aid kit with pocket knife
•  Necessary medications
•  blanket(s)
•  tow chain or rope
•  road salt and sand
•  booster cables
•  emergency flares
•  fluorescent distress flag

Personally prepare yourself

• Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
• Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
• Wear a hat.
•  Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

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Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding associated with Tropical Depression Ida and a nor’easter in the counties of Nassau and Suffolk.

President Declares Major Disaster For The State Of New York

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Albert Lewis has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Lewis said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

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.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema ; follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femainfocus and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fema

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Declares Major Disaster For Kansas. The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for Kansas and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding during the period of July 8-14, 2009.

FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said the Presidents declaration major disaster for Kansas makes federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding in the counties of Anderson, Bourbon, Franklin, Linn, and Sedgwick.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties and tribes within the state.

Fugate named Michael R. Scott as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the President Declares Major Disaster For Kansas area. Scott said that additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

• Three days supply of water (one gallon per person, per day) and non-perishable food. (Remember to change food and water every six months).
• Eyeglasses, hearing aids, extra keys.
• First-aid kit, extra prescription medications, copies of prescriptions, other special medical items.
• Special supplies needed for babies or older adults.
• Important documents and records, photo IDs, proof of residence.
• Cash (power outages mean banks and ATMs may be unavailable).
• Battery-operated radio and flashlight with extra batteries.
• Phone numbers of family and friends.
• Road maps, a travel plan, hotel reservations, list of places between your town and your destination where you can stop if the highways are clogged.
• Coolers for food and ice storage, paper plates, plastic utensils.
• Manual can opener, booster cables, tools.
• Blankets, pillows, sleeping bags and extra clothing.
• Toilet paper, cleanup supplies, personal hygiene products.
• Pet supplies (food, water and medicines).

Search in our blog (EM2K.com) for much more information regarding your kit.

To protect yourself, it is important to understand the basic characteristics of fire. Fire spreads quickly; there is no time to gather valuables or make a phone call. In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames.

Heat and smoke from fire can be more dangerous than the flames. Inhaling the super-hot air can sear your lungs. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Instead of being awakened by a fire, you may fall into a deeper sleep. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio.

Before a Fire

Here is a list of things you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your property in the event of a fire:

Smoke Alarms

• Install smoke alarms. Properly working smoke alarms decrease your chances of dying in a fire by half.
• Place smoke alarms on every level of your home. Place them outside bedrooms on the ceiling or high on the wall (4 to 12 inches from ceiling), at the top of open stairways, or at the bottom of enclosed stairs and near (but not in) the kitchen.
• Test and clean smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year. Replace smoke alarms once every 10 years.

Escaping the Fire

• Review escape routes with your family. Practice escaping from each room.
• Make sure outside windows can open and are not nailed or painted shut. Make sure security gratings on windows have a fire safety opening feature so they can be easily opened from the inside.
• Consider escape ladders if your residence has more than one level, and ensure that burglar bars and other antitheft mechanisms that block outside window entry are easily opened from the inside.
• Teach family members to stay low to the floor (where the air is safer in a fire) when escaping from a fire.
• Clean out storage areas. Do not let trash, such as old newspapers and magazines, accumulate.

Flammable Items

• Never use gasoline, benzine, naptha, or similar flammable liquids indoors.
• Know where your pilot lights are in your appliances, water heater, furnace etc.
• Store flammable liquids in approved containers in well-ventilated storage areas.
• Never smoke near flammable liquids.
• Discard all rags or materials that have been soaked in flammable liquids after you have used them. Safely discard them outdoors in a metal container.
• Insulate chimneys and place spark arresters on top. The chimney should be at least three feet higher than the roof. Remove branches hanging above and around the chimney.

Heating Sources

• Be careful when using alternative heating sources.
• Check with your local fire department on the use of kerosene heaters in your community. Be sure to fill kerosene heaters outside, and be sure they have cooled.
• Place heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials. Make sure the floor and nearby walls are properly insulated.
• Use only the type of fuel designated for your unit and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
• Store ashes in a metal container outside and away from your residence.
• Keep open flames away from walls, furniture, drapery, and flammable items.
• Keep a screen in front of the fireplace.
• Be sure your chimney is clear before using the fireplace.
• Have heating units inspected and cleaned annually by a certified specialist.

Matches and Smoking

• Keep matches and lighters up high, away from children, and, if possible, in a locked cabinet.
• Never smoke in bed or when drowsy or medicated. Provide smokers with deep, sturdy ashtrays. Douse cigarette and cigar butts with water before disposal.

Electrical Wiring

• Have the electrical wiring in your residence checked by an electrician.
• Inspect extension cords for frayed or exposed wires or loose plugs.
• Make sure outlets have cover plates and no exposed wiring.
• Make sure wiring does not run under rugs, over nails, or across high-traffic areas.
• Do not overload extension cords or outlets. If you need to plug in two or three appliances, get a UL-approved unit with built-in circuit breakers to prevent sparks and short circuits.
• Make sure insulation does not touch bare electrical wiring.

Other

• Sleep with your door closed.
• Install A-B-C-type fire extinguishers in your residence and teach family members how to use them.
• Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your residence.
• Ask your local fire department to inspect your residence for fire safety and prevention.

What to do During a Fire

If your clothes catch on fire, you should:

• Stop, drop, and roll - until the fire is extinguished. Running only makes the fire burn faster.

To escape a fire, you should:

• Check closed doors for heat before you open them. If you are escaping through a closed door, use the back of your hand to feel the top of the door, the doorknob, and the crack between the door and door frame before you open it. Never use the palm of your hand or fingers to test for heat - burning those areas could impair your ability to escape a fire (i.e., ladders and crawling).

• Crawl low under any smoke to your exit - heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.
• Close doors behind you as you escape to delay the spread of the fire.
• Stay out once you are safely out. Do not reenter. Call 9-1-1.

What to do After a Fire

The following are guidelines for different circumstances in the period following a fire:

• If you are with burn victims, or are a burn victim yourself, call 9-1-1; cool and cover burns to reduce chance of further injury or infection.
• If you detect heat or smoke when entering a damaged building, evacuate immediately.
• If you are a tenant, contact the landlord.
• If you have a safe or strong box, do not try to open it. It can hold intense heat for several hours. If the door is opened before the box has cooled, the contents could burst into flames.
• If you must leave your home because a building inspector says the building is unsafe, ask someone you trust to watch the property during your absence.

A Major Disaster Declaration usually follows these steps:

• Local Government Responds, supplemented by neighboring communities and volunteer agencies. If overwhelmed, turn to the state for assistance;
• The State Responds with state resources, such as the National Guard and state agencies;
• Damage Assessment by local, state, federal, and volunteer organizations determines losses and recovery needs;
• A Major Disaster Declaration is requested by the governor, based on the damage assessment, and an agreement to commit state funds and resources to the long-term recovery;
• FEMA Evaluates the request and recommends action to the White House based on the disaster, the local community and the state’s ability to recover;
• The President approves the request or FEMA informs the governor it has been denied. This decision process could take a few hours or several weeks depending on the nature of the disaster.

Complete article: Click Here

06/19      Missouri      Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
06/19         Oklahoma     Wildfires
06/16         Arkansas     Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
06/16         South Dakota     Severe Storms and Flooding
06/11         Alaska     Flooding and Ice Jams
06/03         Alabama     Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and Straight-line Winds
05/29         Kentucky     Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and Mudslides
05/27         Florida     Severe Storms, Flooding, Tornadoes, and Straight-line Winds
05/15         Tennessee     Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
05/15         West Virginia     Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and Landslides
For the complete list click here.

Link to Article.

It is very brief, but captivating.

Here are several potential reasons why we don’t prepare.

1. It will not happen to me.
2. My (insert their name here) has more than enough supplies to help me out.
3. If it does happen I probably won’t survive.
4. If I prepare then I will make something bad happen.
5. It is too costly.
6. It will take too much time.
7. I don’t know how to do it.
8. I don’t want to turn into a “Survivalist”.

If you see a tiny bit of yourself in any of the excuses above take hope, you can do it! It will cost you much, much more if a disaster strikes and you are not prepared. Take a few baby steps and see how you feel once you have a little food put away. Learn how to close off water at your main, and shut down gas and electricity. Simple steps will go a long way to ensure the safety of your family.

Another real monstorous disater is the potential for an economic flood, or earthquake. If your earning abilities were cut for weeks or months what would you do? There is a greater potential for you to be displaced by an economic tidal wave than an earthquake. It makes more sense to be prepared today than it did a few years ago. Do the right thing, get ready.

Emergencies:

• Cyclone Nargis May 2009
• Hurricane Ike - Sep 2008
• Hurricane Hanna - Aug 2008
• Hurricane Gustav - Aug 2008
• Tropical Storm Fay - Aug 2008
• Hurricane Dolly - Jul 2008

Photo of personal emergency medical kit

BASICS:
The following items are recommended as basic items for a family first aid kit.

• Sterile gauze squares (2″, 3″, 4″)
• Roller gauze (1″, 2″, 3″)
• Plain absorbent gauze pads
• Eye dressings
• 3-Triangular bandages
• Assorted adhesive dressing(such as bandaids)
• Pair of small scissor
• Pair of tweezers
• Oral thermometer
• Tongue blades and cotton tipped applicators
• Tube of petroleum jelly
• Safety pins in assorted sizes
• Cleansing agent (soap)
• First aid hand book
• NON-PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
• Some non-prescription drugs to be considered are as follows.
• Aspirin or acetaminophen: To reduce fever or pain
• Anti-diarrhea medicine
• Antacid: For stomach upset
• Emetic: To induce vomiting following poisoning.
• Laxative: High fiber foods are helpful also.
• Eye wash
• Rubbing alcohol
• Antiseptic or Hydrogen peroxide
• Vitamin supplements

BANDAGES
Bandages can be easily made from sheets torn into strips. You can use clean rags, disposable diapers and sanitary pads for dressings. Dressings can be held in place by the torn sheets, men ties or stockings. It’s not a bad idea to purchase some bandages either.

OTHER SUPPLIES

• Plastic bag for waste disposal
• Paper cups
• Spoons
• Needle and thread
• Splinting material
• Disposable diapers (can be used as dressing)
• Sanitary napkins (can be used as dressing)
• Formula (if needed for infant)
• Medicine dropper (to measure bleach for water purifying)
• Cold packs
• Hot packs
• Cotton
• Tissues
• Salt
• Baking soda
• Matches
• Pre-moistened towelettes
• Hand lotion
• Pocket knife
• Ace bandage
• Extra eye glasses
• Sunscreen lotion

SPECIAL
Special prescription medicines such as insulin, heart medicine or high blood pressure medicine. Obtain specific information from your doctor or pharmacist on labeling, storage, how much to store and how often to rotate it.

• Taylor to family needs.
• Basic first aid kit items.
• Non-prescription and prescription drugs.
• Bandages and dressings.

Main power box that allows you to cut the power to your home

It is just a matter of flipping a switch or two. (Depending on individual boxes). Find yours and become familiar with it. You also have a power box inside your home, which allows you to turn electricity off in certain parts of your home.

The breaker box inside your home.

You will want to turn off your electricity if you find frayed or damaged wires after a disaster or if there is risk of anyone being electrocuted.

Gas meter outside your home. This is were the gas can be turned off.

Your main gas valve is usually located on the outside of your house, next to the gas meter. It may take a special key to turn it off. The gas company will have to send its own employee to come out and turn it back on. Check with your local gas company. You will need to turn off your gas immediately if you find or smell a gas leak after a disaster. Your main water valve is located inside your home where the main water line comes into your home, usually found in the basement or crawl space. Become familiar with its location and operation. To close the main water line turn the key clockwise. You can check any cold water tap in your home to insure the main water line is closed. You will want to turn your water off if you find damaged pipes when inspecting your home after a disaster or if you need to use water out of your hot water heater for drinking or cooking.

• Know where and how to shut off all utilities in your home.
• You may need a special wrench to turn off your water or fuel.
• The power company will need to turn fuel back on for you.
• Teach other family members how to turn utilities off also.

The breaker box inside your home

Gas meter outside your home. This is were the gas can be turned off.

Main Power Box

1. Do you have a Survival Kit (72 hours, 3 days) including food and water, clothing, first aid supplies, transistor radio and flashlight with extra batteries?
   

   Survival Kit for three days

2. Do you know the location of water, gas and electrical shut off valves in your home? Do you have the necessary wrench handy to turn off the gas main?
3. Do you have a good first aid kit in your home? In your car? Does everyone in your family know where they are located?
   

   Personal emergency medical kit

4. Do you have an ABC type fire extinguisher in your home and car? Are they easily accessible?
   

   ABC type fire extinguisher

5. Do you have a complete inventory of your belongings? Is a copy kept outside of the home in a safe place?
6. Do you store important legal and family documents in a place safe from floods and other disasters?
7. Do you have smoke detectors installed in each sleeping area of your home? Do they work?
   

   Inexpensive smoke detector

8. Do you have an evacuation plan in case of fire? Do you ever practice that plan?
9. Is there a family meeting place chosen in case of evacuation? Does everyone in your family know its location? Have you done anything to reduce the possibility of disaster damage to your home and belongings?
   

   Evacuation plan detailed before an emergency.

10. Have you had a recent inspection of your home to identify and correct safety, fire, poison or other hazards?
11. Do you keep your cars gasoline tanks at least halfway full of gas?
12. Do you have some emergency supplies in your car at all times?
13. Do you have emergency numbers posted near all your phones?

• Be sure to have long term food storage.
• Have an ABC type fire extinguisher in your home.
• Keep you cars gas tank at least halfway full.
• Know where and how to shut of utilities.

Personal emergency medical kit

Survival Kit for three days

It is very important that you have smoke detectors in every sleeping area of your home. Many disasters can cause a fire. Know your best escape routes from every room and practice them with your family. For all disasters you will need to know where you utility (gas, water) shut off valves

Gas meter outside your home. This is were the gas can be turned off.

Main Power Box

are and how to shut them off. Have a family communication plan in case your family is separated. Know the safe rooms in your home if you have a tornado or hurricane risk. Make sure you have material to quickly cover your windows if needed. Make sure pictures and tall furniture are secured to walls. Don’t forget to use a strap on your water heater to prevent it from falling over. Have your home inspected for potential hazards specific to the likely natural disaster in your area. Do everything you can think of to get prepared.

• Have smoke detectors in all sleeping areas of your home.
• Know where your utility shut off valves are and how to use them.
• Make sure you have material needed to quickly cover windows.
• Have your home inspected for potential hazards.

Propane stove

or portable kerosene heaters. (If using a kerosene heater, check with your local fire department on legality of using kerosene heaters in your town and remember to only re-fuel outside). Prevent pipes from freezing by wrapping them with insulation and letting faucets drip a little bit to avoid freezing. Know how to shut off water valves. Be sure to have your first aid kit handy.

Personal emergency medical kit

Have an ABC type of fire extinguisher.

ABC type fire extinguisher

Develop an emergency communication plan with your family in case you are separated during the storm and a plan for getting back together.
Stay indoors and dress warmly. Listen to the radio or TV for latest storm information. If you are caught outdoors, cover your mouth and protect your lungs from the cold air. Avoid over exertion because cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Keep dry and change out of wet clothing to prevent body heat loss. When shoveling snow take frequent breaks. A winter watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area. A winter storm warning indicates that severe winter weather conditions are definitely on the way. After the storm, report any downed power lines. When you go outside, proceed with caution and watch for falling snow and icicles.

• Be prepared for major winter storms.
• Winterize your home.
• Have another heating source and fuel available.
• Have disaster supplies and food storage on hand.