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What We're Watching: 10/19/12

Author: 
Lars Anderson

At the end of each week, we post a "What We’re Watching" blog as we look ahead to the weekend and recap events from the week. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.

A whole lot of shaking going on

No, the headline above isn’t referencing a big dance party…it’s talking about earthquake safety!  Yesterday, millions around the U.S. practiced earthquake safety as part of the Great ShakeOut drill.  Participants practiced how to “Drop. Cover. Hold On.” – the three simple steps to stay safe during an earthquake. Our own Administrator Craig Fugate participated in the drill (see photo below), and so did thousands of other organizations across the country.  Our blog has featured some great perspectives on earthquake safety over the past week leading up to the ShakeOut drill, so check out these posts in case you missed them:

Fire safety in for social media users

Earlier in October we observed Fire Prevention Week – with a focus on getting people to practice a home fire drill with their family.  For those that frequently use social media (or have children that do), this sign might be an appropriate reminder of the sequence of steps to follow if a fire should occur:

In case of Fire, Exit Building Before Tweeting About It

Image courtesy of the Red Cross Chat blog.

Hurricane season down, but not out

As we approach the final days of October, the peak time for tropical storm and hurricane activity in the Atlantic is behind us.  However, last week’s Hurricane Rafael gave all of us a reminder that tropical systems can develop quickly even though the peak of the season has passed.  The Atlantic hurricane season lasts until November 30, so take time now to make sure your home, business, and family are prepared if you live in a coastal or inland area.  As we saw with Hurricane Isaac earlier this year, these storms often cause a significant amount of rainfall and flooding is typically their most dangerous and damaging effect.  Ready.gov/hurricanes (or m.fema.gov on your phone) is a great place to learn how to get prepared as we enter the “home stretch” of this year’s hurricane season.

New Features to Our Website

Since we launched our new website back in July, we’ve received user feedback from people all over the country. Well, we just made a series of improvements to the site, incorporating some of the responses and requests you shared with us.

We’ve launched a new search engine that’s better integrated with all the content that FEMA.gov has to offer.  Search results are now much more accurate and include recommended pages, news releases, agency tweets and agency videos all on the main results page. You also now have the ability to filter your results by blog post, news, disaster declaration, documents, videos, photos, and images. 

We’ve also added the ability to view Disaster Declarations by state and by year.  A popular feature on the old website, users can now browse the declarations using a table format and easily see how many disaster declarations were issued by state or year and then filter by disaster type.

We appreciate all of the feedback we received and hope you all will find these new enhancements to be user friendly and beneficial when your browsing our site.

Let us know what you think of these new features by leaving a comment below.

Have a great weekend, and stay safe.

Posted on Fri, 10/19/2012 - 17:10

What We're Watching: 10/12/12

Author: 
Lars Anderson

At the end of each week, we post a "What We’re Watching" blog as we look ahead to the weekend and recap events from the week. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.

Tropical Activity in Atlantic

We continue to monitor Tropical Storm Patty which has strengthened in the Atlantic east of the Bahamas. According to the National Weather Service, the storm is expected to be short-lived and weaken over the weekend. There are currently no watches or warnings in effect.

We are also continuing to monitor an area of interest over the Eastern Caribbean Sea about 100 miles west of Dominica. Currently, this storm has an 80% chance of becoming a tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours.

We will continue to monitor both storms and provide updates as needed. Visit www.hurricanes.gov for the latest advisories and updates on these storms.

Fire Prevention Week

As Fire Prevention Week comes to a close, we want to thank everyone who shared fire prevention and safety tips, information and resources with their family, friends, neighbors and community.  It’s important for everyone in your family to be prepared in the event of a fire.  

In case you missed it, here are some important steps you can take to make sure your home and family are ready for an emergency:

  • Prepare and practice your fire escape plan twice a year with everyone in your household, including children and people with disabilities.
  • Draw a map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows.
  • Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.
  • Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Use the ladder only in a real emergency.
  • Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them.
  • Have a plan for everyone in your home who has a disability.
  • Practice your fire escape plan at night and during the daytime.

Visit www.usfa.fema.gov to learn more about preventing home fires and keep your family safe from a fire.

Are You Ready to “ShakeOut”

Next Thursday, October 18 at 10:18 a.m., join millions of people across the nation and Drop, Cover, and Hold On for The Great ShakeOut.  The Shakeout is the biggest earthquake drill in the U.S. and it’s a great way for your family or organization to practice what to do if an earthquake strikes. 

Already, there are over 12.9 million people registered to participate. So don’t miss this opportunity to make sure you and your family are prepared for an emergency.  We hope you’ll join us in this chance to “ShakeOut” for earthquake preparedness.

Visit www.shakeout.org to sign up to participate.

Have a wonderful and safe weekend!

Posted on Fri, 10/12/2012 - 16:52

What We're Watching: 10/5/12

Author: 
Lars Anderson

At the end of each week, we post a "What We’re Watching" blog as we look ahead to the weekend and recap events from the week. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.

Fire Prevention Week

Sunday, October 7 marks the kickoff to National Fire Prevention Week. All week long, we’ll be sharing important fire prevention tips, information and resources to help get you and your family prepared in the event of a fire. In case you missed it, here’s a link to a blog post from U.S. Fire Administrator Ernie Mitchell, encouraging everyone to participate in Fire Prevention Week and stressing the importance of having two ways out of your home in the event of a fire.  

We’re asking everyone to do two simple things:

  • Practice your fire escape plan at home, school, or the office - Walk through each room and identify two ways out, checking to make sure the smoke alarms work in each room. Also, make sure you pick a designated meeting spot outside your home, school, or office that everyone will meet at, in the event of a fire.  
  • Say “Thank You” to your local fire department - The men and women in the fire service risk their lives, sometimes on a daily basis, to protect us. Take a moment to thank them for their dedication and continued service.

Visit Ready.gov or the USFA website for more information and safety tips on preparing for a fire.

Upcoming Events

  • The Great ShakeOut – Join millions of people and register to participate in the Great ShakeOut.  On October 18 at 10:18 am Drop, Cover, and Hold On for the biggest earthquake drill in the U.S. Last year more than 12.5 million people were registered in ShakeOut drills worldwide. Participating is a great way for your family or organization to be prepared to survive and recover quickly from big earthquakes.
  • October Think Tank Call – Join Deputy Administrator Serino on October 30, 2012 at 3:15 p.m. EDT to look back on a year of Think Tank calls and how these conversations have inspired you to make an impact in emergency management.  The topic of the call is Looking Forward, Looking Back—FEMA Think Tank 2.0 and will focus the solutions that have been implemented in local communities, as well as discussing the future of FEMA Think Tank and how we can keep the momentum going.

Before the call in a few weeks, we are inviting you to submit a short narrative on our online forum about a project or solution that you’ve implemented from previous FEMA Think Tank calls.  We will select 2-3 innovative emergency management projects – either final or still in development – to highlight on the October call.

Stories Worth Sharing

Lastly, we wanted to share two stories about preparedness that caught our attention:

  • The Dallas chapter of the American Red Cross posted about a blog sharing ways parents can comfort children during disasters.  The blog emphasizes how important it is for parents to be there to support their children during and after a disaster. A strong support system goes a long way for children after a tragic event.
  • An article on Real Simple discussed the best foods for your emergency kit – things that don’t require refrigeration, are easy to prep, and pack nutritional value.  (We're providing these links for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites or companies.)

Have a safe weekend.

Posted on Fri, 10/05/2012 - 15:57

What We're Watching: 9/28/12

Author: 
Lars Anderson

At the end of each week, we post a "What We’re Watching" blog as we look ahead to the weekend and recap events from the week. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.

National Preparedness Month Wrap-Up

As we end the month, we want to take a second to thank everyone who participated in this year’s National Preparedness Month, particularly those who became who became an NPM coalition member and helped us educate others about emergency preparedness.  All month long, we’ve encouraged individuals, businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to learn about the local hazards in their communities, make a family communication plan, build an emergency kit, then get involved in their local community preparedness efforts.  Just because the month is ending, that doesn’t mean that you have to stop doing your part to help your family, friends, and community become better prepared for an emergency.

We hope that you continue to encourage others to take an active role in preparedness to ensure that together we become a more resilient nation.  We encourage you to continue to host preparedness community outreach events, fairs, workshops, webinars and trainings. 

This NPM was a success because of the commitment you made to help create a culture of preparedness, and we simply could not have done it without you. Visit www.ready.gov for more information and resources on how you can continue to promote preparedness all year long.

And to help close out National Preparedness Month, join us next Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. EDT for a National Preparedness Month Twitter chat with Paulette Aniskoff, Director of FEMA’s Individual and Community Preparedness Division.  During the chat, we’ll discuss different ways people prepared during the month, useful tools and resources for promoting preparedness and take questions you may have. Join the conversation and ask questions by using #NatlPrepChat.

Again, thank you to everyone who participated this month!

Have a wonderful and safe weekend.

Posted on Fri, 09/28/2012 - 14:52

What We're Watching: 9/14/12

Author: 
Lars Anderson

At the end of each week, we post a "What We’re Watching" blog as we look ahead to the weekend and recap events from the week. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.

Weather outlook
As summer starts to fade into fall in some areas of the country, we continue to closely watch the tropics.  As you know, we are currently at the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, and the season continues until November 30. Currently, tropical storm Nadine is swirling in the Atlantic ocean and poses no threat to the U.S. or its territories. Keep up with the latest tropical forecast from the National Hurricane Center at www.hurricanes.gov or on your phone at http://hurricanes.gov/mobile.

And if you live in a coastal or inland area that could be affected by hurricanes or tropical storms, now's the time to prepare - visit www.Ready.gov/hurricanes or m.fema.gov on your phone to learn how.


Isaac recovery continues

disaster recovery center
LaPlace, La., Sep. 11, 2012 – A FEMA Mitigation specialist talks to a Hurricane Isaac survivor in a Disaster Recovery Center. FEMA Mitigation specialists are assisting homeowners by providing them with information they need to rebuild their damaged property.


We continue to work closely with our state, local, and tribal partners as we assist those affected by Hurricane Isaac in Mississippi and Louisiana. Thousands have applied for disaster assistance so far, and Disaster Recovery Centers set up in the affected area continue to provide recovery information to disaster survivors. Earlier this week, we posted some stats about how Isaac survivors are applying for disaster assistance - I encourage you to check it out. The disaster pages for Louisiana and Mississippi have the latest information on FEMA's role in the recovery.


The excitement of graduation

fema corps graduation
Vicksburg, Miss., Sep. 13, 2012 -- Induction Ceremony for the inaugural class of FEMA Corps members. FEMA Corps members assist with disaster preparedness, response, and recovery activities, providing support in areas ranging from working directly with disaster survivors to supporting disaster recovering centers to sharing valuable disaster preparedness and mitigation information with the public. 


Lastly, all of us at FEMA are excited about the first class of FEMA Corps graduates that were newly minted earlier this week. FEMA Corps is a program that combines the expertise of FEMA and AmeriCorps to equip groups of young people to deploy into areas affected by disasters and assist the community with recovery. The new members, who range in age from 18-24 years old, will contribute to a dedicated, trained, and reliable disaster workforce by working full-time for ten months on federal disaster response and recovery efforts.

FEMA Deputy Administrator Rich Serino spoke to the class of 231 graduates yesterday, and he blogged about his perspective on the FEMA Corps program as well.

Have a great weekend!

Posted on Fri, 09/14/2012 - 16:29

What We’re Watching: 9/7/12

Author: 
Lars Anderson

At the end of each week, we post a "What We’re Watching" blog as we look ahead to the weekend and recap events from the week. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.

Weather Outlook

Our partners at the National Weather Service continue to monitor tropical weather activity, specifically a low pressure system that is producing overcast and some rain along the Gulf Coast.  Although this system has a low chance of becoming a tropical cyclone, we will also continue to monitor weather conditions.

We are also monitoring Tropical Storm Leslie and Hurricane Michael in the Atlantic, although both of these storms are not expected to impact the U.S at this time.

Stay up to date with the latest forecast from the NOAA National Hurricane Center at hurricanes.gov or on your phone at hurricanes.gov/mobile. For updates on the local weather in your area, visit weather.gov or m.weather.gov on your phone.

Hurricane Isaac Photo Recap

As we continue our recovery efforts following the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac, we wanted to share some photos from the past couple of days highlighting the great work being done by federal, state, tribal, and local government agencies, community and faith-based organizations, non-profit organizations, and the private sector to assist survivors as they recover from the storm. 

LaPlace, La., Sep. 5, 2012 -- Jamaal Johnson, an AmeriCorp volunteer teaches a child sign language at the St. John's Baptist Community Center where a temporary shelter has been set up for Hurricane Isaac survivors. FEMA is working with local, state and federal agencies to provide services for residents affected by Hurricane Isaac.

LaPlace, La., Sep. 5, 2012 -- Jamaal Johnson, an AmeriCorp volunteer teaches a child sign language at the St. John's Baptist Community Center where a temporary shelter has been set up for Hurricane Isaac survivors. FEMA is working with local, state and federal agencies to provide services for residents affected by Hurricane Isaac.

LaPlace, La., Sep. 5, 2012 -- A family of Hurricane Isaac survivors from LaPlace, La. grab a meal from the Red Cross at a distribution center. This group of volunteers came from Houston to help those affected by Hurricane Isaac.

LaPlace, La., Sep. 5, 2012 -- A family of Hurricane Isaac survivors from LaPlace, La. grab a meal from the Red Cross at a distribution center. This group of volunteers came from Houston to help those affected by Hurricane Isaac.


LaPlace, La., Sep. 4, 2012 -- Roger Bostic, left, and Raynell Parker McNeil bag laundry for washing, drying, and folding for a family affected by Hurricane Isaac. Hundreds in LaPlace, La affected by Hurricane Isaac have taken advantage of the service provided by Tide at no charge.

LaPlace, La., Sep. 4, 2012 -- Roger Bostic, left, and Raynell Parker McNeil bag laundry for washing, drying, and folding for a family affected by Hurricane Isaac. Hundreds in LaPlace, La affected by Hurricane Isaac have taken advantage of the service provided by Tide at no charge.

Pascagoula, Miss., Sep. 5, 2012 -- A survivor of Hurricane Isaac completes the application for disaster assistance with a representative of the Small Business Administration. Disaster Recovery Centers have all the representatives of state and federal agencies to assist applicants.

Pascagoula, Miss., Sep. 5, 2012 -- A survivor of Hurricane Isaac completes the application for disaster assistance with a representative of the Small Business Administration. Disaster Recovery Centers have all the representatives of state and federal agencies to assist applicants.

French Settlement, La., Sep. 5, 2012 -- Applicant Services Specialists, Teia Beaulieu, left, and U.S. Congressman Bill Cassidy, M.D., Sixth District of Louisiana, compare signal strength on their cell phone while helping a woman affect by Hurricane Isaac call to register for assistance. Congressman Cassidy requested that FEMA representatives attend the town hall meeting in French Settlement, La. to take questions and provided information to the community.

French Settlement, La., Sep. 5, 2012 -- Applicant Services Specialists, Teia Beaulieu, left, and U.S. Congressman Bill Cassidy, M.D., Sixth District of Louisiana, compare signal strength on their cell phone while helping a woman affect by Hurricane Isaac call to register for assistance. Congressman Cassidy requested that FEMA representatives attend the town hall meeting in French Settlement, La. to take questions and provided information to the community.

La Place, La., Sep. 3, 2012 -- Community Relations Specialist, Patricia "Alley" West, (left) goes door to door in neighborhoods affected by Hurricane Isaac handing out flyers and providing information to assist residents who may qualify for FEMA assistance. Areas in La Place flooded when the slow moving storm passed through.

La Place, La., Sep. 3, 2012 -- Community Relations Specialist, Patricia "Alley" West, (left) goes door to door in neighborhoods affected by Hurricane Isaac handing out flyers and providing information to assist residents who may qualify for FEMA assistance. Areas in La Place flooded when the slow moving storm passed through.

Orleans Parish, La., Sep. 3, 2012 -- Volunteers are working to remove debris from neighborhoods which impacted by during Hurricane Isaac movement through the area.

Orleans Parish, La., Sep. 3, 2012 -- Volunteers are working to remove debris from neighborhoods which impacted by during Hurricane Isaac movement through the area.

For more information on how you can assist survivors of Hurricane Isaac, visit www.fema.gov/volunteer-donate-responsibly.

National Preparedness Month

We are officially one week into National Preparedness Month -- but it’s not too late to pledge to prepare and take the necessary steps to get yourself, family, friends, coworkers, and community prepared for an emergency.  The goal of National Preparedness Month is to encourage individuals, businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to learn about the local hazards in your community, make a family communication plan, build an emergency kit, then get involved in your local community preparedness efforts.

The first step to getting involved in National Preparedness Month is registering as a coalition member at Ready.gov/pledge.  There you will join a community of thousands of individuals, emergency management professionals, businesses, and voluntary and faith-based groups, sharing emergency preparedness information and events, resources, and tools available to help get you prepared for an emergency and spreading preparedness in your own community.

We hope that you will join us and help promote a culture of preparedness by becoming a coalition member and pledging to prepare this September for NPM.

Have a great weekend!

 

 

Posted on Fri, 09/07/2012 - 15:46

What We’re Watching: 8/17/12

Author: 
Lars Anderson

At the end of each week, we post a "What We’re Watching" blog as we look ahead to the weekend and recap events from the week. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.

Weather Outlook

Looking ahead to the weekend, National Weather Service forecasts are calling for somewhat minimal thunderstorm activity across the U.S.  However, severe drought conditions are expected to continue for much of the country through next week. At FEMA, we are supporting our federal and state partners – and following the lead of the Department of Agriculture as they coordinate assistance to farmers and ranchers affected by the drought.

And of course, we continue to closely monitor the Atlantic for any potential tropical storm or hurricane activity. You can always follow the latest forecast from the NOAA National Hurricane Center at hurricanes.gov or on your phone at hurricanes.gov/mobile. Make sure you know what to do before, during, and after severe tropical weather by visiting Ready.gov/hurricanes.

National Preparedness Month Approaching

It’s almost that time of year! September 1 marks the beginning of National Preparedness Month. The theme for NPM 2012 is Pledge to Prepare – Awareness to Action.  This year we are encouraging individuals, businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to:

There’s an easy first step to getting involved in National Preparedness Month – register as a coalition member at Ready.gov/pledge.  As a Coalition members, you’ll join a community of thousands of individuals, emergency management professionals, businesses, and voluntary and faith-based groups, sharing emergency preparedness information and events so that everyone can be better prepared before a disaster strikes.  Members can also take advantage of the online community, resources, and tools available to help get you prepared for an emergency and spread NPM during September.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend!

Posted on Fri, 08/17/2012 - 17:12

What We’re Watching: 8/10/12

Author: 
Lars Anderson

At the end of each week, we post a "What We’re Watching" blog as we look ahead to the weekend and recap events from the week. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.

We’re in a visual mood at FEMA today, so this week’s What We’re Watching is done primarily “in pictures”:

Severe Weather Outlook

Going into next week, National Weather Service forecasts are calling for the severe drought conditions to continue for much for the U.S., as high temperatures will affect portions of central U.S.  If your area may experience summer heat next week, visit Ready.gov/heat for tips on staying cool.   For those dealing with the prolonged, extreme drought, make sure to follow any local restrictions on water use and visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture website for information on the federal government’s assistance to farmers and ranchers.

severe weather outlook

Tropical activity heating up

Along with our partners at the NOAA National Hurricane Center, we are closely monitoring several areas of organized storm activity in the Atlantic basin (shown below).  Tropical depression #7 is likely to develop into a named tropical storm this weekend and those in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico should keep a close watch on its development.

tropical weather outlook

 

The image below (also from the National Hurricane Center) shows the probability of tropical storm force winds in the areas that may be affected by tropical depression #7 today through August 15. As you can see, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico should closely monitor this system through local media or by visiting the National Hurricane Center full and mobile websites. Tropical storm force winds have an average speed of greater than 39 mph per minute.

(Editor's note: image removed on August 14)

Job opportunities at FEMA

Alright, the “visual” theme doesn’t apply to this section, but there are several open positions at FEMA right now.  I encourage you to visit our careers page to learn more about working at FEMA or search for current openings now at USAjobs.gov.  Here are two openings I wanted to highlight:

  • Management Analyst, Denton, Texas - ideal for a candidate who has extensive experience analyzing disaster assistance programs and providing expert advice to  key senior managers at the federal, state and local level. 
  • Training Specialist, Center for Domestic Preparedness, Anniston, Ala. - Provide oversight for daily operational and administrative aspects of an emergency responder training program.

 

Historical hurricane activity

Yesterday on the NOAA Facebook page, they posted this colorful photo showing the historical hurricane and tropical storm activity in the continental U.S.  Each color signifies a different intensity of storm, and you can research how many hurricanes and tropical storms have impacted your community with NOAA’s new “Digital Coast” tool.

The colors below can be dizzying, but it shows that hurricanes and tropical storms impact both coastal and inland areas.  Make sure you take steps to prepare your family, home, and business at Ready.gov/hurricanes before the next storm threatens. 

map of hurricane states

 

With that, have a great weekend and stay safe.

 

Posted on Fri, 08/10/2012 - 16:20

What We're Watching: 8/3/12

Author: 
Lars Anderson

At the end of each week, we post a "What We’re Watching" blog as we look ahead to the weekend and recap events from the week. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.

Weather Outlook

Tropical Storm Ernesto is currently located in the Atlantic off the island of St. Lucia but at this time is not expected to impact U.S. territories.  Although there are currently no coastal watches or warnings in effect for the U.S., we will continue to monitor the storm as it develops over the weekend and early next week.

History has taught us that storm tracks can change quickly and unexpectedly, so we encourage coastal residents to monitor weather conditions and take steps now to get prepared for potential severe tropical weather.  Tropical storms can bring heavy rains and high winds, so it’s important that you take steps to prepare your property and family.   

Elsewhere across the U.S., the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center has forecasted severe weather for parts of the Mid-Atlantic and New England on Sunday, August 5.  If severe weather is expected in your area, visit www.ready.gov/natural-disasters/severe-weather for information on what to do before, during and after severe weather.

Additionally, excessive heat is expected to continue throughout parts of the Southern Plains over the weekend.

Here are some tropical storm and hurricane terms you should be familiar with:

  • A hurricane watch means sustained winds of 74 mph or greater are possible within the specified area in the next 48 hours. Be prepared to evacuate. Monitor local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments.
  • A hurricane warning means sustained winds of 74 mph or greater are expected within the specified area in the next 36 hours. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediately.
  • A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours. Be prepared to evacuate. Monitor local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments.
  • A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediately.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Avoid walking or driving through flooded areas – it only takes six inches of fast-moving flood water to knock over an adult and two feet to move a vehicle.
  • Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
  • Don’t put yourself at risk, follow the instructions of local officials, and if they give the order to evacuate - evacuate. 

Here’s a short video reminding everyone about the importance of being prepared for hurricanes. Although it references Florida residents, all coastal state residents should take steps to prepare today.

Visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to learn how to prepare your home and family for a hurricane or tropical storm and for tips on creating your family emergency plan and putting together an emergency supply kit. 

Weather conditions can quickly change, so we encourage everyone to monitor your area's local forecast by visiting www.weather.gov  or  mobile.weather.gov on your mobile device.       

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend!

Posted on Fri, 08/03/2012 - 14:23

What We’re Watching: 7/27/12

Author: 
Lars Anderson

At the end of each week, we post a "What We’re Watching" blog as we look ahead to the weekend and recap events from the week. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.

Severe weather outlook

Last night’s severe storms may have an encore today, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service. Portions of the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic are at slight risk of severe thunderstorms later today, so those in the potentially affected area should keep up-to-date with their forecast and make sure they are prepared.

Severe storms can bring high winds, heavy rains, lightning, and even the occasional tornado – hazards that are common during summer storms.  Make sure your family’s emergency kit has supplies that could sustain you for at least 72 hours, including a flashlight, extra batteries, canned food, first aid items, and other essentials.

For much of the rest of the country, drought conditions are expected to continue into next week. If there are drought advisories in your area, be sure to listen to local officials for any restrictions on water use. The Obama Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture are assisting farmers and ranchers impacted by the drought, and you can find more details about this assistance at USDA.gov/drought.

For a list of what to do before, during, and after a drought visit Ready.gov/drought.


Tropical Storm Debby recovery continues

Crawfordville, Fla., July 24, 2012 -- Shirley Walthour, Applicant Services program specialist, helps an applicant with her application. FEMA opens Recovery Centers in designated counties so that applicants may get help directly from Individual Assistance Specialists.

In case you missed it, we provided an update earlier this week about the recovery efforts in Florida since Tropical Storm Debby impacted the state over a month ago.  To date, over 3,600 individuals and families have been approved for federal disaster assistance. Gracia Szczech, federal coordinating officer for the disaster, talked about ongoing outreach efforts with the Florida Division of Emergency Management through joint community relations teams and disaster recovery center openings.  You can read her blog post or check out this video for more.

 

Apply now - Individual and Community Preparedness Awards

You can recognize those in your community who champion emergency preparedness by nominating impactful individuals, programs, or organizations for the 2012 Individual and Community Preparedness Awards.  Here is a section from the Citizen Corps website with more info:

These awards recognize outstanding individuals, organizations, Citizen Corps Councils, and programs working to make our communities safer, stronger and better prepared for any disaster or emergency event. Submissions will be accepted April 11 through July 31, 2012 at citizencorps@fema.gov.

To be considered for this year’s Awards, all submissions must be received by July 31, 2012, at 11:59 p.m. EDT and are required to feature program activities taking place during the period of Jan. 1, 2011, and June 1, 2012.  FEMA leadership, and regional and headquarters staff will score all entries and select the finalists.  

SAFER Grants application period open

If you are a member of the firefighting community or know someone who is, we encourage you to spread the word about applying for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants.  SAFER grants provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase the number of trained, "front line" firefighters available in local communities.

Applications are being accepted through Aug, 10, so visit the SAFER Grants today for application guides and other tools to help your fire department or organization apply.

With that, have a great weekend and stay safe.

Posted on Fri, 07/27/2012 - 16:10

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