|
National Preparedness Month (NPM) is
just four weeks away, and the Ready Campaign recently announced the 2015
NPM theme: Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.
Now
is the time to be sure you can communicate during emergencies by having
up-to-date contact information for those you may need to get in touch with
during a disaster. Establish alternate methods of communication in case
traditional means are not available.
Making
a family emergency
communication plan is a great way to prepare for disasters, but
testing your plan is even better so you’ll be familiar with how to respond.
It’s also one of the 10 Ways to
Participate in America’s PrepareAthon!
In
addition to the overall theme, each week of NPM will also promote the following
hazard focused themes:
- September
1 – 5: Flood
- September
6 – 12: Wildfire
- September
13 – 19: Hurricane
- September
20 – 26: Power Outage
-
September
27 – 30: Lead up to National
PrepareAthon! Day
National
PrepareAthon! Day culminates NPM on September 30, 2015. Individuals, families,
organizations and businesses are encouraged to use America’s PrepareAthon!
materials, available at www.ready.gov/prepare
as you plan, host and support preparedness actions such as discussions, drills,
exercises and training sessions, throughout the month and on September 30.
Spread
the word! The America’s PrepareAthon! website is getting a fresh new look to
make it easier to find the valuable information you need to prepare your family
or organization for disasters.
In
addition to the more streamlined appearance, the website will also feature exciting
stories from individuals, communities, and organizations across the country who
are participating in America’s PrepareAthon! events and activities. There will
also be a more efficient process to register the activities that you are
planning for your home and community.
You’ll
also have the ability to stay in the know about all things preparedness with
tips, messages, and updates from @PrepareAthon in the new live Twitter feed
available on the website.
Stay
tuned! More details are coming soon.
According
to the National Weather
Service, carbon monoxide poisoning is a leading cause of death after
storms in areas experiencing power outages. Using alternative sources of power
can cause carbon monoxide to build up in your home and poison your family.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas created by burning fuel when using
portable generators, gas ranges, burning wood, or by running your car.
While deaths
occur each year in the U.S.
from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, this tragedy is preventable. The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these tips for staying
safe when the power goes out:
- Never us a generator inside your home or
garage, even if the doors and windows are open;
- Keep generators at least 20 feet from your
home;
- Install battery-operated or battery back-up
carbon monoxide detectors near every sleeping area in your home; and
- Check detectors every six months to be sure
they are working properly.
The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, dizziness, nausea, and
confusion. If you think you are experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, get
fresh air and seek immediate medical attention!
Disclaimer: The reader recognizes that the
federal government provides links and informational data on various disaster
preparedness resources and events and does not endorse any non-federal events,
entities, organizations, services or products. Please let us know about other events
and services for individual and community preparedness that could be included
in future newsletters by contacting citizencorps@fema.dhs.gov.
|
