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The application period for FEMA's Youth Preparedness Council is now open!
Know someone between the ages of 12 and 17 who is engaged in individual and community preparedness or who has experienced a disaster that has motivated him or her to make a positive difference in his or her community? If so, encourage them to apply to serve on FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council!
FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) is a unique opportunity for youth leaders to serve on a highly distinguished national council and to participate in the Youth Preparedness Council Summit. Additionally, they complete self-selected youth preparedness projects; voice their opinions, experiences, ideas, solutions and questions on youth disaster preparedness with the leadership of FEMA and national organizations working on youth preparedness.
FEMA is looking for youth leaders who are dedicated to public service, who are making a difference in their communities and who want to expand their impact as ambassadors for youth disaster preparedness.
For more information and application materials for the YPC please visit, http://www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness-council. Applications must be received by February 24, 2014, 11:59 p.m. EST.
New Youth Preparedness Council members will be announced in May 2014.
In an emergency or natural disaster first responders may be overwhelmed trying to respond to an event. In some instances you may be unable to reach a hospital or clinic. That’s why it’s important to keep medical records, supplies and prescriptions easily accessible and to learn simple first aid techniques. Creating a “stay healthy” kit will help you keep up with urgent medical needs. The kit should include:
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A week’s supply of medicines in a plastic bag labeled with each family member’s name;
- Place special tags on specialized equipment with operating instructions so someone unfamiliar with the item can provide help;
- First aid supplies such as bandages, aspirin and antiseptic cream; and
- A list of prescription medications, medical conditions and copies of medical insurance.
Use the household health information sheet in FEMA’s “Rx For Readiness” guide to fill in medical information for each family member. Make copies of the sheet to keep in your home, car and workplace.
If a natural disaster disrupts basic services like water, contagious diseases can spread. Simple preventive measures including using alcohol-based hand sanitizer can help you avoid getting or spreading germs.
Winter is an especially important time to keep an eye on seniors to make sure they are living as safely as possible. In addition to cold weather, ice and snow, the winter season can bring health problems and injury to senior citizens. That’s why it’s important for relatives and friends to check in with their older adult family members, friends and neighbors. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Falls are a concern for seniors. Putting road salt, cat litter or sand on sidewalks, steps and driveways will make these areas as slip-free as possible. Seniors should also wear boots with non-skid soles to make a fall less likely to occur. Older adults, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure should leave snow shoveling to others.
- Cold temperatures make senior citizens susceptible to hypothermia, a dangerous drop in body temperature. Older adults tend to produce less body heat than younger people and it’s hard for them to tell when the temperature is too low. Learn the warning signs of this weather related illness and how to prevent it.
- Keep indoor temperatures no lower than 55 degrees. If going outdoors is necessary, dress in layers to stay warm. Wearing two or three thin layers of loose-fitting clothing is warmer than a single layer of thick clothing.
It’s a good idea to check on elderly loved ones regularly or, if you live out of town, make arrangements for neighbors to check in and provide their number to call in an emergency. With your help, older adults can enjoy the winter months safely.
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@dhs.gov.
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