Archive for December, 2009

Families Get Prepared for Disasters

Posted on: December 31st, 2009 By: Paul Joshua | No Comments

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

Share this:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • email
  • MySpace
  • Ping.fm
  • Print
  • Propeller
  • Reddit
  • Slashdot
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Tumblr
  • TwitThis
  • Yahoo! Buzz

Nor’easter Causes States to Get Declared Major Disaster Areas

Posted on: December 31st, 2009 By: Paul Joshua | No Comments

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

Share this:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • email
  • MySpace
  • Ping.fm
  • Print
  • Propeller
  • Reddit
  • Slashdot
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Tumblr
  • TwitThis
  • Yahoo! Buzz

Emergency Meals in Queens Rising

Posted on: December 31st, 2009 By: Paul Joshua | No Comments

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

Share this:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • email
  • MySpace
  • Ping.fm
  • Print
  • Propeller
  • Reddit
  • Slashdot
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Tumblr
  • TwitThis
  • Yahoo! Buzz

Snow Emergency Causes Major Power Outages

Posted on: December 31st, 2009 By: Paul Joshua | No Comments

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

Share this:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • email
  • MySpace
  • Ping.fm
  • Print
  • Propeller
  • Reddit
  • Slashdot
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Tumblr
  • TwitThis
  • Yahoo! Buzz

Wind Chill Advisory Preparedness

Posted on: December 31st, 2009 By: Paul Joshua | No Comments

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

Share this:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • email
  • MySpace
  • Ping.fm
  • Print
  • Propeller
  • Reddit
  • Slashdot
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Tumblr
  • TwitThis
  • Yahoo! Buzz