Each year, approximately 50 presidentially declared disasters cause injury and death, destroy homes and businesses and disrupt the lives of hundreds of thousands of people across the nation.

DisasterAssistance.gov is the result of Executive Order 13411, which requires the federal government to simplify the process of identifying and applying for disaster assistance. Now, survivors who need help following a presidentially
declared disaster that has been designated for individual assistance can go to

DisasterAssistance.gov to register online. DisasterAssistance.gov is a user-friendly Web portal that consolidates information about assistance
available from multiple government agencies in one place, making it easier for survivors to research and apply for disaster assistance. Currently, 17 federal agencies contribute to the portal, which offers applications for or information on almost 60 forms of assistance, as well as information on local resources to help keep citizens safe during an
emergency.

The portal will continue to expand to include forms of assistance available at the federal, state, tribal, regional and local levels, with full functionality projected for 2014.

To learn more click here: http://www.1800prepare.com/DAIP_Overview_081309_FNL.pdf

I was recently with a friend who survived the United Airlines flight that “landed” in the Hudson River and it made me start thinking about whether or not there were things I could do to increase my chances of survival if I were ever in a plane crash. I did a little research and wanted to share some quick tips I learned.

Some do’s:

1. Pay attention during the safety briefing. Many people ignore these…but in a panic…will forget what to do. Paying attention reinforces the correct things to do.

2. Sit within 5 rows of an emergency exit. Statistics show that this increases your chances of surviving a crash.

3. Count how many rows between you an the exits. Do this for the exit in front and you and behind you as your primary exit may be blocked.

4. Take a minute to think of a plan. A “what would I do if”. Look at the exits, plan where you would go, etc. Having a plan in mind increases your chance of survival and will help keep you from “freezing”

5. Be extra aware during the first 3 minutes of flight and the last 8 minutes. These are the time windows where most problems occur. Be ready to react if you have to.

6. Wear your seat belt properly, especially if you think you are going to be in a crash.

7. Brace yourself properly. You want to limit the amount of blunt force trauma you may receive.

Some dont’s:

1. Take sleeping pills or drink heavily when flying. This will obviously affect your ability to react.

2. Wear sandals, high heels or slip on type footwear. You don’t want to have to escape with bare feet.

3. If you are in a crash..DON’T try to save your carry on, purse, cell phone, etc. This will cost you time and may hinder your exit.

4. Sit in the bulkhead seats. The force of hitting the wall in front of you can cause more damage then bracing against a seat in front of you.

These are just some quick tips and ideas. The same general rules apply here as in other situations. The more you plan…the better off you will do.

The Greenburgh Police Department has certified their youth Explorer Program in Basic CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). The Explorers were very excited about the training and learning how they can prepare and assist during a disaster. The Greenburgh CERT members have benefited, as well. The Team has increased by 15 members. The Explorers continue to train with the adult CERT members on a monthly basis.

This is a great program as often our kids can teach us and help bring preparedness into the home. Each and every person who goes through a CERT program becomes another more prepared person and one who can help others.