winter - femacontract.com

“Fall Back” While Stepping Up Your Disaster Readiness

CHICAGO – Sunday, November 1, Daylight Saving Time ends and we set our clocks back an hour. Take advantage of extra sleep, then take a few simple steps to make your home more disaster-resilient:

1. Verify your carbon monoxide and smoke detector work. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for testing the equipment to ensure it’s functioning appropriately. Invest in new detectors if they’re near or past the manufacturer’s recommended replacement age.

2. Have a professional inspect the chimney and any fuel-burning heating equipment (fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, wood stoves, coal stoves, space heaters and portable heaters) in your home to verify everything is working properly.

3. If you’re using a fireplace, space heater or wood stove, make sure that anything flammable is at least three feet away. Space heaters are particularly dangerous if used improperly. Make sure to use heaters that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory and always operate according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

4. Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic. Insulating pipes will help prevent them from freezing.

Find even more information and tips to better prepare your home for the winter months ahead at www.ready.gov/winter and www.usfa.fema.gov.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

###

Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

“Fall Back” While Stepping Up Your Disaster Readiness

Federal Aid Programs for the Commonwealth of Kentucky Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

April 30, 2015

Release Number:

HQ-15-021-FactSheet

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Assistance for the Commonwealth and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis. (Source: FEMA funded, commonwealth administered.)
Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, commonwealth administered.)
Payment of not less than 75 percent for snow assistance, for a specific period of time during or proximate to the incident period. Snow Assistance may include snow removal, de-icing, salting, snow dumps, and sanding of roads. (Source: FEMA funded, commonwealth administered.)
Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, commonwealth administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for commonwealth and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/commonwealth applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the commonwealth from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at www.fema.gov/media-library and www.youtube.com/fema; follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fema and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fema.

Last Updated:

April 30, 2015 – 20:53

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Kentucky

Related Disaster:

Kentucky Severe Winter Storms, Snowstorms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides

Visit site:

Federal Aid Programs for the Commonwealth of Kentucky Declaration

Tips to Prepare Now for Severe Winter Weather Ahead

CHICAGO – Cold temperatures, heavy snow, and treacherous ice storms are all risks of the impending winter season.

“Severe winter weather can be dangerous and even life-threatening for people who don’t take the proper precautions,” said FEMA Region V acting administrator Janet Odeshoo. “Preparedness begins with knowing your risks, making a communications plan with your family and having an emergency supply kit with essentials such as water, food, flashlights and medications.”

Once you’ve taken these steps, consider going beyond the basics of disaster preparedness with the following tips to stay safe this cold season:

Winterize your emergency supply kit:

Before winter approaches, add the following items to your supply kit:
- Rock salt or other environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency for a complete list of recommended products.
- Sand to improve traction.
- Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
- Sufficient heating fuel and/or a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
- Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

Stay fire safe:

Keep flammable items at least three feet from heat sources like radiators, space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves.
Plug only one heat-producing appliance (such as a space heater) into an electrical outlet at a time.
Ensure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home. Check it on a monthly basis.

Keep warm, even when it’s cold outside:

If you have a furnace, have it inspected now to ensure it’s in good working condition.
If your home heating requires propane gas, stock up on your propane supply and ensure you have enough to last an entire winter. Many homeowners faced shortages due to the record freezing winter weather last year, and this season there’s the possibility of lower than normal temperatures again. Don’t be caught unprepared.
Avoid the dangers of carbon monoxide by installing battery-powered or battery back-up carbon monoxide detectors.
Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.

Prevent frozen pipes:

If your pipes are vulnerable to freezing, i.e., they run through an unheated or unprotected space, consider keeping your faucet at a slow drip when extremely cold temperatures are predicted.
If you’re planning a trip this winter, avoid setting your heat too low. If temperatures dip dangerously low while you’re away, that could cause pipes to freeze. Consider draining your home’s water system before leaving as another way to avoid frozen pipes.

You can always find valuable information to help you prepare for winter emergencies at www.ready.gov/winter-weather. Bookmark FEMA’s mobile site http://m.fema.gov, or download the FEMA app today to have vital information just one click away.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

###

Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

Source:

Tips to Prepare Now for Severe Winter Weather Ahead

Check Flood-Damaged Heating Systems Say Emergency Officials

WARREN, MICH. – Winter is on its way, and the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division and FEMA remind homeowners to make sure their heating systems and water heaters are in good working condition, especially those damaged by the August flooding.

“Michigan homeowners and their families may be at risk with flood-damaged furnaces, water heaters and electrical appliances,” warns Michigan State Police Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, State Coordinating Officer and Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “If the flood waters reached your heating system or water heater, have them checked for operating safety by experienced repair personnel.”

Dolph A. Diemont, the disaster’s lead federal official, reminded Michigan homeowners that FEMA grants may be available to help repair damaged furnaces and water heaters and replace those destroyed by flood waters.

“Michigan residents with flood damage to their furnaces and water heaters must register with FEMA by the Nov. 24 deadline to be eligible for grants,” Diemont added.

“If flood damage is found after the November date and the homeowner has failed to register, no FEMA assistance will be available.”

Homeowners who receive a FEMA grant for repairs and who later discover their furnace needs replacing must use the FEMA appeal process for additional grant funds. The homeowner has 60 days to appeal and must submit an estimate for replacement of the furnace on contractor company letterhead.

Disaster survivors may register online at disasterassistance.gov or by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may call 800-621-3362 or TTY users 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers are available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

###

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

Continued:

Check Flood-Damaged Heating Systems Say Emergency Officials

Preparation is Key to Dealing with Winter Weather

With the winter season approaching, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reminds individuals to be prepared for winter storms and extreme cold. While the danger of severe winter weather varies across the country, everyone can benefit by taking a few easy steps now to prepare for emergencies. A first step, regardless of where you live, is to visit the Ready.gov website to find preparedness ideas you can use all year long.

“In our part of the country we make the most of winter,” said FEMA Region VIII Acting Administrator Tony Russell. “However, severe storms and blizzards can create major problems and residents need to take winter weather seriously by taking appropriate steps to prepare.”

Severe winter weather can include snow or subfreezing temperatures, strong winds and ice or heavy rain storms. An emergency supply kit both at home and in the car will help prepare you and your family for winter power outages and icy or impassable roads.

Both kits should include a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. In addition, your home kit should include a three day supply of food and water. Thoroughly check and update your family’s emergency supply kit and add the following supplies in preparation for winter weather:

Rock salt to melt ice on walkways,
Sand to improve traction on driveways and sidewalks,
Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment,
And adequate clothing and blankets to help keep you warm.

When traveling in winter weather conditions, be sure to contact someone both before your departure and when you safely arrive. Always travel with a cell phone and ensure the battery is charged so you can contact someone in the case of a road emergency. If dangerous conditions are forecast, it’s often best to delay travel plans.

Finally, make sure to familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a winter storm hazard and discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued. Terms used to describe a winter storm hazard include the following:

Freezing Rain creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.
Winter Weather Advisory means cold, ice and snow are expected.
Winter Storm Watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.
Winter Storm Warning means severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon.

For more information and winter preparedness tips, please visit: www.ready.gov/winter-weather or www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/ or www.fema.gov/about-region-viii/winter-weather-readiness.

Visit site:

Preparation is Key to Dealing with Winter Weather

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Indiana Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

April 22, 2014

Release Number:

HQ-14-29FS

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for the State of Indiana.

Assistance for the State and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not less than 75 percent for snow assistance, for a specific period of time during or proximate to the incident period. Snow Assistance may include snow removal, de-icing, salting, snow dumps, and sanding of roads. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for state and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema ; follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fema and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fema.

Last Updated:

April 22, 2014 – 14:36

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Indiana

Related Disaster:

Indiana Indiana Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm

Read the article:

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Indiana Declaration

Car Preparedness Critical During Winter Months

LINCROFT, N.J. – The recent winter storm in Atlanta wreaked havoc on traffic and left motorists and vehicles stranded on the city’s highways for days. Many people were forced to stay in their cars overnight, while others abandoned their vehicles to escape the gridlock.

The harshness of the winter the country is experiencing emphasizes the importance of making sure that your vehicle is prepared for cold and inclement weather. There are two aspects of vehicle preparedness during the winter months: Maintaining your vehicle to reduce the risk of an accident, breakdown, or other problems; and having the right equipment on hand to solve problems that do arise.

Here are some important things you should check when winterizing your vehicle. Most of these steps can be handled without assistance from a mechanic:

Antifreeze levels
Batteries (terminals should be clean)
Brakes (check for wear and brake fluid)
Exhaust system, for leaks, clogs and crimped/otherwise damaged pipes
Heater and defroster
Head and tail lights, turn signals and hazard lights. Make sure they’re working and are visible
Engine oil levels. If the oil needs to be changed, www.ready.gov recommends using a lighter oil, which lubricates better at lower temperatures and doesn’t congeal like heavy oils
Thermostat
Wear and condition of windshield wipers, as well as levels of windshield washer fluid. Use a winter formula of windshield washer fluid
Tires. Make sure the tread is adequate and that you have snow tires or chains if required. Also make sure you have adequate tire pressure, including the spare
Keep your gas tank as full as possible to prevent the fuel line from freezing

There is more to vehicle preparedness than keeping your car properly maintained. If you’re on the road and disaster strikes, having the right equipment and materials in your car can help you rescue yourself and others, help other rescue you, or allow you to safely remain in place if help cannot arrive immediately.

First-aid kit with up-to-date medications
A shovel
An ice scraper/small broom
Cat litter or sand for better traction
Jumper cables
An AM/FM radio (battery or crank-operated)
Emergency flares and/or reflective triangles
Blankets and/or a sleeping bag
Rope/tow chain
Flashlights and batteries
Snack foods and water
Matches

Keeping your car properly equipped and in top condition will reduce the risk of a serious winter weather-related incident on the road, as well as leave you better prepared to handle any emergencies that arise.

###

http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only

From –

Car Preparedness Critical During Winter Months

FEMA Continues to Support Response Efforts to Severe Winter Weather

Residents Urged to Continue Following Guidance from Local Officials

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to closely coordinate with impacted and potentially impacted states in the path of a severe winter storm, through its National Response Coordination Center in Washington D.C. and its regional offices in Atlanta, Boston, New York City and Philadelphia.

Today, President Obama declared an emergency for all counties in the State of South Carolina, at the request of Governor Nikki Haley, authorizing FEMA to support the state in its efforts to respond to the storm. The declaration comes in addition to the President’s Emergency Declaration for 91 counties in the State of Georgia yesterday, at the request of Governor Nathan Deal.

FEMA has deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team to the Georgia Emergency Operations Center in Atlanta, along with liaisons to the state emergency operations centers in Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia to facilitate close coordination with the states. FEMA has activated its Regional Response Coordination Centers in Atlanta and Philadelphia, and continues to be in close contact with state, tribal and local partners in impacted and potentially impacted areas and stands ready to support its partners, if requested and needed.

FEMA has also established an Incident Support Base in Augusta, Georgia where additional federal teams are on the ground. Commodities including generators, meals, water, blankets, and cots are being moved to that location. At all times, FEMA maintains commodities, including millions of liters of water, millions of meals and hundreds of thousands of blankets strategically located at distribution centers throughout the United States and its territories, including Atlanta, Ga. and Frederick, Md., if needed and requested.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration is helping facilitate the expedited movement of utility trucks and personnel in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina which includes bypassing weigh stations as long as they are under the legal weight requirements.

According to the National Weather Service, dangerous ice and snow and is expected to intensify this evening as the storm moves up the Eastern Seaboard, affecting locations across the mid-Atlantic and Northeast. More than one inch of ice accumulation is possible from central Georgia into South Carolina through Thursday morning. Residents along the path of the storm can find their local forecast at www.weather.gov.

When natural disasters like severe weather strike, the first responders are local emergency and public works personnel, volunteers, humanitarian organizations, and private organizations who provide emergency assistance required to protect the public’s health and safety and to meet immediate human needs.

FEMA encourages residents and visitors in the track of the storms to follow the instructions of state, local and tribal officials, and monitor NOAA Weather Radio and their local news for updates and directions provided by local officials. Residents can find trusted sources for weather and preparedness information via Twitter on FEMA’s Social Hub here: http://www.fema.gov/social-hub

Wireless Emergency Alerts are currently being sent directly to many cell phones on participating wireless carrier networks. These alerts are sent by public safety officials such as the National Weather Service about imminent threats like severe weather. They look like a text message and show the type and time of the alert, any action you should take, and the agency issuing the alert. More information on Wireless Emergency Alerts is available at http://www.ready.gov/alerts. Individuals can check with their cellular carrier to determine if their phone or wireless device is WEA-enabled.

FEMA encourages all Americans to visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to learn more about how to be better prepared and how to protect your family during emergencies.

Generator Safety

Carbon monoxide or CO is a colorless and odorless gas that is emitted from fuel burning appliances, like generators, or machines that are not working or venting properly. Breathing in high levels of Carbon Monoxide can be fatal and kills more than 150 Americans annually. FEMA recommends the following steps to protect your family from the dangers of carbon monoxide:

Install and maintain CO alarms inside your home to provide early warning
Install CO alarms in a central location outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of your home
Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows and vents
Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris, and
Remove vehicles from the garage immediately after starting.

For more information and winter preparedness tips, please visit: www.usfa.fema.gov to find out more on carbon monoxide and fire safety.

Preparing for Severe Winter Weather

Get to know the terms that are used to identify winter storm hazards and discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued.

A Winter Weather Advisory means cold, ice and snow are expected.
A Winter Storm Watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.
A Winter Storm Warning means severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon.
An Ice Storm Warning is when freezing rain produces a significant and possibly damaging accumulation of ice.
Freezing Rain creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.

Avoid traveling by car, but if you must, make sure you have an emergency supply kit in the trunk of your car. FEMA encourages families to maintain an emergency supply kit both at home and in the car to help prepare for winter power outages and icy or impassable roads.

An emergency supply kit should include a three-day supply of food and water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio and extra flashlights and batteries. Thoroughly check and update your family’s emergency supply kit and add the following supplies in preparation for winter weather:

Rock salt to melt ice on walkways;
Sand to improve traction;
Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment; and
Adequate clothing and blankets to help keep you warm.

Ensure your family preparedness plan and contacts are up to date. Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government, and ensure your home and car are prepared for the winter weather.

For more information and winter preparedness tips, please visit: www.ready.gov/winter-weather or www.listo.gov to find out how you can prepare your family for winter storms and other disasters.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Visit site:

FEMA Continues to Support Response Efforts to Severe Winter Weather

FEMA Urges Residents Across the South and Southeast to Prepare for Severe Winter Weather

Residents Should Follow the Direction of Local Officials

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is closely coordinating with states potentially impacted by severe winter weather across the southern United States. FEMA, through its regional offices in Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York, and Denton TX, and its National Watch Center in Washington, D.C. as well as its federal partners, including the National Weather Service, continues to closely monitor the severe winter weather currently impacting the South and Southeast, and forecasted to move up the Eastern Seaboard.

Today, President Obama declared an emergency for 45 counties in the State of Georgia, at the request of Georgia Governor Nathan Neal, authorizing FEMA to support the state in its efforts to respond to the storm. FEMA has deployed a Federal Coordinating Officer and a liaison to support the state emergency operations center in Atlanta.

FEMA continues to be in close, continuing contact with state, tribal and local partners in potentially impacted areas and stands ready to support its partners, if requested and needed. FEMA has also enhanced staffing at its Regional Watch Center in Atlanta and at its National Watch Center in Washington D.C.

According to the National Weather Service, a major winter storm will impact locations from Texas to the Southeast today before it moves up the Eastern Seaboard on Wednesday. Residents along the path of the storm can find their local forecast at www.weather.gov.

Preparing for Severe Winter Weather

FEMA encourages all Americans to visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to learn more about how to be better prepared and how to protect your family during emergencies.

Get to know the terms that are used to identify winter storm hazards and discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued.

A Blizzard Warning is issued for winter storms when the following conditions are expected to last for at least three hours: winds of at least 35 miles per hour with considerable snowfall that reduces visibility to ¼ of a mile or less.
A Winter Weather Advisory means cold, ice and snow are expected.
A Winter Storm Watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.
A Winter Storm Warning means severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon.
An Ice Storm Warning is when freezing rain produces a significant and possibly damaging accumulation of ice.
Freezing Rain creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.

Rock salt to melt ice on walkways;
Sand to improve traction;
Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment; and
Adequate clothing and blankets to help keep you warm.

Ensure your family preparedness plan and contacts are up to date and exercise your plan. Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government, and ensure your home and car are prepared for the winter weather.

For more information and winter preparedness tips, please visit: www.ready.gov/winter-weather or www.listo.gov to find out how you can prepare your family for winter storms and other disasters.

Residents Should Follow the Direction of Local Officials

Preparing for Severe Winter Weather

FEMA encourages all Americans to visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to learn more about how to be better prepared and how to protect your family during emergencies.

Get to know the terms that are used to identify winter storm hazards and discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued.

A Blizzard Warning is issued for winter storms when the following conditions are expected to last for at least three hours: winds of at least 35 miles per hour with considerable snowfall that reduces visibility to ¼ of a mile or less.
A Winter Weather Advisory means cold, ice and snow are expected.
A Winter Storm Watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.
A Winter Storm Warning means severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon.
An Ice Storm Warning is when freezing rain produces a significant and possibly damaging accumulation of ice.
Freezing Rain creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.

Rock salt to melt ice on walkways;
Sand to improve traction;
Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment; and
Adequate clothing and blankets to help keep you warm.

Visit source –

FEMA Urges Residents Across the South and Southeast to Prepare for Severe Winter Weather

This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Preparedness

LINCROFT, N.J.– The heavy demands of the holiday season can be a busy time for all. Managing family obligations and handling seasonal preparations alongside regular day-to-day activities can make disaster preparedness less of a priority. In fact, the onset of winter is a critical time for safety preparation, and several items that are critical in emergencies also make good holiday gifts.

A weather radio is a recommended purchase, preferably one developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Consumer Electronics Association. These radios broadcast National Weather Service forecasts and severe weather warnings 24 hours a day on the NOAA’s radio network. They cost between $20 and $200. Portable and handheld radios generally cost less than desktop models. FEMA recommends that the radio has an alarm, can run on batteries, solar power or a hand crank, and has an external or wireless output for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or blind, allowing connection to an alarm or other attention-getting device, such as a personal computer or text printer. Visit www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr for more information and to find a list of frequencies used for weather alerts.

A solar charging unit for charging and powering electronic devices is also recommended. These range in size from pocket-sized units to fold-out panel arrays and are powered by the sun, making them useful on clear days when electricity is unavailable. Prices start at less than $10 and can exceed $200.

A regular car charger can serve the same purpose. Pricing for these is more closely tied to size, starting at $3 and going up to $70 for multiple-device units. For any charger, make sure that it is properly adapted for the devices you will be using. Cell phones, tablets, cameras and computers have different connection points to external power supplies. More than one unit may be necessary.

Generators can serve as backup power sources in emergencies. A generator that produces a minimum of 4,000-5,000 watts of power is recommended. Contact an electrician to find out how much power your home needs. Generators in the 5,000-8,000 watt range can cost as little as $600 and as much as $4,000, and some may require additional accessories which will cost extra. Portable generators cost less than stationary standby models.

To cook food or heat water, pick up a camping stove. These outdoor-only stoves use propane, butane or other solid fuels. Butane- and cartridge-fueled stoves are less expensive ($10 to $50) than their propane-powered counterparts, but they usually only have one burner and those fuels are less effective in cold weather. Dual-burner stoves are more likely to run on propane and cost between $30 and $100. Single-burner propane stoves range from $20 to $60. You’ll also want to have enough fuel on hand for your stove. Small propane tanks cost between $3 and $6, packs of butane cans cost between $6 and $12 depending on the size of the pack, and solid fuel cartridge packs cost between $8 and $20.

Tea kettles are better for boiling water than pots or pans because they are enclosed and the metal interiors allow for more even heating. Most kettles suited for outdoor use are made of stainless steel, enamel or aluminum. These range in price from $15 to $75.

Ready-made first-aid kits can be purchased for use in the home or car. The Red Cross sells its own at www.redcrossstore.org and many retail stores also carry them. A pre-assembled kit with enough supplies for a family costs less than $40. Visit www.ready.gov/build-a-kit for lists of recommended safety kit items.

If you need both hands free to work, search or dig in darkness, consider a head lamp. Most head lamps are mounted on an elastic strap that can be wrapped around a hat or worn directly on the wearer’s head. A consumer-grade lamp can be purchased for less than $100.

Follow this link:

This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Preparedness

Page 1 of 2 1 2 »