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This Citizen Corps News Digest is provided by FEMA's Individual & Community Preparedness Division to highlight community preparedness and resilience resources and activities recently announced by federal agencies and Citizen Corps partners. |
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DHS -FEMA Updates
Be heard…Email comments or suggestions to us at cert@dhs.gov
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Tech Talk: Cool Apps for Preparedness
One Stop Shop for Local Alerts Mobile App
Nixle, is a one stop shop for alerts from more than 5,000 public safety agencies including local police and fire departments. Alerts are pushed from a certain proximity to the location you choose, whether it is home or work. Nixle can be used through an app, online, via text or by email. To register and learn more on Nixle, click here .
Prepare for Tornado Season with Mobile Apps
If you are on the move, there is no better way to track incoming tornadoes and pending conditions than with your smart phone. The American Red Cross has developed the official tornado app which provides interactive quizzes and step-by-step advice on preparations for a tornado. The app provides a list of nearby shelters and an audible siren that is sounded when the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration releases a warning. To download the app to your android or iPhone visit: http://apps.usa.gov/tornado-app.shtml .
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HUD Secretary Donovan Launches Regional Design Competition to Promote Resilience for the Sandy-Affected Region
Last week, in an effort to promote growth, rebuilding and resilience for areas affected by Sandy, U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan, who also chairs the Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force, launched REBUILD BY DESIGN, a multi-stage regional design competition. REBUILD BY DESIGN's goal is to attract world-class architectural and urban planning talent, promote design and construction innovation and develop tangible projects for communities throughout the region. Potential design solutions are expected to range in scope and scale, from large-scale green infrastructure new-builds to small-scale residential resiliency retrofits.
Once the best design ideas are identified, HUD will support their implementation using funds made available through the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program as well as other public and private sources. The Rockefeller Foundation, as the leading private funds partner, will provide support for analysis and the design process. In addition, the National Endowment of the Arts will serve as a special partner, providing critical expertise and guidance to shape and launch REBUILD BY DESIGN.
REBUILD BY DESIGN will center on four focus areas: coastal communities, high-density urban environments, ecological networks and a fourth category that will include other innovative questions and proposals.
To read the press release in its entirety click here
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Emergency Planning for Vacation
Its summertime! Kids are out of school, parents and adults are taking advantage of the warm weather and planning vacations locally and outside of their area. Some people live in areas where there is minimal risk of weather causing a major affect on the planning and excitement of the vacation, so when they move to other parts of the country or outside of the U.S., preparedness needs to be considered.
Vacationers must be aware of their surroundings and ensure proper precautions are made in emergency planning for their vacation. Below are helpful tips shared on the National Preparedness Coalition discussion board when preparing for vacation.
- Have copies of your travel documents and passports available with you. Make electronic copies for back-up purposes.
- Check weather for your vacation destination.
- Consider purchasing travel insurance when traveling to areas with known risks such as the Caribbean during hurricane season. Make sure natural disasters are covered in the travel insurance.
- Pack an emergency kit that includes first aid supplies and any prescriptions.
- Heed the warning. Follow the lead of the residents when warning siren or advisories are made.
Illinois Emergency Management Agency has declared June, Vacation Preparedness month, to read more on the initiative and their tips click here .
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Staying Healthy During a Disaster
Wash your hands. Cover your mouth when you sneeze. These are a couple of sayings we have heard over the years to not spread our germs. When disaster strikes, hygiene and sanitation needs are sometimes overlooked as we think of what is needed to ensure that we eat, drink and stay safe. It is important to include in your emergency kit necessary supplies to maintain a healthy and sanitary environment when dealing with disaster emergencies.
It is suggested you add your preferred brands or items for grooming and sanitation. This way, you and your family are comfortable with the products. Often the items can be purchased in bulk or extra saving packages to reduce cost and build your kit as you shop. Here are a few items to include:
- Toilet paper
- Toothpaste, toothbrush and mouthwash
- Medications
- Feminine hygiene products
- Deodorant
- Baby wipes
- Soap and laundry detergent
- Garbage bags
To learn more about creating a sanitation area during a disaster and other helpful tips, you may read more here
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Dates for Your Calendar!
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