Fire Is Everyone's Fight
Fire is a continuous battle in the United States for the public and fire service. That's why the U.S. Fire Administration is sponsoring Fire is Everyone's Fight™ , an initiative to raise public awareness about the importance of fire prevention and fire safety.
This campaign invites fire departments, safety advocates, community groups and schools to share the message about the realities of fire in an effort to help reduce home fires, deaths and property loss. The initiative includes targeted messages in key areas such as cooking, smoke alarms and escape planning.
Did you know 76 percent of all fire injuries occur in residential buildings? We all have a role in making sure fires don't start. Join the movement! Register to receive exclusive access to outreach materials and download the campaign action plan to find out how you can support this national initiative in your home and neighborhood!
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You're Stranded, Now What?
Some parts of the country experience extreme winter weather including blizzards. If a blizzard traps you in your car, do you know how to survive?
Taking the following steps can help you stay safe until you are found :
- Don't walk around in the snow to look for help. You might lose your way or become exhausted;
- Remember to occasionally check your tailpipe to make sure it's free of snow. Clean the pipe to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning when the engine is running.
- Keep yourself moving ! A car offers very little room, but exercise is essential; and
- Make the car visible for a rescue! Hang bright colored cloth or plastic from the windows. If the snow has stopped falling, open the hood of the car as a signal of distress.
If you have a cell phone call 911 to ask for help. Do not hang up until you know whom you have spoken with and what will happen next. You can also sign up for wireless emergency alerts before you travel to receive life-saving alerts wherever you are.
Items found in your vehicle emergency supply kit can assist you until help arrives. Take a look at this video from The Weather Channel showing how to prepare your winter car supply kit, including items you may not think of.
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Tech Savvy
The internet and social media are the third most popular way for Americans to gather and share emergency information with loved ones. With effective planning, it is possible to take advantage of technology before, during and after a crisis to communicate with family and friends. Here are some ways to incorporate technology into your emergency plans:
- Learn how to send text updates from your mobile phone to your contacts in case voice communications are not available;
- Program “In Case of Emergency” contacts into your cell phone so emergency personnel can contact those people for you if you are unable to use your phone;
- Purchase a solar powered or hand crank charger to keep your electronics running if you lose power at home; and
- If you do not have a cell phone, keep a prepaid phone card to use during or after a disaster.
FEMA offers several ways to be tech savvy for disaster preparedness. The FEMA smartphone app contains an interactive emergency kit list, emergency meeting location info and more to help you get started. It's available for Apple, Blackberry and Android devices. Increase your technological know-how by joining the text message program to receive regular safety tips for specific hazards and to search for open shelters and disaster recovery centers.
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Flat Stanley Helps Kids Be Safe Online
The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Stop.Think.Connect. public awareness campaign is joining the Flat Stanley Project to help kids learn the importance of cybersecurity. By downloading and using the Flat Stanley App , kids will be able to create their own "Flat Stanley" and "Flat Stella" character and send it on a tour of the Internet to learn about staying safe online and helping spread the word about cybersecurity.
The Flat Stanley App can be useful for kids, parents and teachers to start a discussion about online safety. Children will find simple tips on the app that encourage them to:
- Be careful about what information they share;
- Avoid sharing passwords with anyone except their parents; and
- Never talk to strangers online or agree to meet someone in person.
With kids spending more time than ever before on the Internet and social media, the partnership with the Flat Stanley Project allows the Department to further its efforts to raise cybersecurity awareness among young Americans.
To learn about what DHS is doing to keep kids safe online and for other cybersecurity tips, please visit http://www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect .
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