Martin Luther King Day of Service
The Martin Luther King (MLK) Day of Service is almost here! January 20, 2014 isn't just another date on your calendar. It's an opportunity to enhance your community on this national day of service. The MLK Day of Service is part of United We Serve , the President's national call to service initiative.
There are many ways to serve your community on MLK Day and throughout the year. Find a project near you or register to create your own service project so volunteers can find it. Use the project toolkits to plan your upcoming Day of Service event. The toolkits include options for disaster planning, environmental cleanup, fitness and more.
Additional opportunities to serve your community can be found through your local CERT and Citizen Corps Councils . Begin your Day of Service with these groups to educate people in your community about disaster preparedness and response.
Whether you plan on mentoring a young person, helping clean up a public space or aiding in disaster relief efforts, know that what you do makes a world of difference.
Be sure to share your thoughts and photos from your volunteer service using the hashtag #MLKDay.
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Send a Preparedness e-Card
Looking for a fun way to get the preparedness message to family, friends or coworkers this winter? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have created winter themed e-Cards . To send one of the four CDC e-Cards, simply choose the card you wish to share, enter your friend's email address, preview the card and send it. Additionally, you can personalize your message in 150 characters or less. Best of all, the e-Cards address some winter preparedness questions:
- What to have on your winter weather checklist?
- How to weatherize your home?
- How to prepare your vehicle for winter?
CDC has also made it easy to send greetings-on-the-go with its e-Card mobile application . Use this exciting technology to share the preparedness message today!
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CERT Training Opportunities Available Now
There are two opportunities for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training coming this February at the Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, MD. Take advantage by enrolling in one of these trainings today!
Are you looking to establish and sustain an active local CERT Program? On February 27-28 , you can enroll in the EO427 CERT Program Manager training. This course is intended for current CERT Program Managers or professionals and volunteers who are interested in being a local CERT Program Manager. In addition, you will learn the core components of a local CERT program and effective practices for:
- Developing local CERT program goals and a related strategic plan;
- Promoting local CERT programs;
- Orienting, managing and retaining CERT members;
- Recruiting, funding, managing and retaining CERT trainers; and more.
If you are not quite ready to become a CERT Program Manager, but would like to teach FEMA's CERT Basic Training course, you can enroll in the E0428 February 24-26 CERT Train-the-Trainer . Participants will learn to:
- Deliver the CERT Basic Training;
- Convey the messages and intent of the CERT Program; and
- Create a comfortable yet managed learning environment.
To find out more information about these courses and to learn how to apply, contact the course manager, Paul Benyeda at 301-447-1326 or by email at paul.benyeda@fema.dhs.gov .
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Portable Fireplaces
Portable fuel-burning fireplaces have become popular in recent years as a way to create ambiance and warmth around your home. Whether used indoor or outdoor, portable fireplaces can be dangerous. If not used properly, the fuel and open flame pose a serious fire hazard. Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires in the winter months. Half of all home heating fires occur in December, January and February.
Before you cozy up to one of these appliances here are a few tips for staying safe while using fuel-fired portable fireplaces:
- Check with your local fire marshal before using fuel-fired portable heaters. Many cities and towns do not permit them;
- Get a carbon monoxide alarm if using a portable heater with fuel. Fuel- fired portable heaters produce carbon monoxide;
- Take the fuel-fired portable heater outside for refueling;
- Do not use fuel-fired portable heaters in a bedroom or bathroom that is not well vented; and
- Don't pour fuel in a device that is lit or not completely cool.
As with all heating equipment, space is important! Create a “safe zone” around the device by keeping children, pets and anything that can burn at least three feet away.
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Dates for Your Calendar!
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