Let Your Spirit of Service Soar

Americans across the country recently honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King (MLK) through acts of service in their communities. For many, this holiday was observed as “a day on, not a day off” by distributing emergency supplies, volunteering at local soup kitchens, reading with children at youth centers and more. 

For many in the emergency management community, acts of service are a year round effort. Last year, several emergency challenges arose including dangerous wildfires, devastating tornadoes and floods. As we face challenges from natural disasters this year, your service will be needed to not only help during recovery but to spread the preparedness messages as we build a more resilient nation.

Let the close of the MLK National Day of Service be your jump start to serving your community more this year. Here are a few ways to stay involved:

• Encourage your family and community to Resolve to be Ready in 2014;
• Plan your community day of action for spring 2014 and share it via Twitter using #PrepareAthon;
• Join your local Citizen Corps Council ;
• If you're between the ages of 12 and 17, consider applying to serve on the Youth Preparedness Council ;
• Get CERT trained in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations; or
• Join the discussion on the National Preparedness Community  to collaborate with others on serving.

The opportunities to serve are endless. To find more ways to serve, visit http://www.ready.gov/volunteer .

Ice and Snow…Take It Slow!

Traveling by car in wintery weather conditions can be hazardous and scary. Preparation is critical to ensure safe trips. The three P's of Safe Winter Driving provide tips for safe driving in winter storms: PREPARE for the trip; PROTECT yourself; and PREVENT crashes on the road.

Explore the Checklist and Tips for Safe Winter Driving published by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

• Regardless of the vehicle you drive, slow down for winter driving conditions. Even an SUV with four-wheel drive might be unable to stop or maintain control;
• Leave plenty of room between your vehicle and others. It takes more time and distance to stop your vehicle on wet roads; and
• Avoid using cruise control in winter driving conditions. You need to be in control of your speed based on road conditions. 

Winter conditions call for different driving tactics —slower speed, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking. Remember ice and snow, take it slow!

Finding Warming Centers

Some parts of the country experience brutally cold temperatures during winter months. When the mercury dips, many communities open warming centers to help people with heating problems escape the frigid weather.

Warming centers can be found in your area library, police station, senior center or school.

Operating hours and accommodations at warming facilities vary; so check with the facility before you go. It's a good idea to bring your disaster supply kit with you. Items in your kit can make your visit to warming centers more comfortable, especially if your visit extends for several days. 

Many open centers coordinate with the federally mandated phone information system to communicate availability information. Locate a warming center near you by calling 2-1-1 or 3-1-1. You can also use these services to request a well-being check for someone who may be suffering from extreme weather, reporting inadequate heating in a residential building and more. 

Another way to find shelters is through FEMA's text message program . Just text SHELTER and your zip code to 43362 (4FEMA).

Dates for Your Calendar!

• January 28 – 29: Long Term Care Disaster Conference
• February 2 – 8: National Burn Awareness Week
• February 10 – 11: National Tornado Summit
• February 17 – 20: Firehouse World Conference