Consumer Beware!
It's understandable to want to quickly get back on your feet after a disaster. During your recovery process, be careful to avoid another financial hit in the form of scams. Unfortunately natural disasters often bring out con artists and those looking to take advantage of disaster survivors. Consumer beware! – Home repair scams and charitable donations are some of the ways criminals can target you .
Here are a few tips to avoid a home repair scam after a natural disaster:
- Hire known and recommended repair companies;
- Get at least two estimates from different companies;
- Get all agreements in writing; and
- Make a full payment only when the terms of the contract are met.
In response to disaster, charities often form to help those affected. Not all charities are reputable. Before you donate, follow these tips :
- Research the organization and their purpose;
- Do not give cash;
- Write a check or money order to the organization, not the individual collecting for the organization; and
- Do not provide personal information to anyone soliciting contributions.
Protect yourself, your family and your finances. Contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection to report scams or fraud in your area.
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Calling All Youth Responders
Attention all youth ages 12-17, you have just four days left to apply for the Youth Preparedness Council (YPC)! FEMA is looking for youth leaders who are dedicated to public service, who are making a difference in their communities and who want to expand their impact as national advocates for youth disaster preparedness. Does this sound like someone you know? Then keep reading!
FEMA launched its YPC last year to give interested youth a forum and collective voice in bettering their communities through emergency response and preparedness. A crisis can occur at home, school, place of worship, or even the playground. Proper preparation can reduce or avert damage. FEMA encourages each person to be prepared, responsive, and committed. Teaching children about emergency preparedness is vital to minimize fear and build the confidence they need to act swiftly and wisely in a crisis or disaster.
FEMA's YPC is a great way to help budding first responders get involved in preparedness-related activities. Council members will attend a YPC Summit on youth disaster preparedness and will also complete a Council project with FEMA support.
To apply, youth must submit a completed application form and two letters of recommendation by February 24, 2014. Complete application instructions and the application form are both available online. Read more at http://www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness-council .
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Apply for the National Advisory Council
FEMA is requesting individuals who are interested in serving on the National Advisory Council (NAC) to apply for appointment.
The NAC is an advisory council established to ensure effective and ongoing coordination of federal preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation for natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters. The NAC advises the FEMA Administrator on all aspects of emergency management while incorporating the whole community's input through appointed council members.
The NAC consists of up to 35 members, all of whom are experts and leaders in their respective fields. The members of the NAC are appointed by the FEMA Administrator and are composed of federal, state, tribal, local, private sector, and non-profit leaders and subject matter experts in a wide range of disciplines.
Appointments are for a three-year term. The Administrator may appoint additional candidates to serve as a FEMA Administrator Selection. The NAC will have one (1) position open for applications and nominations in each of the following disciplines:
- Emergency Management
- Emergency Response
- Non-Elected Local Government Officials
- Elected Tribal Government Officials
- Non-Elected Tribal Government Officials
- Health Scientist *
- Communications *
- Infrastructure Protection *
- Standards Settings and Accrediting
- Disabilities
Individuals interested in serving on the NAC are invited to apply for appointment by submitting a Cover Letter and a Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the Office of the National Advisory Council by email, fax, or mail. A complete application must be submitted to be considered for appointment; application criteria, submission information, and contact information can be found on the NAC webpage . Applications will be accepted until Friday, March 14, 2014, 11:59 p.m. EST .
Click here for more information on NAC requirements.
For more information on the NAC visit: http://www.fema.gov/national-advisory-council .
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Disaster Prep for Military Families
Military families may find themselves in special emergency circumstances. It is important to be aware of and prepare for all types of emergencies and natural disasters. Military families move around a lot, therefore preparedness needs will change. Considerations for all military families should include:
- Every time you relocate, learn the types of emergencies likely to affect the area;
- Update your family communications plan and emergency supply kit; and
- Be aware that mass warning systems will differ at each location.
If you're stationed abroad, include these tips in your preparation plans:
- Update your emergency kit with items such as passports, local currency cash, and an electrical converter;
- The emergency number is probably not 9-1-1 and may differ on and off the installation. You and your family should know the operable numbers; and
- Learn a few key phrases and basic terms in the host language to be able to communicate in an emergency situation.
For more information about special considerations for military families, watch this clip from Ready.gov.
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