America's PrepareAthon! Webinar for Local Leaders
America's PrepareAthon! Webinar
A Grassroots Campaign to Increase Individual and Community Preparedness
When: Thursday, March 27 , 2014 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Eastern
Webinar Registration Link ( please register prior to the webinar ): https://icpd.adobeconnect.com/americas-prepareathon4a/event/registration.html
Webinar Link : https://icpd.adobeconnect.com/americas-prepareathon4a/event/login.html
Weather-related disasters in the United States continue to increase in size, frequency and impact, and experience repeatedly demonstrates that communities are better prepared to withstand an emergency and recover more quickly when everyone is involved. However, nearly 70 percent of Americans have not participated in a preparedness drill or exercise, with the exception of a fire drill, at their place of work, school, or home in the past two years according to a 2012 FEMA national survey. In an effort to get the public more involved in preparedness and continue to strengthen community and national resilience, the federal family is pleased to announce America's PrepareAthon! , a community-based campaign to increase emergency preparedness. We are asking you to join us to learn how to get involved and spread the word.
America's PrepareAthon! events and activities will be held across the country twice a year to organize community days of action and encourage individuals to discuss, practice, and train for relevant hazards. The two national days of action will be held in the spring and fall each year. The first America's PrepareAthon! national day of action is April 30, 2014, and will focus on preparing organizations and individuals for tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, and wild fires. The second national day of action this year will be September 30, 2014.
FEMA's Individual and Community Preparedness Division invites leaders in preparedness at the Regional, state, tribal, local and territorial levels to participate in a webinar to learn about the campaign and how to get involved. The details are below. Please note that you must register in order to access the webinar. If you cannot make it to the live presentation, the webinar will be recorded and available to view at a later time.
We hope that you can join us for the webinar. For questions, please contact PrepareAthon@fema.dhs.gov .
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Flood Insurance 101
It's National Flood Awareness Week (March 16 – 22)! Taking action to prepare for flood hazards is important no matter where you live but especially if you are in low-laying areas or near water. Since floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States, preparing for this hazard is critical.
One way to prepare is with flood insurance. Keep your head above water by learning the basics about this special coverage available for homes and businesses. Here's what you should know:
- Flood losses are not typically covered under renter and homeowner's insurance policies;
- Flood insurance is available in most communities through insurance agents; and
- There is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance goes into effect.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a valuable resource to learn more about your flood risk, how to find an agent , and the flood recovery process. NFIP also offers interactive ways to understand floods. Calculate the cost of flooding, watch real flood testimonials and launch a levee simulator to take your flood knowledge to the next level.
Floods are also one of the Spring hazards featured in America's PrepareAthon! Soon you'll be able to register to participate and take action for flood preparedness; but in the meantime, learn more about this grassroots campaign for action at www.ready.gov/prepare and check back often for updates!
You can also ensure you're prepared for floods and at the same time help others in your community affected by a disaster by joining a local Community Emergency Response Team .
Want to keep flood safety at your fingertips? Download FLASH Cards from the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes to share with your family and friends.
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Honoring a Preparedness Hero Through a Fellowship
The John D. Solomon Fellowship for Public Service is the first fellowship in New York City government devoted to emergency management. This nine-month paid fellowship will allow 9 graduate students (up from 6 last year), to be mentored by senior staff at various NY city government agencies, including the NY Office of Emergency Management and the American Red Cross in Greater NY.
The program was established by family and friends of the late John D. Solomon, an accomplished journalist on homeland security and a devoted public servant. He was an active member of his local NYC Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). In addition, in 2012, to recognize his contributions to emergency preparedness, FEMA established the national John D. Solomon Preparedness Award.
Interested in applying? Applications and resumes must be received by 11:59 PM EST on Monday, April 7 2014. Completed applications include both a web application AND a resume. Only completed applications will be reviewed.
To learn more about the application process and eligibility criteria, visit the John D .Solomon Fellowship Program webpage. Applications can be found on the application website and resumes must be emailed to JDSolomonFellowship@oem.nyc.gov .
The application period closes soon, so be sure to apply today. Help shape a young person today into becoming an emergency manager for tomorrow!
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What's Lurking in Your House?
Returning home after a disaster can be challenging because dangers still exist . Be safe by entering your home carefully to check for damage. In addition to loose boards and slippery falls, there items inside your home that may need special attention. These items include natural gas, water and sewage system and electrical system.
- If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, open a window and leave immediately. Turn off the main gas valve from outside the house if possible and call the gas company from a neighbor's home;
- Contact authorities before using any water – it could be contaminated. Do not flush toilets until you know sewage lines are intact; and
- Check the electrical system unless you are wet, standing in water or unsure of your safety. Do not turn on the lights until you're sure they are safe to use.
Another risk that exists after a disaster is wildlife. As you return, be wary of animals that may have taken refuge in your home. To protect yourself and family, do not approach animals or attempt to remove a dead animal. Call your local animal control or wildlife resource office instead.
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Dates for Your Calendar!
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