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DHS and FEMA
Updates

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This Citizen Corps News Digest is provided by FEMA's Individual & Community Preparedness Division to highlight community preparedness and resilience resources and activities recently announced by federal agencies and Citizen Corps partners.

DHS -FEMA Updates

Be heard…Email comments or suggestions to us at cert@dhs.gov

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency and Ad Council Release new PSAs in Partnership with New Movie San Andreas

In an effort to raise awareness of earthquake preparedness, the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Ad Council have partnered with Warner Brothers to launch a new series of public service advertisements (PSA's) featuring scenes from the action thriller San Andreas , starring Dwayne Johnson.

The PSA's educate audiences on the three steps to take if an earthquake strikes; “Drop, Cover and Hold On.” The PSA's direct audiences to Ready.gov/Earthquake , where visitors can access more information on how to protect themselves, their families, and property before, during, and after an earthquake.

“Earthquakes can occur anywhere in the U.S. without warning,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “The PSA provides earthquake safety tips that are vital to preparing yourself and your family to react quickly, which will save lives.”

For more information about the PSA's, please read the full press release .

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Beach Dangers

Now that warmer weather is here, you may be planning some fun in the sun with a beach getaway. But before you hit the sand, check out the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) safety tips for Nine Dangers at the Beach , including lightning.

According to NOAA, lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year and an average of 33 lightning deaths occurred in the United States each year from 2006-2013. Although most lightning occurs in the summer, people can be struck any time there is a thunderstorm. Remember, if you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you! 

There is no safe place outside when thunderstorms are in the area. When thunder roars, go indoors! Move immediately to a safe shelter: a substantial building with electricity or plumbing, or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with the windows up.

As you plan your beach vacation, follow these NOAA tips to reduce the risk of being struck by lightning:

  • Plan ahead and know where to go for safety;
  • Monitor weather conditions;
  • Cancel or postpone activities if thunderstorms are in the forecast;
  • Take action early so you have time to get to a safe place; and
  • Stay in the safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.
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Hurricane Preparedness: Home Edition

The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 – November 30! Now is good time to prepare your home for hurricanes, which are often accompanied by harsh winds and flooding. Taking a few simple, but important steps before a hurricane strikes can help you mitigate property damage. The How to Prepare for a Hurricane guide from America's PrepareAthon! has valuable information about these powerful storms and how to protect yourself and your property.

On page 12 of the guide, you'll find information about ways to protect your home, including:

  • Cover your home's windows using impact-resistant glazing or permanent storm shutters, which offer the best protection. You can also board up windows with 5/8 inch plywood, cut to fit and ready to install;
  • Install metal brackets and straps to strengthen the connection between your home's roof and wall systems;
  • Bring patio furniture, garden tools, garbage cans, and toys inside;
  • Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if the location is susceptible to flooding; and
  • Keep gutters and drains free of debris.

Since flooding often occurs during a hurricane, it is also important to consider flood insurance protection.  Flood insurance is the only way to financially protect your property from flood damage. Visit floodsmart.gov for more information about flood insurance.

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Webinar For Faith-based and Community Organizations on Youth Preparedness Resources and Partnerships

The Department of Homeland Security Center for Faith-based & Neighborhood Partnerships, FEMA's Individual and Community Preparedness Division and whole community partners invite you to join a co-hosted a webinar intended to help connect faith-based and community organizations to tools and resources for youth preparedness activities .

Audience members will hear from organizations that are affirmers of the National Strategy for Youth Preparedness Education and how they can work alongside youth and leverage existing resources and partnerships to increase preparedness in communities.

Title: Getting Youth Involved In Emergency Preparedness

Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Time: 2:00 – 3:00 pm (EDT)

How to Join the Webinar:

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Dates for Your Calendar!


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Disclaimer: The reader recognizes that the federal government provides links and informational data on various disaster preparedness resources and events and does not endorse any non-federal events, entities, organizations, services or products. Please let us know about other events and services for individual and community preparedness that could be included in future newsletters by contacting: citizencorps@dhs.gov

About FEMA

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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