Just Announced: National Preparedness Month Theme
National Preparedness Month (NPM) is just four weeks away, and the Ready Campaign recently announced the 2015 NPM theme: Don't Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.
Now is the time to be sure you can communicate during emergencies by having up-to-date contact information for those you may need to get in touch with during a disaster. Establish alternate methods of communication in case traditional means are not available.
Making a family emergency communication plan is a great way to prepare for disasters, but testing your plan is even better so you'll be familiar with how to respond. It's also one of the 10 Ways to Participate in America's PrepareAthon!
In addition to the overall theme, each week of NPM will also promote the following hazard focused themes:
- September 1 5: Flood
- September 6 12: Wildfire
- September 13 19: Hurricane
- September 20 26: Power Outage
- September 27 30: Lead up to National PrepareAthon! Day
National PrepareAthon! Day culminates NPM on September 30, 2015. Individuals, families, organizations and businesses are encouraged to use America's PrepareAthon! materials, available at www.ready.gov/prepare as you plan, host and support preparedness actions such as discussions, drills, exercises and training sessions, throughout the month and on September 30.
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Coming Soon: America's PrepareAthon! Website Refresh
Spread the word! The America's PrepareAthon! website is getting a fresh new look to make it easier to find the valuable information you need to prepare your family or organization for disasters.
In addition to the more streamlined appearance, the website will also feature exciting stories from individuals, communities, and organizations across the country who are participating in America's PrepareAthon! events and activities. There will also be a more efficient process to register the activities that you are planning for your home and community.
You'll also have the ability to stay in the know about all things preparedness with tips, messages, and updates from @PrepareAthon in the new live Twitter feed available on the website.
Stay tuned! More details are coming soon.
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Carbon Monoxide Safety During Power Outages
According to the National Weather Service , carbon monoxide poisoning is a leading cause of death after storms in areas experiencing power outages. Using alternative sources of power can cause carbon monoxide to build up in your home and poison your family. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas created by burning fuel when using portable generators, gas ranges, burning wood, or by running your car.
While deaths occur each year in the U.S. from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, this tragedy is preventable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these tips for staying safe when the power goes out:
- Never us a generator inside your home or garage, even if the doors and windows are open;
- Keep generators at least 20 feet from your home;
- Install battery-operated or battery back-up carbon monoxide detectors near every sleeping area in your home; and
- Check detectors every six months to be sure they are working properly.
The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. If you think you are experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, get fresh air and seek immediate medical attention!
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Dates for Your Calendar!
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