Youth across the Nation have the opportunity to make a difference and transform the resilience and preparedness of their communities and beyond. Students in the 8th, 9th, 10th, or 11th grades who have engaged in community service or are interested in emergency preparedness, are encouraged to apply to serve on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Youth Preparedness Council .

Formed in 2012, the Council engages members in local and national emergency preparedness projects. Members are selected to serve two-year terms. Members represent the youth perspective on emergency preparedness and share information with their communities. They also meet with FEMA on a regular basis to provide ongoing input on strategies, initiatives, and projects throughout the duration of their term.

Adults working with youth or emergency management are encouraged to share the application with youth who might be interested in applying. Applicants must submit a completed application form, two letters of recommendation, and academic records.

Applications are due March 31, 2017. For more information and to see the projects current members are working on, visit the Youth Preparedness Council website . To submit an application, visit the application website . 

Powerful storms can knock down tree limbs and power lines, causing the electricity to go out. Treat any downed power lines as “live” and do not touch them. Remember to keep children and pets away from any power lines. Be certain to report any downed power lines or poles to your power company immediately. Call 9-1-1 if you see a wire that is sparking or touching a building.

Only use generators outdoors. The fumes contain carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas that can quickly cause carbon monoxide poisoning and overwhelm you. Follow these generator tips to keep yourself safe:

• Make sure your home has working battery powered or electric  CO detectors  with battery backup.
• Read the owner's manual and follow the directions.
• Place the generator outside, well away from doors, windows, and vents. Use manufacturer supplied cords or grounded extension cords.
• Generators need ventilation. Never place a working generator in the garage.
• Choose an area that is dry. Coming in contact with water can cause electrocution.
• Never smoke while fueling a generator.
• Add fuel before you turn it on. Turn it off and let it cool down before refueling.
• Connect the generator with heavy-duty extension cords designed for outside use. Never use cords that are fraying or broken.
• Include a supply of prepared foods in your emergency kit that don't have to be cooked. Only use camp stoves or barbecue grills outdoors.

For more information about severe weather fire safety , check out the U.S. Fire Administration .

Old Man Winter is still hanging around but don't let him put a chill in your bones.

During the winter months, it is especially important to be aware of the signs of hypothermia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that it can happen even at temperatures above 40°F. This includes someone being chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.

Know the warning signs of hypothermia:

• Body temperature below 95 degrees.
• Bright red, cold skin (Infants).
• Very low energy, exhaustion, drowsiness.
• Uncontrollable shivering, fumbling hands.
• Confusion, memory loss, disorientation.
• Incoherence, slurred speech.

If someone is suffering from hypothermia, get medical attention immediately. Begin warming the person until help arrives with some of the recommendations from the CDC. Keep the information on quick tips available by clicking the link: CDC's Hypothermia page .

When going out into colder weather use some of the guidelines below to prevent hypothermia:

• Wearing several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
• Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
• Cover all of your body. Wear a hat and a scarf, covering your mouth to protect your face and to help prevent loss of body heat.

For more information on winter preparedness, visit the America's PrepareAthon! Winter Storm section.

How do you stay informed about winter weather?  True preparation is being notified before a storm hits.

According to the 2015 FEMA National Household Survey , 67% of people know how to get real-time alerts and warnings ahead of a winter storm. Are you one of them?

You can help stay safe against winter weather with real-time emergency alerts on your cellular phone and computer. Stay informed about winter weather in your area and be prepared for the unexpected with winter car safety kits.

Review the Know Your Alerts and Warnings fact sheet from America's PrepareAthon!  to get alerts  as soon as possible.