#WRN folks are ready for flood #WRW #Skywarn

Be Ready for Flash Flooding

Flash floods happen quickly. Learn how you can prepare in advance. According to the National Weather Service, the causes of flash flooding include heavy rain, ice, debris jams, and levee or dam failure. These floods exhibit a rapid rise of water over low-lying areas. In some cases, flooding may even occur away from where heavy rain initially fell. Follow these tips from Ready.gov to make sure you, your family, and your home prepare for a flash flood: Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information on the flood risk in your area. Flooding is by no means limited to floodplains. Where it rains, it can flood. More than 20 percent of National Flood Insurance Program claims are filed for properties outside the high-risk flood area. Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. Monitor potential signs, such as heavy rain, if flash flooding is a risk in your location. Learn and practice evacuation routes,shelter plans, and flash flood response. Gather supplies now. You may have to leave your home immediately. As you gather supplies, keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets. Obtain extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical equipment. Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect. Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Keep important documents in a waterproof container, or create password-protected digital copies. Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery. For more flood safety information, download the How to Prepare for a Flood guide.

#BeatTheHeat with tips from @FEMA

Stay Safe from Heat-Related Illness

Extreme heat often results in the highest annual number of deaths among all weather-related disasters.  Be prepared to beat the heat during beach days, barbecues, concerts, and other outdoor activities. Before your next summer event, review the warning signs of heat-related illness on the Ready.gov/heat page. Be prepared to help yourself and others by knowing the signs of heat-related illness and how to respond: Signs of Heat Exhaustion Heavy sweating Paleness Muscle cramps Tiredness Weakness Dizziness Headache Nausea or vomiting Fainting What You Should Do: Go to an air-conditioned place and lie down. Loosen or remove clothing. Take a cool bath. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour. Signs of Heat Stroke Extremely high body temperature (above 103°F) Red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat Rapid, strong pulse Dizziness Confusion Unconsciousness What You Should Do: Call 911 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives. Find more information on extreme heat preparedness at www.ready.gov/heat.

National Preparedness Month is coming soon! Are you ready? #NPM l

Get ready for National Preparedness Month (NPM) in September. You can use the month to focus on your preparedness efforts for disasters and emergencies that affect where you live, work, and visit. The 2018 theme is “Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.” The NPM social media toolkitprovides graphics, hashtags, and content that can be customized to your needs. In addition to the theme for the month, the weekly themes highlight different preparedness actions. Help promote preparedness this September with NPM’s web content and weekly themes: September 1-8: Make and Practice Your Plan September 9-15: Learn Life Saving Skills September 15: National Day of Action September 16-22: Check Your Insurance Coverage September 23-29: Save For an Emergency Visit www.ready.gov/september for all the NPM materials.

Prepare Now for National Preparedness Month 201
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Will your #hamradio group participate in this worldwide exercise? #ARRL

Participate in Earth EX 2018 – An All-Sector Worldwide Exercise

Earth EX invites you to take part in the first worldwide severe power outage exercise. Anyone, any group, or any nation can join this exercise. It requires no preparation. It costs nothing. It works in any time zone and you can begin anytime on August 22. This event gives organizations a chance to test executive and operational decisions. It will help individuals, families, and community groups with basic preparations and planning. Take the time to learn, share information, and improve your plans. Learn more or register for Earth EX 2018 at: https://eiscouncil.org/EarthEx.aspx.

How is your community participating in #NationalNightOut?

35 Years of National Night Out

Get involved with your community by participating in the 35th annual National Night Out. Communities all across the country will hold events on Tuesday, August 7, 2018. Neighborhoods will host block parties, festivals, and parades. The campaign brings police and neighbors together. It serves as an effort to build a stronger community. Make your neighborhood stronger by helping it prepare for a disaster. Attend your local National Night Out event. While there, find out how to join a local program like: Citizen Corps Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Medical Reserve Corps Visit ready.gov/volunteer for more ways to help your neighborhood. How is your community participating?