View in Amarillo, Texas on Feb. 25, 2013. (Credit: NWS-Amarillo)
Here are five need-to-know news stories in the world of emergency preparedness for the week of January 4 to January 9.
1. Weather Channel Teaches Blizzard Facts and Myths
Amidst turbulent snowstorms across the United States, the Weather Channel released an infographic explaining the true definition of the term “blizzard” (did you know we’ve all been misusing the term all this time?) and providing little known blizzard facts, such as the existence of a “blizzard alley” across the Midwest. Read more at
www.weather.com.
Don’t forget to stock up on
hand warmers and blankets, and snag a portable, propane-powered
heater in case of power or gas outages that knock the heat out at home.
For more winter preparedness tips, check out
these articles.
2. California health officials link measles outbreak to Disneyland
Officials have linked at least nine cases of measles to Disneyland and California Adventure. Three more people are suspected of also carrying the disease. Those ill visited the popular theme parks in late December. Officials are urging those who have visited either park between December 15 and 20 who have symptoms to contact a health care provider immediately. Read more at
www.reuters.com.
Protect yourself and your family from outbreaks through proper vaccinations, good sanitation practices, and knowledge of
first aid skills. And be sure to keep your
first aid kits well-stocked so you can deal with wounds, burns, and breaks at home or on the go.
3. President Obama Signs Mississippi Disaster Declaration
The president has declared a major disaster in Mississippi following a series of tornadoes and severe storms on December 23. Federal funds will be provided to state and local entities for emergency work in Marion County and hazard mitigation across the state. Read more at
www.whitehouse.gov.
For tips on tornado preparedness,
look here. Think ahead of time where you’ll go in case of a tornado, hurricane, or severe storm, and
check out this article for ideas on what to keep in your storm shelter or safe room.
4. ‘Culture of preparedness’ necessary to prevent disasters before they happen in Seychelles
The Republic of Seychelles’ President James Michel is asking the 90,000 island inhabitants to develop a culture of preparedness to help prevent disasters before they occur. Severe weather caused flooding and landslides last weekend on the country’s largest islands. The Republic of Seychelles consists of 115 islands and lies in the Indian Ocean east of Kenya and Tanzania. Read more at
www.seychellesnewsagency.com.
Learn how to
prepare for floods here. An emergency kit is always
a great starting point for any disaster. Work gloves,
tools, and
your own power supply can also be pretty crucial in the days after a flood.
5. UCSF professor shares quake preparedness tips
Associate Professor of Medicine Matthew Springer of UC San Francisco spoke to a group earlier this week on how to prepare for an earthquake. Springer lectured on the importance of seeking shelter from falling objects underneath something sturdy, as well as building
an emergency supply kit. Read more at
www.napavalleyregister.com.
Replace Earthquake preparedness
tips for before, during, and after a quake here. If you have to evacuate from home after a quake because it has become unsafe, you’ll be glad to have an
emergency kit in your car and an
evacuation plan already in place.
More Headlines From Around the Globe This Week:
•
Cold weather preparedness for your home
•
Hyogo to dig wells at schools designated as disaster shelters to ensure water access
•
Red Cross to offer disaster preparedness training
•
Wind chills so cold in Midwest they could kill
•
Nine earthquakes rattle North Texas in under 24 hours
-- Caroline
