Emergency Management News

Saturday, April 30, 2016

Prepare and Share! #AltusOK #PrepareAthon


America's PrepareAthon! GIF
A picture is worth a thousand words. Or in this case, a picture is worth as many likes and shares on your social media.

On Saturday, April 30 – National PrepareAthon Day! – share the GIF (animated image) of preparedness on Facebook, Twitter, and your other social media channels with your family and friends, so they can see some of the items that could be in their emergency supply kit. 

Don’t forget to also follow #PrepareAthon to see the nationwide preparedness activities happening.  

Post the GIF file to your social media, and customize your message so your followers, including family and friends, can see the importance of preparing for an emergency.

Include the below language with the GIF:

Twitter:
  • Our emergency kits are ready. Now it’s your turn to #Prepare and Share. Visit ready.gov/prepare #PrepareAthon
Facebook:
  • Do your #weekend plans include making an #emergency kit? Visitready.gov/prepare #PrepareAthon #springtime #weather
Download the GIF by following the below steps:
  1. Click on the link to open the animated image:http://1.usa.gov/20Y5dqo.
  2. Save it to your computer or mobile device.
  3. Share the file on your social media channels.
Sharing on Social Media:

Some social media platform like Facebook may require additional steps to upload a GIF. For Facebook, you must:
  1. Go to Settings>Videos>Auto-Play Videos and turn “Auto-play” on.
  2. Copy and paste the following in the body of your post:http://1.usa.gov/20Y5dqo.

Facebook and Twitter are free social networking applications that can be used on your Apple (iOS) or Android (Google) mobile device or desktop.
If you have any problems downloading the GIF file, please contact us atcitizencorps@fema.dhs.gov.

Friday, April 29, 2016

May Climate Data from @OKMesonet for #AltusOK

Shown as May 2016
SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday
1T Avgs: 79/52
Sig Prcp Freq: 15%
Extremes:
High T100 (2002)
Low T34* (1960)
Precip2.62 (2000)
2T Avgs: 79/52
Sig Prcp Freq: 15%
Extremes:
High T100 (1927)
Low T36 (1967)
Precip4.27 (1956)
3T Avgs: 80/53
Sig Prcp Freq: 17%
Extremes:
High T105 (1996)
Low T35 (1954)
Precip2.50 (1941)
4T Avgs: 80/52
Sig Prcp Freq: 19%
Extremes:
High T104 (1996)
Low T37* (1945)
Precip1.54 (1957)
5T Avgs: 81/54
Sig Prcp Freq: 24%
Extremes:
High T98* (1940)
Low T41* (1917)
Precip1.59 (2001)
6T Avgs: 82/55
Sig Prcp Freq: 23%
Extremes:
High T98 (1927)
Low T39 (1944)
Precip1.20 (1995)
7T Avgs: 82/54
Sig Prcp Freq: 20%
Extremes:
High T102 (1955)
Low T38 (1960)
Precip1.55 (1969)
8T Avgs: 82/54
Sig Prcp Freq: 10%
Extremes:
High T103 (1918)
Low T34 (1984)
Precip2.33 (1922)
9T Avgs: 81/55
Sig Prcp Freq: 16%
Extremes:
High T100 (1928)
Low T37 (1923)
Precip2.06 (1997)
10T Avgs: 80/55
Sig Prcp Freq: 19%
Extremes:
High T106 (1967)
Low T41 (1981)
Precip2.49 (1943)
11T Avgs: 81/55
Sig Prcp Freq: 19%
Extremes:
High T103 (2000)
Low T40 (1981)
Precip1.78 (1954)
12T Avgs: 82/55
Sig Prcp Freq: 21%
Extremes:
High T99 (1921)
Low T39 (1979)
Precip2.60 (1929)
13T Avgs: 82/55
Sig Prcp Freq: 19%
Extremes:
High T99* (1956)
Low T38 (1966)
Precip2.36 (2005)
14T Avgs: 82/56
Sig Prcp Freq: 17%
Extremes:
High T101 (1952)
Low T43* (1953)
Precip3.07 (1923)
15T Avgs: 83/55
Sig Prcp Freq: 23%
Extremes:
High T101 (1966)
Low T37 (1942)
Precip1.99 (1920)
16T Avgs: 84/57
Sig Prcp Freq: 15%
Extremes:
High T103* (1966)
Low T39 (1945)
Precip4.60 (1980)
17T Avgs: 85/58
Sig Prcp Freq: 19%
Extremes:
High T104* (1927)
Low T38 (1945)
Precip1.79 (1951)
18T Avgs: 85/59
Sig Prcp Freq: 20%
Extremes:
High T102 (1927)
Low T43 (2002)
Precip3.38 (1957)
19T Avgs: 86/58
Sig Prcp Freq: 16%
Extremes:
High T102 (2006)
Low T43 (1971)
Precip1.75 (1931)
20T Avgs: 86/59
Sig Prcp Freq: 21%
Extremes:
High T104 (2006)
Low T44 (1981)
Precip2.67 (2001)
21T Avgs: 86/59
Sig Prcp Freq: 18%
Extremes:
High T105 (1953)
Low T45 (1967)
Precip2.63 (1941)
22T Avgs: 87/60
Sig Prcp Freq: 14%
Extremes:
High T105* (1939)
Low T41* (1931)
Precip2.65 (1959)
23T Avgs: 87/60
Sig Prcp Freq: 24%
Extremes:
High T112 (2000)
Low T45 (1917)
Precip3.95 (1987)
24T Avgs: 86/61
Sig Prcp Freq: 20%
Extremes:
High T109 (2000)
Low T47 (1930)
Precip1.57 (1954)
25T Avgs: 86/61
Sig Prcp Freq: 20%
Extremes:
High T105 (1989)
Low T45 (1930)
Precip2.90 (1974)
26T Avgs: 87/61
Sig Prcp Freq: 26%
Extremes:
High T104 (1953)
Low T47 (1930)
Precip1.48 (1999)
27T Avgs: 86/61
Sig Prcp Freq: 27%
Extremes:
High T103 (1958)
Low T45 (1961)
Precip2.02 (1977)
28T Avgs: 86/61
Sig Prcp Freq: 23%
Extremes:
High T103 (1927)
Low T47 (1992)
Precip2.87 (1980)
29T Avgs: 88/61
Sig Prcp Freq: 16%
Extremes:
High T106 (1998)
Low T40 (1947)
Precip2.23 (1987)
30T Avgs: 88/62
Sig Prcp Freq: 20%
Extremes:
High T108 (2003)
Low T45 (1947)
Precip2.28 (1963)
31T Avgs: 88/63
Sig Prcp Freq: 19%
Extremes:
High T104 (1985)
Low T48* (1924)
Precip1.26 (1957)
Periods of Record
Temps#1903-2010
Precip#1903-2012
Snow#1903-2012
# - large gaps in record
Key
* - Record since tied
Highlight = May record
All Temps in deg F
All Precip in inches
Sig Prcp Freq = Pct of
days with >= 0.1" precip
May. Averages
High Temp84 F
Low Temp58 F
Avg Temp71 F
Precip3.99"
Snow0.0"

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Avoiding Floodwaters #AltusOK #OKready #OKflood


Prepare for Flooding
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States. It can happen anywhere and at any time, causing devastation quickly.
 
In March 2016, many residents in southeastern Texas and parts of Louisiana evacuated their homes and communities to escape extensive flooding. However, some homeowners remained in their homes and were trapped by floodwaters.
The America’s PrepareAthon! How to Prepare for a Flood guide recommends the following steps to protect yourself and your family against being trapped by floodwaters:
  • Listen to local weather broadcasts and emergency alerts and, if authorities advise, evacuate before flooding starts.  
  • However, if floodwaters cover the roadways around you, do not evacuate through floodwaters. Seek higher elevation instead.

If you see floodwater on roads, walkways, bridges, or elsewhere, do not attempt to cross. The depth of the water is not always obvious. Water may be covering a washed out roadbed or other hazards that may prove harmful.
Moving water has tremendous power. Six inches of moving water has the potential to knock an adult off their feet, and as little as one foot of water can sweep a vehicle off the road. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
Floodwaters can also contain hazardous materials, including rocks, mud, oil, gasoline, downed power lines, and even sewage. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
For more information on floodwater hazards, visit the National Weather Service’s Turn Around Don’t Drown® program.

Saturday, April 23, 2016

Tornado: When the Storm Comes (Video) #AltusOK #WRN #Skywarn


America's PrepareAthon! Tornado Video
When a funnel cloud forms, how prepared are you? Do you have a safe place to go?

Watch America’s PrepareAthon!’s newest short animated video on tornado preparedness showing what you need to do to prepare for a tornado. Then, share it with your friends and visit ready.gov/prepare for more tornado preparedness information and resources

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

America’s PrepareAthon! is Now on @Facebook #AltusOK

Facebook Thumb's Up
America’s PrepareAthon! is now on Facebook. Give our page a thumb's up at facebook.com/americasprepareathon. 

Check out the America’s PrepareAthon!Facebook page to get tips and other information on how to protect yourself and your family in an emergency situation. You’ll also find photos and videos on how individuals and communities are working together to prepare for disasters.

If you see information you appreciate, be sure to like, comment, and share it with your family and friends.  

Don’t keep it to yourself. Tell everyone – your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors – to like the page as well.  

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Moving from Awareness to Action with America’s PrepareAthon! #AltusOK #OKready #OKstrong

On Wednesday, April 13, FEMA’s Individual and Community Preparedness Division invites you to a webinar to discuss preparedness events communities can organize to participate in America’s PrepareAthon! Hear from speakers who planned whole community events.
Date: Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Featured Speakers:                                 
  • Dr. Beth R. Stewart, Dean of Arts and Sciences, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
  • Dale Lane, Director, Shelby County  Office of Preparedness 
  • Mary Carlson, Senior Manager, Training and Exercises, Amtrak Emergency Management & Corporate Security
  • Representative from the City of Colorado Springs Office of Emergency Management

How to Join the Webinar: 

We hope that you will be able to join us on April 13

Sunday, April 10, 2016

What are you doing during National Volunteer Week? #AltusOK #OKready


As severe weather conditions displace many homeowners in parts of the United States, National Volunteer Week takes on greater importance.
This year, National Volunteer Week will be recognized Sunday, April 10 – Saturday, April 16.
Organizations such as the American Red CrossSalvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity take an active role in disaster relief and recovery. They continuously look for volunteers and financial assistance to support their missions. By supporting these organizations, you’re ultimately helping people who are experiencing some of the toughest challenges.
There are several ways you can provide support:
  • Donate cash – a financial contribution is the most effective type of donation; 
  • Offer gifts like clothing, food, and furniture. Other in-kind donations include services such as administrative support, meeting/office space, website development, or expertise in strategic planning and legal advice; and 
  • Volunteer – giving personal time to a worthy cause is one of the most effective ways to contribute to an organization.

Consider volunteering for your local Community Emergency Response Team(CERT). Volunteers assist others in their community following a disaster when professional responders are not immediately available to help. Find a local CERT near you
For more options to serve, check out the Corporation for National and Community Service – the federal agency charged with promoting and fostering volunteering and national service in America. 

Saturday, April 9, 2016

Join Us for National PrepareAthon! Day #AltusOK #OKready #OKstrong

Mark your calendars. You’re invited to National PrepareAthon! Day.
On Saturday, April 30, individuals and communities across the United States will take action to prepare for emergencies. You and your family are invited to participate in this grassroots effort for preparedness action. There are several ways to take action:

Leading up to and directly after National PrepareAthon! Day, hazard-specific weeks will provide a springboard for a variety of topics that energize individuals, families, communities, and emergency preparedness professionals to take action through preparedness activities.  Follow @PrepareAthon on Twitter and this e-Brief for hazard-specific information and tips during the following weeks:
  • April 10 – 16: Flood Awareness Week
  • April 17 – 23: Tornado Awareness Week
  • April 24 – 30: Lead-up to National PrepareAthon! Day
  • May 1 – 7: Lead-up to National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day
  • May 15 – 21: Hurricane Awareness Week
  • May 22 – 28: Extreme Heat Week

We encourage you to participate throughout April and May no matter what hazard you're most at risk for in your area.
For ideas on what you can do, visit ready.gov/prepare to read preparedness stories, participate in events in your area, access customizable resources, and register your preparedness activities.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Discussing America’s PrepareAthon! with Tribal Communities #AltusOK #OKready #OKstrong

On Thursday, April 7, FEMA’s Individual and Community Preparedness Division and Office of External Affairs, Tribal Affairs invites you to a webinar focusing on disaster preparedness and resilience efforts serving tribal communities. The webinar will provide an overview of America’s PrepareAthon! and offer ways tribal communities can participate in this national preparedness campaign. The webinar will also showcase preparedness efforts from a few tribal communities.  
Date: Thursday, April 7, 2016
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET
Featured Speakers:                                 
  • Teresa Gregor, InterTribal Long Term Recovery Foundation
  • Kaleigh Good, Eastern Shoshone Tribe
  • Helen Bonner, Sherman Indian High School

How to Join the Webinar:

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Periscope: Financial Preparedness for an Emergency #AltusOK #OKready #OKstrong


America’s PrepareAthon! will host a Periscope on Wednesday, April 6 at 2:00 p.m. ET, as part of Financial Literacy Month. Financial and insurance industry professionals will discuss ways to get prepared for a natural disaster, including documenting and insuring property, and safeguarding financial information.
Periscope is a live video streaming mobile application that is compatible on the Apple (iOS) and Android (Google) platform. To join the Periscope conversation, the mobile application must be downloaded and enabled on your device.
Use the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK), a joint publication of FEMA Citizen Corps and Operation Hope, to help you identify your important documents, medical records, and household contracts.
Follow @PrepareAthon on Periscope and share this announcement with your family and friends.