Prepare and Share! #AltusOK #PrepareAthon

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: Click on the link to open the animated image:http://1.usa.gov/20Y5dqo. Save it to your computer or mobile device. 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: Go to Settings>Videos>Auto-Play Videos and turn “Auto-play” on. 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.

May Climate Data from @OKMesonet for #AltusOK

Shown as May 2016
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
1 T Avgs: 79/52 Sig Prcp Freq: 15% Extremes: High T 100 (2002) Low T 34* (1960) Precip 2.62 (2000)	2 T Avgs: 79/52 Sig Prcp Freq: 15% Extremes: High T 100 (1927) Low T 36 (1967) Precip 4.27 (1956)	3 T Avgs: 80/53 Sig Prcp Freq: 17% Extremes: High T 105 (1996) Low T 35 (1954) Precip 2.50 (1941)	4 T Avgs: 80/52 Sig Prcp Freq: 19% Extremes: High T 104 (1996) Low T 37* (1945) Precip 1.54 (1957)	5 T Avgs: 81/54 Sig Prcp Freq: 24% Extremes: High T 98* (1940) Low T 41* (1917) Precip 1.59 (2001)	6 T Avgs: 82/55 Sig Prcp Freq: 23% Extremes: High T 98 (1927) Low T 39 (1944) Precip 1.20 (1995)	7 T Avgs: 82/54 Sig Prcp Freq: 20% Extremes: High T 102 (1955) Low T 38 (1960) Precip 1.55 (1969)
8 T Avgs: 82/54 Sig Prcp Freq: 10% Extremes: High T 103 (1918) Low T 34 (1984) Precip 2.33 (1922)	9 T Avgs: 81/55 Sig Prcp Freq: 16% Extremes: High T 100 (1928) Low T 37 (1923) Precip 2.06 (1997)	10 T Avgs: 80/55 Sig Prcp Freq: 19% Extremes: High T 106 (1967) Low T 41 (1981) Precip 2.49 (1943)	11 T Avgs: 81/55 Sig Prcp Freq: 19% Extremes: High T 103 (2000) Low T 40 (1981) Precip 1.78 (1954)	12 T Avgs: 82/55 Sig Prcp Freq: 21% Extremes: High T 99 (1921) Low T 39 (1979) Precip 2.60 (1929)	13 T Avgs: 82/55 Sig Prcp Freq: 19% Extremes: High T 99* (1956) Low T 38 (1966) Precip 2.36 (2005)	14 T Avgs: 82/56 Sig Prcp Freq: 17% Extremes: High T 101 (1952) Low T 43* (1953) Precip 3.07 (1923)
15 T Avgs: 83/55 Sig Prcp Freq: 23% Extremes: High T 101 (1966) Low T 37 (1942) Precip 1.99 (1920)	16 T Avgs: 84/57 Sig Prcp Freq: 15% Extremes: High T 103* (1966) Low T 39 (1945) Precip 4.60 (1980)	17 T Avgs: 85/58 Sig Prcp Freq: 19% Extremes: High T 104* (1927) Low T 38 (1945) Precip 1.79 (1951)	18 T Avgs: 85/59 Sig Prcp Freq: 20% Extremes: High T 102 (1927) Low T 43 (2002) Precip 3.38 (1957)	19 T Avgs: 86/58 Sig Prcp Freq: 16% Extremes: High T 102 (2006) Low T 43 (1971) Precip 1.75 (1931)	20 T Avgs: 86/59 Sig Prcp Freq: 21% Extremes: High T 104 (2006) Low T 44 (1981) Precip 2.67 (2001)	21 T Avgs: 86/59 Sig Prcp Freq: 18% Extremes: High T 105 (1953) Low T 45 (1967) Precip 2.63 (1941)
22 T Avgs: 87/60 Sig Prcp Freq: 14% Extremes: High T 105* (1939) Low T 41* (1931) Precip 2.65 (1959)	23 T Avgs: 87/60 Sig Prcp Freq: 24% Extremes: High T 112 (2000) Low T 45 (1917) Precip 3.95 (1987)	24 T Avgs: 86/61 Sig Prcp Freq: 20% Extremes: High T 109 (2000) Low T 47 (1930) Precip 1.57 (1954)	25 T Avgs: 86/61 Sig Prcp Freq: 20% Extremes: High T 105 (1989) Low T 45 (1930) Precip 2.90 (1974)	26 T Avgs: 87/61 Sig Prcp Freq: 26% Extremes: High T 104 (1953) Low T 47 (1930) Precip 1.48 (1999)	27 T Avgs: 86/61 Sig Prcp Freq: 27% Extremes: High T 103 (1958) Low T 45 (1961) Precip 2.02 (1977)	28 T Avgs: 86/61 Sig Prcp Freq: 23% Extremes: High T 103 (1927) Low T 47 (1992) Precip 2.87 (1980)
29 T Avgs: 88/61 Sig Prcp Freq: 16% Extremes: High T 106 (1998) Low T 40 (1947) Precip 2.23 (1987)	30 T Avgs: 88/62 Sig Prcp Freq: 20% Extremes: High T 108 (2003) Low T 45 (1947) Precip 2.28 (1963)	31 T Avgs: 88/63 Sig Prcp Freq: 19% Extremes: High T 104 (1985) Low T 48* (1924) Precip 1.26 (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 Temp 84 F Low Temp 58 F Avg Temp 71 F Precip 3.99" Snow 0.0"

Avoiding Floodwaters #AltusOK #OKready #OKflood

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Title: Moving from Awareness to Action with America’s PrepareAthon!

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: 

• Connect using the Adobe Connect registration web link.
• Be sure to test your Adobe Connect connection prior to the meeting.
• This webinar will offer closed captioning. 

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

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 Cross, Salvation 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. 

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:

• Access alerts and warnings. You can also download the FEMA mobile application which delivers severe weather alerts for up to five locations across the U.S.;
• Assemble or update supplies;
• Plan with neighbors to help each other and share resources; and
• Create and test your emergency communication plans.

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.

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.  

Title: Discussing America's PrepareAthon! with 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:

• Connect using the Adobe Connect registration web link.
• Be sure to test your Adobe Connect connection prior to the meeting.
• This webinar will offer closed captioning. 

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.