Emergency Management News

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

June Climate Data is supplied by @OKmesonet

Periods of Record
Temps#1903-2010
Precip#1903-2012
Snow#1903-2012
# - large gaps in record
Key
* - Record since tied
Highlight = Jun record
All Temps in deg F
All Precip in inches
Sig Prcp Freq = Pct of
days with >= 0.1" precip
Jun. Averages
High Temp93 F
Low Temp67 F
Avg Temp80 F
Precip3.60"
Snow0.0"
1T Avgs: 88/62
Sig Prcp Freq: 24%
Extremes:
High T111 (1998)
Low T48 (1964)
Precip2.87 (1963)
2T Avgs: 88/62
Sig Prcp Freq: 26%
Extremes:
High T111 (1998)
Low T45 (1917)
Precip5.87 (1991)
3T Avgs: 87/63
Sig Prcp Freq: 22%
Extremes:
High T103 (1998)
Low T44 (1919)
Precip3.40 (1949)
4T Avgs: 88/63
Sig Prcp Freq: 21%
Extremes:
High T107 (2008)
Low T49 (1919)
Precip3.38 (1995)
5T Avgs: 89/63
Sig Prcp Freq: 19%
Extremes:
High T106* (1966)
Low T47 (1928)
Precip4.60 (1985)
6T Avgs: 89/63
Sig Prcp Freq: 25%
Extremes:
High T104 (1948)
Low T49 (1998)
Precip3.60 (1941)
7T Avgs: 91/64
Sig Prcp Freq: 17%
Extremes:
High T104 (1984)
Low T48 (1983)
Precip2.00 (1989)
8T Avgs: 92/65
Sig Prcp Freq: 18%
Extremes:
High T110 (1988)
Low T51 (1915)
Precip2.70 (1937)
9T Avgs: 91/65
Sig Prcp Freq: 20%
Extremes:
High T108 (1988)
Low T54 (1996)
Precip3.30 (1979)
10T Avgs: 91/65
Sig Prcp Freq: 18%
Extremes:
High T111 (1958)
Low T51 (1955)
Precip3.15 (1995)
11T Avgs: 91/65
Sig Prcp Freq: 21%
Extremes:
High T108 (1958)
Low T48 (1955)
Precip1.18 (1995)
12T Avgs: 91/66
Sig Prcp Freq: 20%
Extremes:
High T108 (1917)
Low T51 (1903)
Precip1.72 (1982)
13T Avgs: 92/66
Sig Prcp Freq: 18%
Extremes:
High T109 (1998)
Low T50 (1941)
Precip1.95 (1978)
14T Avgs: 92/65
Sig Prcp Freq: 18%
Extremes:
High T113 (1953)
Low T48 (1947)
Precip2.17 (1944)
15T Avgs: 92/66
Sig Prcp Freq: 18%
Extremes:
High T111 (1924)
Low T53* (1947)
Precip1.93 (1928)
16T Avgs: 93/66
Sig Prcp Freq: 16%
Extremes:
High T107 (1925)
Low T50 (1917)
Precip1.26 (1972)
17T Avgs: 93/67
Sig Prcp Freq: 17%
Extremes:
High T111 (1924)
Low T55 (1981)
Precip1.49 (2000)
18T Avgs: 94/68
Sig Prcp Freq: 8%
Extremes:
High T113 (1924)
Low T54 (1945)
Precip0.90 (1982)
19T Avgs: 95/68
Sig Prcp Freq: 16%
Extremes:
High T109 (1998)
Low T58* (1945)
Precip1.56 (2008)
20T Avgs: 95/68
Sig Prcp Freq: 15%
Extremes:
High T109 (1998)
Low T51 (1973)
Precip2.03 (1939)
21T Avgs: 95/68
Sig Prcp Freq: 15%
Extremes:
High T111 (1998)
Low T53 (1903)
Precip2.32 (1958)
22T Avgs: 94/68
Sig Prcp Freq: 17%
Extremes:
High T107 (1969)
Low T56 (1903)
Precip4.17 (1975)
23T Avgs: 94/68
Sig Prcp Freq: 14%
Extremes:
High T105* (1953)
Low T52 (1903)
Precip1.45 (1948)
24T Avgs: 95/68
Sig Prcp Freq: 14%
Extremes:
High T111 (1980)
Low T58* (1957)
Precip2.13 (1946)
25T Avgs: 95/68
Sig Prcp Freq: 12%
Extremes:
High T111 (1980)
Low T52 (1974)
Precip2.21 (1999)
26T Avgs: 95/68
Sig Prcp Freq: 13%
Extremes:
High T111 (1918)
Low T53 (1974)
Precip2.11 (1938)
27T Avgs: 96/69
Sig Prcp Freq: 15%
Extremes:
High T115* (1980)
Low T56* (1958)
Precip1.90 (1997)
28T Avgs: 97/69
Sig Prcp Freq: 14%
Extremes:
High T113 (1980)
Low T55* (1903)
Precip1.86 (2010)
29T Avgs: 95/70
Sig Prcp Freq: 13%
Extremes:
High T110 (1980)
Low T58 (1948)
Precip2.55 (2004)
30T Avgs: 95/70
Sig Prcp Freq: 6%
Extremes:
High T108 (1980)
Low T58* (1924)
Precip3.15 (1987)

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Turn Around Don’t Drown #TADD

Turn Around, Don't Drown InfographicFlooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States, and most flood-related deaths can be prevented if you understand the force and power of rushing flood water. When you see flood waters ahead:Turn Around Don't Drown.

Stay safe by staying out of flood waters before and after the floods or storms have passed.

If you come upon flood water, you may not know how deep the water is or what is in the water that you cannot see including hazardous materials, sharp items or downed power lines. Consider these facts to be flood smart:

·         Just six (6) inches of moving water can knock you down.
·         Just one (1) foot of water can sweep your vehicle off the roadway.
·         If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay in the vehicle.
·         If water is moving at a high velocity and is rapidly rising in the vehicle, exit the vehicle immediately, seek refuge on the roof of the vehicle, and signal for help. 
·         If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately (unless water is moving at a high velocity) and move to higher ground. Rapidly rising water can engulf the vehicle and its occupants, sweeping them away.

For more information on how to prepare and stay safe download thePrepareathon How to Prepare for a Flood guide.

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Community Discussion: Sharing Innovative Community Preparedness Ideas


On Wednesday, May 24, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Individual and Community Preparedness Division invites you to a webinar showcasing nationwide innovative preparedness efforts. Speakers will share how they developed innovative program ideas to address needs in their communities. This webinar will also feature how you can receive recognition for your preparedness initiatives by providing an overview of the 2017 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Awards.

Title: Community Discussion: Sharing Innovative Community Preparedness Ideas
Date: Wednesday, May 24
Time:  2 – 3:00 p.m. EDT
How to Join the Webinar:

We hope to that you will be able to join us on May 24!

Monday, May 22, 2017

Webinar: Building and Maintaining Community Preparedness Partnerships among CERT Programs and Medical Reserve Corps


On Tuesday, May 23, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Individual and Community Preparedness Division (ICPD) invites you to a webinar featuring community preparedness partnerships among local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs and the Medical Reserve Corps. Speakers will share how they built and continue to maintain these successful partnerships to better prepare and respond to a disaster.

Title: Building and Maintaining Community Preparedness Partnerships Among CERT Programs and the Medical Reserve Corps
Date: Tuesday, May 23
Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m. EDT
Featured Speakers:
  • Tyler Krska, Emergency Management Specialist, FEMA ICPD
  • David Richardson, Health Officer, Township of Manalapan, New Jersey
  • Kim Silverstein, Volunteer Coordinator, Township of Manalapan, New Jersey
  • Carla R. Mitchell, National Technical Assistance Coordinator, Medical Reserve Corps Program, U.S. Department Health and Human Services

How to Join the Webinar:

We hope to that you will be able to join us on May 23!

Saturday, May 20, 2017

Prepare During Older Americans Month


FEMA Meets with Seniors
May is Older Americans Month and a great time to ensure you or any members of your household prepare for emergencies.  

The first step is identifying what you or older adults in your household may need to be prepared. Evaluate those needs, include them in your emergency plan, and add any necessary items to your emergency supply kit. The Ready Campaign recommends seniors consider the following measures:
  • Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends, and co-workers to aid you in an emergency. Discuss your needs and make sure everyone knows how to operate necessary equipment. If appropriate, discuss your needs with your employer.
  • Keep specialized items ready, including extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, food for service animals, and any other items you might need.
  • Keep written copies of your prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and orders for medical equipment, including dosage, treatment, and allergy information in your emergency kit.
  • Make a list of the type and model numbers of the medical devices you require.
  • Talk with your medical service providers about their emergency plans if you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital or if you receive regular services such as home health care, treatment, or transportation. Work with them to identify back-up service providers and incorporate them into your personal support network.
  • Get copies and maintain electronic versions of health records from doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other sources to store for your reference. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provides an online tool intended to help people locate and access their electronic health records from a variety of sources.
  • Coordinate with friends, family, or specialty transportation service providers in the event of a mandatory evacuation.

Find more information on preparedness for older Americans at www.ready.gov/seniors.

Thursday, May 18, 2017

Now Is the Time to Apply for the 2017 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Awards


ICP Awards Call for Applications
Did you or someone you know make advancements in preparedness over the past year? If so, apply for or nominate them for a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual and Community Preparedness Award.

These awards highlight innovative local practices and achievements by recognizing individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions toward strengthening their community to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a disaster.

This year, the awards will showcase achievements in the following categories:
  • Outstanding Citizen Corps Council
  • Community Preparedness Champions
  • Awareness to Action
  • Technological Innovation
  • Outstanding Achievement in Youth Preparedness
  • John D. Solomon Whole Community Preparedness Award
  • Outstanding Private Sector Initiatives
  • Outstanding Community Emergency Response Team Initiatives
  • Outstanding Citizen Corps Partner Program
  • Prepareathon in Action

For consideration in this year’s awards, send all applications to fema-icp-awards@fema.dhs.gov by May 30, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Applications need to feature program activities occurring between January 1, 2016 and May 30, 2017. For more information on how to apply, visit www.ready.gov/preparedness-awards.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

What do you think about NIMS Resource Management?

FEMA SEEKS COMMENTS ON NATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SUPPLEMENTAL GUIDANCE AND TOOLS

Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released five documents designed to strengthen the Resource Management component of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and is now beginning a 30-day National Engagement period. The National Engagement period will conclude at 5 p.m. EDT on June 9, 2017.

NIMS provides a consistent, common approach, and vocabulary to enable the whole community to work together seamlessly to manage all threats and hazards, regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity.

The drafts released today include the NIMS Guideline for the National Qualification System (NQS), NIMS Job Titles/Position Qualifications and accompanying Position Task Books (PTBs), the NIMS Guideline for Mutual Aid, and an updated NIMS Guideline for the Credentialing of Personnel. Together, these documents are designed to enhance interoperability and the effectiveness of mutual aid.
  • NIMS Guideline for the NQS provides a common language and approach for qualifying and certifying deployable emergency personnel, enabling enables mutual aid partners to accurately communicate resource needs in disasters.
  • NIMS Job Titles/Position Qualifications define minimum qualifications criteria for personnel serving in defined deployable incident positions.
  • NIMS Position Task Books (PTBs) identify the competencies, behaviors, and tasks that personnel should demonstrate to become qualified for a defined incident position.
  • The NIMS Guideline for Mutual Aid is designed to help unify mutual aid efforts by providing stakeholders with common practice and processes for use in mutual aid planning.
  • The updated NIMS Guideline for the Credentialing of Personnel provide national standards and guidance for credentialing incident personnel.

FEMA is hosting a series of 60-minute engagement webinars to describe the draft documents and answer participants’ questions about providing feedback. All open webinars are geared toward the whole community.

National engagement provides interested parties with an opportunity to comment on the draft documents to ensure that the final documents reflect the collective expertise and experience of the whole community. To review the drafts of the NIMS Resource Management supplemental guidance and tools, and to obtain additional webinar information, visit https://www.fema.gov/national-incident-management-system/national-engagement.

To provide comments on the drafts, complete the feedback form and submit it to FEMA-NIMS@fema.dhs.gov

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

In the Path of a Tornado


Tornado Preparedness Graphic
This spring, learn how to prepare and react should a tornado watch or warning be issued for your area.  

This April, there have been tornadoes in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C. and Wisconsin.

Do you know if your neighborhood is at risk for tornadoes? The tips to stay safe in a tornado are simple and easy to practice.

Whether you find yourself in a building, in a vehicle or outside during a storm, Ready.gov provides the following specific actions to stay safe.

In apartments, houses, small buildings or high-rises: 
  • Go to a pre-designated area or safe room designed and built to Federal Emergency Management Agency P-361 criteria or tornado storm shelter built to ICC 500 criteria.
  • If a safe room is not available or you are unable to move there safely, take shelter in a basement, storm cellar, or to the center of a small interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls.
  • In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.

In a mobile home or office:
  • Leave immediately and go to a pre-identified location such as the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.

Outside with no shelter  
  • Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt, and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas.
  • Take cover in a stationary vehicle. Put the seat belt on and cover your head with your arms and a blanket, coat or another cushion if possible.
  • Lie in an area noticeably lower than the level of the roadway and cover your head.
  • Do not get under an overpass or bridge.

For more information, visit the Ready.gov Tornadoes page and download the Prepareathon How to Prepare for a Tornado guide.