Beat the Heat with a new Social Media Toolkit #SMEM #OKwx

Get the Heat Safety Social Media Toolkit

Don’t let the dog days of summer get you down! Learn how to beat the heat by following tips provided in the Heat Safety Social Media Toolkit.  TheReady Campaign and America’s PrepareAthon! developed heat safety messages to share on your social media networks. You can also adapt the social media content to fit your community’s needs.

Get started today! Here are some things you can do to promote heat safety:

• Download the Heat Safety Social Media Toolkit and graphics. They are the last two items listed on the 2015 Seasonal Social Media Toolkits page of the FEMA documents library;
• Update your Facebook cover with a heat safety graphic; and
• Use the hashtags: #BeatTheHeat, #HeatSafety, #SummerSafety; and attach a graphic from the toolkit.

Disaster Supply Kits: Budget-Friendly and Fun

Do you think preparing for disasters is too expensive and boring? Think again!  Being prepared doesn't have to break the bank. You can create a budget-friendly basic disaster supply kit using items you may already have at home.  You can also make preparedness enjoyable for the entire family! 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Preparedness on a Shoestring activity guide suggests organizing a family scavenger hunt to locate items around your home such as first aid supplies and food. After you’ve built your kit, there are several ways to maintain its low-cost quality. For example:

• Purchase items from your local dollar store or discount retailer;
• Take advantage of  “Buy One, Get One” deals at your local supermarket; and
• Trade extra supplies with family and friends.

FEMA advises to prepare your disaster supply kit with enough items to survive for at least three days. If you are packing a kit for more than just yourself, be sure to make necessary accommodations to fit each person’sneeds. Also, remember to check your kit for expired items every six months.

How #OKready is your School? #AltusOK

School Emergency Planning

Are you a parent or caregiver of a school-aged child? Disasters can strike at any time, even during school hours.  As a new school year begins, it’s important for you to know how your child’s school handles emergencies.The Ready Campaign suggests asking the following questions about your child's school emergency plan:

• How does the school plan on communicating with you in the event of a disaster?
• Does the school store adequate water, food and other basic supplies?
• Does the school have a plan for students to shelter in place?
• If not, where will students go if they must evacuate?

You can never be too informed when it comes to school safety plans. Popular preparedness blogger, The Survival Mom, lists other questions you might want to ask, so be sure to check out her blog.

If your child’s school doesn’t have an emergency plan, consider volunteering to help create one. Parents and caregivers will be better prepared to safely reunite with their child if plans are made ahead of time.

“Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.” Get ready for National Preparedness Month in September. Making and testing your plan is also one of the 10 Ways to Participate in America’s PrepareAthon!