September Is National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month. FEMA/DHS has weekly topics this month for enhancing your preparedness.

National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. As our nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved this September.

The 2020 NPM theme is: Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.

Week 1

Week 1 September 1-5: Make A Plan

Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. Make sure to update your plan based on the Centers for Disease Control recommendations due to the coronavirus.

Week 2

Week 2 September 6-12: Build A Kit

Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home.  Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly. Update your kits and supplies based on recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control.

Week 3

Week 3 September 13-19: Prepare for Disasters

Limit the impacts that disasters have on you and your family.  Know the risk of disasters in your area and check your insurance coverage. Learn how to make your home stronger in the face of storms and other common hazards and act fast if you receive a local warning or alert.

week 4

Week 4 September 20-26: Teach Youth About Preparedness

Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved.

 

FEMA X: Youth Preparedness Camp, Aug. 2019

From FEMA Region X:

Developed under a youth engagement concept, this six-day, five-night camp, hosted and staffed by camp and emergency management professionals will teach students how to safely assist in the immediate aftermath of a disaster when the professional response may be delayed or limited. Subject matter experts and local emergency responders will support the curriculum delivery and introduce participants to various emergency response professions. As part of the camp program, youth participants will identify and develop a concept for a give-back project where they will utilize their skills to improve preparedness in their communities.

The Region 10 Youth Preparedness Council, made up of high-school aged youth from all four states, will participate in the camp, and help lead their peers throughout the week.

For those selected to participate, FEMA will fund youth participants’ travel costs. It is critical that participants do not make any travel reservations on their own, for FEMA staff will assist with the pre-departure travel voucher process and ensure all required documentation is collected and submitted.

Eligibility

  • Entering 8-12th grade in fall of 2019
  • Reside in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon or Washington
  • U.S. Citizen

Where:

Stanwood, WA 98292

When:

August 18 – 23, 2019

How to Apply:

  • Provide the following information:
    • Name
    • Age
    • Grade entering in fall 2019
    • City
    • State
    • Availability August 18 – 23, 2019
    • Special accommodations (i.e. dietary, physical, mobility, etc.)
  • Answer the following questions:
    1. Why do you want to attend this camp? What do you hope to get out of the experience?
    2. How did you hear about the Youth Preparedness Camp?
    3. Have you been involved in any emergency/disaster preparedness activities or trainings? If so please explain. (If not, that’s ok, you’ll still be considered! Everyone starts somewhere.)
    4. What about disaster preparedness interests you?
    5. How would you like to help your community get better prepared? Some ideas include volunteering with a CERT, volunteering with your local American Red Cross, or starting a preparedness club.
  • Submit your application by the March 15th deadline to fema-r10-communityprep@fema.dhs.gov.

For further information or questions, please contact Ilyssa Plumer – Ilyssa.Plumer@associates.fema.gov or 425-487-4943.

Sheriff Clarke to Join Homeland Security

From Fox News, conservative Milwaukie County Sheriff David Clarke will resign his position to accept a position in the Trump administration:

Clarke told WISN 1130/AM host Vicki McKenna that he would be an assistant secretary in the Department of Homeland Security, where he’ll act as a liaison to local and state law enforcement, tribes, and the private sector. The position will be in the Office of Public Partnership and Engagement.

“I’m both honored and humbled to be apt to this position,” Clarke said. “It’s going to be a steep learning curve for me, serving in the Department of Homeland Security, and I look forward to joining that team.”

Click here to continue reading the story.

June 18, 2017 Update: Sheriff Clarke has rescinded his acceptance of a Homeland Security position.