Thread: U.S. braces for monster blizzard. BIGGEST IN HISTORY?

As Winter Storm Impacts The Midwest And Approaches Northeast, FEMA Continues Urging All Residents To Be Prepared

Americans Should Follow State and Local Officials for Emergency Instruction and Latest Updates; Families Should Visit Ready.gov for Information on how to Prepare

Release Date: February 1, 2011
Release Number: HQ-11-006

WASHINGTON - As a major winter storm continues to impact the Midwest and South, and heads toward the Northeast tomorrow, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is continuing to urge all residents to get prepared, especially for potential power outages and icy roads. Families and individuals can visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov for information on how to get ready for snowstorms, dangerous driving conditions and other types of winter emergencies

We are continuing to work with our federal partners, and state, local and tribal officials to make sure they have what they need to prepare for and respond to the storm," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "But we also need the public's help. Residents should listen to their local news to monitor for severe weather updates and follow any directions from their local officials. If a winter storm warning is issued, people should avoid driving and stay indoors. And if you and your family are safe, do one more thing and check on your neighbor."

Earlier today, President Obama was briefed by phone by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano and Administrator Fugate on the ongoing federal efforts to support preparations for the storm. FEMA continues monitoring the storm and working closely with state and local officials through its regional offices in Kansas City, Mo.; Denton, Texas; Chicago; Atlanta; Philadelphia; New York City and Boston. FEMA is also monitoring a separate, slightly weaker storm that is expected to bring snow to parts of Pennsylvania, New York and New England through this evening.

The National Weather Service remains the source for official severe weather information, and has issued winter storm watches, warning or advisories in over 30 states, and blizzard warnings have been issued for eight states, including Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Indiana.

As of this morning, FEMA has deployed personnel to Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island to closely coordinate with state officials should federal emergency response assistance be needed.

FEMA has pre-staged emergency commodities across the United States should they be needed to support state and local emergency response operations. Additionally, FEMA is proactively sending additional supplies such as water, meals, blankets, cots and power generators to various locations in case they become needed

Everyone should get familiar with the terms that are used to identify a winter storm hazard and discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued. Terms used to describe a winter storm hazard include:

•Freezing Rain creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
•Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.
•Winter Weather Advisory means cold, ice and snow are expected.
•Winter Storm Watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.
•Winter Storm Warning means severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon.
•Blizzard is issued for winter storms when the following conditions are expected to last for at least three hours: winds of at least 35 miles per hour with considerable snowfall that reduces visibility to ¼ of a mile or less.
Remember, when a winter storm warning is issued, stay indoors during the storm. Avoid traveling by car, but if you must, make sure you have an emergency supply kit in the trunk of your car. FEMA urges families to maintain an emergency supply kit both at home and in the car to help prepare for winter power outages and icy or impassable roads. Visit www.ready.govor www.listo.gov for more winter preparedness information, as well as additional information on staying safe during emergencies.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 01-Feb-2011 14:45:22
Home Contact Us Español Privacy Policy Important Notices Accessibility Download Plug-ins FOIA No FEAR Act Data USA.gov DHS
* The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government Web sites, companies or applications.

Federal Emergency Management Agency
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
500 C Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20472
(202) 646-2500

(800) 621-FEMA / TTY (800) 462-7585
3 Step Guide for Assistance

http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=53642

Action needed on opposing Licenses for illegals in New Mexico. Please help!

http://www.alipac.us/ftopict-226748.html

As Winter Storm Moves Across the Country, FEMA Offers Important Tips to Ensure Safety When Using Generators


Release Date: February 1, 2011
Release Number: HQ-11-007

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- As the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues monitoring the winter storm currently moving across the country and coordinating with our state and local partners, FEMA is also reminding people to practice safety measures when using portable generators. The winter storm has the potential to knock out power for prolonged periods of time, and generators are useful when temporary or remote electric power is needed - but can also be extremely hazardous and even life threatening. Potential hazards when using a generator include carbon monoxide poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, and electrical, fire and noise hazards.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), carbon monoxide exposure kills hundreds of people every year and thousands more are treated in hospitals for exposure. Deaths occur more often during the winter and the death rate is highest among seniors, possibly because the population is at higher risk for undetected exposure. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning:

•Never use a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces such as garages, crawl spaces and basements.
•Make sure a generator has three to four feet of clear space on all sides and above it to ensure adequate ventilation.
•Be cautious when using a generator outdoors to ensure it is not placed near doors, windows and vents, which could allow carbon monoxide poisoning to enter and build up in occupied spaces.
•Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, nauseous, disoriented, losing muscle control or short of breath. Do not re-enter the area until it is determined to be safe by trained and properly equipped personnel.
•Visit the Center for Disease Control website for more information on carbon monoxide poisoning and prevention.
Generators, when not handled properly, can create electrical and fire hazards. To avoid electrical hazards:

•Keep a generator dry; do not use it in the rain or in wet conditions. If needed, protect a generator with a canopy.
•Dry your hands before touching the generator.
•Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), especially around wet or damp locations. Extension cords with built-in GFCIs can be purchased at locations that sell electrical equipment.
•Do not use electrical equipment that has been submerged in water. Do not use any equipment that has strange odors or begins smoking.
•Always plug electrical appliances directly into the generator using the manufacturer's supplied cords or extension cords that are grounded (3-pronged). Inspect the cord to make sure they are fully intact and not damaged. Never use frayed or damaged extension cords.
•Never attach a generator directly to the electrical system of a structure (home, office, trailer, etc.) unless a qualified electrician has properly installed the generator with a transfer switch.
Generators become hot while running and remain hot for long periods after they are stopped. Generator fuels (gasoline, kerosene, etc.) can ignite when spilled on hot engine parts. To avoid these fire hazards:

•Fuel spilled on a hot engine can ignite so before refueling, turn off the generator and let it cool.
•Gasoline and other generator fuels should be stored and transported in approved containers that are properly designed and marked for their contents, and vented.
•Keep fuel containers away from flame-producing and heat-generating devices (such as the generator itself, water heaters, cigarettes, lighters and matches). Do not smoke around fuel containers.
Generator engines vibrate and create noise. Excessive noise and vibration could cause hearing loss and fatigue that may affect job performance. To avoid these hazards:

•Keep portable generators as far away as possible from work areas and gathering spaces.
•Wear hearing protection if this is not possible.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 02-Feb-2011 08:01:03
Home Contact Us Español Privacy Policy Important Notices Accessibility Download Plug-ins FOIA No FEAR Act Data USA.gov DHS
* The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government Web sites, companies or applications.

Federal Emergency Management Agency
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
500 C Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20472
(202) 646-2500

(800) 621-FEMA / TTY (800) 462-7585
3 Step Guide for Assistance

http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=53647