Trained volunteers may be called to assist with various efforts in the aftermath of a disaster. One of those roles is to set up and manage points of distribution sites. These sites provide residents with items like water, tarps and food if damage from a disaster prevents stores from selling them.
But it's a challenge for the teams to practice the work because you have to have items to hand out, according to Dana Perry, emergency operations coordinator with the city's Division of Emergency Management.
Perry said she had a "lightbulb moment" a few years ago after listening to a couple of CERT members talking about volunteering for the North District Food Drive, which is organized each year by Newport News Councilwoman Sharon Scott.
As she listened to them discuss the work involved in effort, she realized they could create a food "drive thru" that would be a reverse distribution exercise. CERTs accept the food donations, sort it according to food type, and then deliver the sorted items to the food drive volunteers.
"We … practice the exact same skills required for a POD site and help a worthy cause," Perry said in an email.
Want to help?
The 14th annual North District Food Drive is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Denbigh Community Center at 15198 Warwick Blvd. Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food items or make a monetary donation. The event also features entertainment by local musicians and other performers.
Get ready for winter weather
It doesn't feel like it, but winter is right around the corner. Now is the time to start preparing for potential hazards from colder temperatures, ice and snow.
The National Weather Service urges residents to be mindful of the risks and start planning. The primary concerns are loss of heat, power outages and shortage of supplies if a weather event lasts longer than stocked supplies allow, meteorologist Mike Montefusco said in the office's fall newsletter.
"Complete maintenance, cleaning and inspection of HVAC units, chimneys and other heating equipment," Montefusco said. "Also, make sure your vehicle is prepared by having a full gas tank and inspecting the antifreeze levels, brakes and battery before the weather goes downhill this winter."
Safety officials urge you to prepare emergency kits for your home, vehicles and work in case you get stranded during a winter weather event.
Heating sources increase your risk of potentially fatal carbon monoxide poisoning. Each year, an average of 430 people in the U.S. die from carbon monoxide poisoning, and there are more than 20,000 visits to the emergency room resulting from it, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Anyone with heaters that burn a fuel, such as natural gas, should have a carbon monoxide detector.
Alternative heating sources pose additional risks. Space heaters should be kept at least three feet from away from people and other objects.
You should never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other portable gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal- burning device inside your home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially-enclosed area, the Department of Homeland Security warns.
The units should be located outside and kept at least 20 feet away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
Visit the Department of Homeland Security's website to read more winter safety advice and see a list of recommended emergency supplies: www.ready.gov/winter-weather.
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