Preparedness and Communications

No two days are alike for emergency response officials and community leaders. That is why it is important to take advantage of “blue sky” days and evaluate the health of your emergency response and communications plans. This article tells you exactly what you need to know to make sure plans are in peak shape as we move through the year.

For emergency managers and elected officials in many of those Minnesota towns, though, it’s business as usual until the worst hits. And that’s if major flooding even materializes.

Early indicators point to a below-average Atlantic hurricane season. Researchers, however, warn those in coastal areas should remain prepared following consecutive years of damaging hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico.

Risk Rating 2.0 will result in flood insurance policies that more accurately reflect risk, thanks to newer technology, data and methodology, and create more transparency in the National Flood Insurance Program, according to FEMA.

The drill utilized all Hunt Regional Medical facilities and staff, American Medical Response ambulance service, all area law enforcement, fire/rescue, Homeland Security, Red Cross and HAM radio club.

The new figures have lowered flood risk for 1,200 properties, but the maps also came with new floodways, a first in Ascension Parish, that have caught some home and business owners off guard.

By 2020, hospitals must reduce the risk of collapse. By 2030, they must be able to remain in operation after a major earthquake. That could cost hospitals $34 billion-$143 billion, according to a new Rand Corp. report.

The state's been hinting for weeks that the spillway could be reused soon as a wet winter turns into spring snowmelt season in the Sierra. The lake level, deliberately kept low as repairs ended, has risen to 853 feet — about 50 feet from the top.

What’s the plan for everyone to get out of your house, where will you all meet once you’re safely out, and how can you contact each other if you’re not at home when disaster strikes?

Some of this bacteria comes from raw sewage getting into the water. While wastewater is treated before it is dumped back into the river, flooding can cause treatment plants to be overwhelmed, releasing untreated waste into the river.

Some of the alerts were received in as few as four seconds in a test that went to some 40,000 people in downtown Oakland and asked respondents a series of questions about receiving alert notifications.

People in the county are able to subscribe to get AlertSense notifications by downloading the free app or texting their zip code.

The plans include a habitat water garden, pond overlook, savannah picnic grove, council ring, nature maze, turtle meadow, walking trails and other features.

The Wayne County commissioners authorized the Emergency Management Agency to apply for a grant from the George T. Dunlap Foundation in the amount of $20,859, enough for 130 kits.

While teaching in the classroom for 24 years in Cleburne, Texas, Jackie Beatty said parents never had to worry about sending their children to school. That is not the case nowadays.