Member III
As Overland Bound members, we are usually prepared for any adventure and ready to hit the trail at a moment's notice. However, sometimes we may be so focused on getting out and exploring, we tend to forget about being prepared, not if, but when something happens at home. If this year has taught us nothing else, it is to be ready for anything, no matter where you live. How many people were expecting a "Texas Ice Storm"?
June 1st started the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season for the United States. I know many people may think of just the Gulf Coast states when they hear the word hurricane. And most people not living on the West Coast may not even realize there is also a Pacific Hurricane Season. But it is really no surprise that any given hurricane has the possibility to directly affect most of the country with the wind, rain and flooding that follows after they make landfall. There is also the residual effect of things like disrupted power, as well as the impact to goods and services across the nation. This year has already started off with Tropical Storm Ana forming in the Atlantic on May 22. The Pacific has already seen Tropical Storm Andres on May 9 and Tropical Storm Blanca on May 24.
Obviously, taking care of ourselves and our family is the first priority during any storm. But I don't know of anyone on Overland Bound that would not be ready to help others in need during a time of crisis. For those who would like to know more about how to prepare for a disaster and be ready to help themselves, their family, and others in need, below is a list of resources you can use.
The National Hurricane Center is a great source to track and learn about storms that may impact your area. A good place to start there would be the National Hurricane Preparedness section.
Disaster Relief Networks: Many areas have large numbers of local volunteers ready for the purpose of helping families in their efforts to rebuild their homes, their communities, and their lives. The American Red Cross has volunteer opportunities to match a wide range of interests and time commitment. Or, check with your local church to see if they are part of a network that enables and empowers church members to organize, prepare, mobilize, and respond quickly in the event of disaster. If they don't, see if you can start one!
Ready Campaign is a national public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. There is a LOT of information here.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) | Emergency Management Institute provides National Preparedness a searchable online Course Catalog and integrated information on courses provided or managed by FEMA.
You Are the Help Until Help Arrives: Life-threatening emergencies can happen fast and emergency responders aren’t always nearby. You may be able to save a life by taking simple actions immediately.
FEMA-ICPD Promotional Materials provides free preparedness publications.
June 1st started the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season for the United States. I know many people may think of just the Gulf Coast states when they hear the word hurricane. And most people not living on the West Coast may not even realize there is also a Pacific Hurricane Season. But it is really no surprise that any given hurricane has the possibility to directly affect most of the country with the wind, rain and flooding that follows after they make landfall. There is also the residual effect of things like disrupted power, as well as the impact to goods and services across the nation. This year has already started off with Tropical Storm Ana forming in the Atlantic on May 22. The Pacific has already seen Tropical Storm Andres on May 9 and Tropical Storm Blanca on May 24.
Obviously, taking care of ourselves and our family is the first priority during any storm. But I don't know of anyone on Overland Bound that would not be ready to help others in need during a time of crisis. For those who would like to know more about how to prepare for a disaster and be ready to help themselves, their family, and others in need, below is a list of resources you can use.
The National Hurricane Center is a great source to track and learn about storms that may impact your area. A good place to start there would be the National Hurricane Preparedness section.
Disaster Relief Networks: Many areas have large numbers of local volunteers ready for the purpose of helping families in their efforts to rebuild their homes, their communities, and their lives. The American Red Cross has volunteer opportunities to match a wide range of interests and time commitment. Or, check with your local church to see if they are part of a network that enables and empowers church members to organize, prepare, mobilize, and respond quickly in the event of disaster. If they don't, see if you can start one!
Ready Campaign is a national public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. There is a LOT of information here.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) | Emergency Management Institute provides National Preparedness a searchable online Course Catalog and integrated information on courses provided or managed by FEMA.
You Are the Help Until Help Arrives: Life-threatening emergencies can happen fast and emergency responders aren’t always nearby. You may be able to save a life by taking simple actions immediately.
FEMA-ICPD Promotional Materials provides free preparedness publications.