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VEST assist with managing spontaneous, unaffiliated volunteers by connecting them to community agencies in need during an emergency. As part of Volunteer Arlington and a member of Arlington County's Citizen Corps, VEST volunteers directly support the work of Arlington County's Emergency Support Function 17: Volunteer & Donations Management.
Operating as usual
A winter weather advisory remains in effect until 1pm eat this afternoon. Accumulations 1 to 3 inches. The heaviest snow will be from 5am to 10am. Temperatures will be in the lower to mid 20s. Snow accumulating on surfaces well below freezing will make for very hazardous travel conditions.
Follow these top five safety tips for the holidays:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hometalk/holiday-safety-tips_b_6345768.html
The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially at Thanksgiving. Kids love to be involved in holiday preparations. Safety in the kitchen is important, especially on Thanksgiving Day when there is a lot of activity and people at home.
Safety tips
Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.
Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
Keep knives out of the reach of children.
Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
Never leave children alone in room with a lit a candle.
Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
Cooking caused 43% of reported home fires, 16% of home fire deaths, 38% of home fire injuries, and 12% of the direct property damage in home fires in 2011.
Facebook Debuts Safety Check Feature for Disasters
As people increasingly turn to social media after a disaster — both to get information and check to see if their friends and family have been affected — the platforms are creating disaster-specific tools. Twitter Alerts, for example, was launched in September 2013 as a way to highlight emergency inf…
There has been a lot of news coverage in recent days about the Ebola, and some members of the community are asking questions and expressing concerns. Our risk from Ebola is very low.
There has been a lot of news coverage in recent days about the first U.S. case of Ebola (in Texas), and some members of the community are asking questions and expressing concerns. Our risk from Ebola is extremely low. No Ebola in our region We recognize that news like this can be scary. It’s import…
The national weather service in Sterling Virginia has issued a tornado warning for:
The District of Columbia, Southwestern Arlington County, Western Prince Georges County, Eastern City of Alexandria, and Eastern Fairfax County until 1:00pm.
At 12:23pm, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was near Huntington, and was moving north at 35mph.
Using Smartphone During or After a Disaster
* Keep all phone calls brief. If you need to use a phone, try to convey only vital information to emergency personnel and/or family.
* If you are unsuccessful in completing a call using your cell phone, wait ten seconds before redialing to help reduce network congestion.
* Conserve your cell phone battery by reducing the brightness of your screen, placing your phone in airplane mode, and closing apps you are not using that draw power, unless you need to use the phone.
* If you lose power, you can charge your cell phone in your car. Just be sure your car is in a well-ventilated place (remove it from the garage) and do not go to your car until any danger has passed. You can also listen to your car radio for important news alerts.
* If you do not have a hands-free device in your car, stop driving or pull over to the side of the road before making a call. Do not text on a cell phone, talk, or "tweet" without a hands free device while driving.
* Immediately following a disaster, resist using your mobile device to watch streaming videos, download music or videos, or play video games, all of which can add to network congestion. Limiting use of these services can help potentially life-saving emergency calls get through to 9-1-1.
* For non-emergency communications, use text messaging, e-mail, or social media instead of making voice calls on your cell phone to avoid tying up voice networks. Data-based services like texts and emails are less likely to experience network congestion. You can also use social media to post your status to let family and friends know you are okay.
Millions of people worldwide will practice how to
Drop, Cover, and Hold On at 10:16 a.m. on October 16* during Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills!
You can join them today by registering for the
2014 Great SouthEast ShakeOut. Participating is a great way for your family or organization to be prepared to survive and recover quickly from big earthquakes– wherever you live, work, or travel.
http://shakeout.org/southeast/
September is Emergency Preparedness Month and Arlington has a new system to help you and your family prepare for critical emergencies. Visit ArlingtonAlert and follow the prompts to develop your individual profile. http://www.arlingtonva.us/alerts/
Sign up for emergency alerts from Arlington County Virginia.
Come out tonight and cheer everyone on that's participating in the 9/11 race.
All proceeds will be donated to official charities that focus on the healing of military personnel and civilians directly affected by the war on terrorism and the attacks against America on September 11, 2001.
Virginians can join in multi-state earthquake drill Oct. 16
People in Virginia can learn about earthquake safety and participate in a multi-state, simultaneous earthquake drill set for Thursday, Oct. 16, at 10:16 a.m.
Whether at home, school, work or at play, participate in the ShakeOut and learn how to DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON, which is the safe response to an earthquake in the U.S.
DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you)
Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops
Earthquakes happen without warning, and the shaking may be so severe that you cannot run or crawl. So DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON IMMEDIATELY. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, drop to the ground in an inside corner of the building, and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms. Do not try to run to another room to get under a table.
Also, during an earthquake, don’t run outside. Trying to run is dangerous because the ground is moving and you can easily fall or be injured by falling bricks, glass and other building materials. In the U.S., you are much safer to stay inside and get under a table.
Last year more than one million Virginians took part in the Great SouthEast ShakeOut. Learn more and sign up for the Oct. 16 ShakeOut earthquake drill at www.ReadyVirginia.gov or www.shakeout.org/southeast
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management protects the lives and property of Virginia's citizens from emergencies and disasters by coordinating the state's emergency preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery efforts
Escape Plans
In the event of fire, time is the biggest enemy, and every second counts. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can turn into a major fire. Have escape plans to get out of your home quickly. Practice E.D.I.T.H. — Exit Drills in the Home — with your family.
Fire Escape Plan
Creating Your Home Fire Escape Plan
Draw your home floor plan using a home escape plan template.
Label all the rooms and identify the doors and windows.
Plan 2 escape routes from every room.
Provide alternatives for anyone with a disability.
Agree on a meeting place where everyone will gather after you have escaped.
Considering buying an Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL)-approved collapsible ladder to escape from upper story windows.
Practice Your Home Fire Escape Plan
Review your escape plan with everyone that stays in the house, including children.
Sound the smoke alarm.
Practice crawling low beneath the smoke.
Remember to check doors for heat with your hand; if a door is hot, do not open it.
Close the doors as you leave.
Practice with a collapsible ladder, if you have one.
Go directly to your meeting place; do not stop to find your pets or valuables.
Remember to GET OUT FIRST, then call 9-1-1 for help.
Practice your plan at least twice a year.
Additional Tips
If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop and roll until the flames are extinguished.
Replace smoke alarms older than 10 years.
Change the batteries in the smoke alarms, every 6 months (when you change your clocks).
Test alarms monthly by pushing the “test” button for 3-5 seconds.
If You Live in an Apartment Building
Learn and practice your building’s evacuation plan.
Know primary and secondary exits.
If you hear the fire alarm, leave immediately.
Use the stairs.
NEVER use elevators during a fire.
First Aid Kit
In any emergency a family member or you yourself may suffer an injury. If you have these basic first aid supplies you are better prepared to help your loved ones when they are hurt.
Knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a difference in an emergency. You may consider taking a first aid class, but simply having the following things can help you stop bleeding, prevent infection and assist in decontamination.
Two pairs of Latex or other sterile gloves if you are allergic to Latex
Sterile dressings to stop bleeding
Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes
Antibiotic ointment
Burn ointment
Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant
Thermometer
Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.
Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies
Non-prescription drugs:
Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid
Laxative
Other first aid supplies:
Scissors
Tweezers
Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Do you know how to select the appropriate fire extinguisher based on what is burning?
1. CLASS A: ORDINARY COMBUSTIBLES...paper, wood, rubber, and other common materials.
2. CLASS B: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS...gasoline, paint remover, and grease.
3. CLASS C: ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
4. CLASS D: COMBUSTIBLE METALS...magnesium, and other industrial metals.
Elevator Safety
What should you do if you become trapped in an elevator?
1. Remain calm and do not attempt to leave the elevator.
2. Press the alarm button. The alarm will only sound while the button is pressed.
3. If there is a phone in the elevator, pick it up and you will be connected with someone that can help you.
4. Relax and know that help is on the way.
Whether you buy a first aid kit or put one together, make sure it has all the items you may need:
Include any personal items such as medications and emergency phone numbers or other items your health-care provider may suggest.
Check the kit regularly.
Make sure the flashlight batteries work.
Check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date contents.
http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/get-kit/anatomy
A well-stocked first aid kit is a handy thing to have. To be prepared for emergencies:
Keep a first aid kit in your home and in your car.
Carry a first aid kit with you or know where you can find one.
Find out the location of first aid kits where you work.
First aid kits come in many shapes and sizes. You can purchase one from the Red Cross Store or your local American Red Cross chapter. Your local drug store may sell them. You can also make your own. Some kits are designed for specific activities, such as hiking, camping or boating.
A well-stocked first aid kit is a handy thing to have. First aid kits come in many shapes and sizes. You can purchase one from the Red Cross Store or your local American Red Cross chapter.
Timeline Photos
A severe thunderstorm watch remains valid until 11pm.
http://www.weather.com/weather/today/USVA0023:1
Get today's forecast, maps and more from weather.com.
http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-safety-thunderstorm.htm
Weather Wiz Kids is a fun and safe website for kids about all the weather info they need to know. It contains tools for weather education, including weather games, activities, experiments, photos, a glossary and educational teaching materials for the classroom.
Do you know what to look for in sunscreen?
Follow these important guidelines for protecting every member of your family from the sun's harmful rays, so you can enjoy your summertime fun.
Timeline Photos
Lightening can travel through plumbing. Avoid contact with water (bathing, drinking, washing dishes) during a thunderstorm.
Video: Don't Get Caught In the Dark
The Wilsons, a family in Arlington Virginia, discuss what they would do if the power went out. The first in a series of public service announcements produced...
Don't forget to sign up to attend the Arlington County Volunteer Celebration!
2100 Washington Blvd 3rd Floor Arlington, Virginia 22204 Tel: 703-228-1760 TTY: 703-228-1398 Fax: 703-228-1013 Email: [email protected]
A flash flood watch is in effect from Noon today through this evening. Another round of showers and thunderstorms with locally heavy rain is expected this afternoon and evening..in addition to the rainfall from yesterday. Any storms that form will produce heavy rain that could lead to flash flooding. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.
http://www.weather.com/safety/floods/floods-safety-before-20120423
Not all floods are alike. There are actually three main varieties of floods to watch for if you live in an area that is susceptible to flooding: river floods, flash floods and coastal floods.
Timeline Photos
What you can do to keep you and your family safe at home?
Keeping your family out of harm’s way is your Number 1 priority. Unfortunately, many of our homes can be dangerous – preventable injuries and deaths continue to rise in homes and communities.
The Council estimates everyday approximately 245 people die of unintentional injuries in homes and communities. In 2007, the six leading causes of unintentional injury death in the U.S. were:
Motor vehicle crashes
Poisonings, including unintentional overdoses
Falls
Choking
Drowning
Fires, flames and smoke
When someone is injured, the effects go beyond that person and extend to family members, friends, neighbors, employers and communities. The key to preventing injuries is making simple changes to your lifestyle - recognizing where most hazards are and how injuries can occur when participating in different activities.
Below are a few of the many strategies to prevent injuries:
Stay off your cell phone when you are driving. Your safety practices directly influence the safety practices of your children.
Get trained in first aid, CPR and AED online or in a classroom.
Check and if necessary, change the batteries on your smoke and carbon monoxide detector.
Properly dispose of unused and expired medications.
http://www.nsc.org/safety_home/Pages/safety_at_hom.aspx
Keeping your family out of harm’s way is your Number 1 priority. Unfortunately, many of our homes can be dangerous – preventable injuries and deaths continue to rise in homes and communities.
The 2014 Atlantic Hurricane season officially begins today, and spans all of summer and most of fall, ending Nov. 30.
http://www.weather.com/safety/hurricanes/5-facts-hurricane-season-20140529
As the Atlantic hurricane season prepares to get under way, here are five things you need to know.
Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer. Whether you’re traveling or enjoying a backyard barbecue, the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation offers some tips for a safe and healthy holiday weekend:
Fire Safety
-When using a grill, be sure to clean it thoroughly to remove any grease or dust. Check for gas leaks. Use the grill outside, not in a garage, porch, or other enclosed space.
-If you plan to use a fire pit, be sure to put out fire completely before leaving it unattended.
-Do not park your vehicle on grass as the hot exhaust can easily ignite dry vegetation.
Water Safety
-Don’t swim alone.
-Wear a life vest while boating.
-Supervise children at all times in and near the water.
Sun Safety
-Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Apply it generously throughout the day.
-Wear a hat and sunglasses.
-Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Travel Safety
-Don’t drink and drive or travel with anyone who has been drinking.
-Wear your seat belt at all times.
-Make sure your vehicle has been serviced before a long road trip.
-Familiarize yourself with your surroundings and know where the nearest emergency room is in case of an emergency.
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