Entry bubble Hurricane Ike Survivors: Find Family & Friends

By: Joanne | September 16, 2008 | Category: Home and Family

Did you evacuate to get out of the path of Hurricane Ike? Do you need to find friends or family who were displaced by Ike? If you answered yes to either of these questions, read on.

There are websites you can register with to help you connect with your loved ones to let them know that you’re safe and well after the storm. I’m going to give you links to a few registries – if you were displaced by the storm or if you’re looking for someone, I suggest you visit them all.

  • FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, operates the National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System. 
  • The Red Cross operates the Safe and Well List. The Safe and Well List even lets you to post a message (from a list of standard messages) so you can give your loved ones a little more information. For those without internet access, call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) to register.
  • Next of Kin National Registry is a free tool for daily emergencies and national disasters. The system gives emergency response agencies the information they need to contact your loved ones if you’re ever missing, hurt badly or worse.
  • If you’re a tourist or other foreign national affected by a disaster in the U.S., contact your consulate.

And do remember that there are many ways that you can help the people impacted by Hurricane Ike by volunteering or donating. There are volunteer opportunities for kids, seniors, teens and groups and many reputable organizations you can support through donations to bring relief to hurricane survivors.

No matter what charity you chose to support, always be on the watch for identity theft and other scams and fraud schemes  that try to take advantage of your good will and desire to help those in need.

| View Comments [4] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: disaster   flood   hurricane   ike   joanne   locator   shelter   storm   survivor  

 

Entry bubble When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors

By: Stephanie | August 05, 2008 | Category: Health

lightning Lightning has been called the most underrated weather hazard, killing an average of 62 people and injuring at least 300 people in the United States each year. Did you know that if you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning?

The National Weather Service says that most lightning victims are not struck at the height of a thunderstorm, but before and after the storm has peaked. So seek shelter if you can count 30 seconds or less between a lightning flash and its thunder, and stay in the shelter until 30 minutes after the final clap of thunder.

A large, enclosed building is the best shelter. While you're inside, don't use computers, corded phones, and other electrical equipment (but cell phones and cordless phones—away from their bases—are ok). Also stay away from tubs, sinks, and other plumbing, and metal objects such as refrigerators. (If you are caught in your car, don't touch metal.)

If you're caught outside, try to get to a low place such as a ravine under a thick growth of small trees. Don't stand under a tall, isolated tree or in an open area, and don't lie flat on the ground. Also, don't touch anything metal, including bicycles or golf carts. For boating lightning safety, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's information.

lightning crouch

If you feel your hair stand on end, this means that lightning is about to strike. Get into the "Lightning Crouch": drop to your knees, roll forward onto the balls of your feet, place your hands on your knees, and tuck your head down. (Rubber-soled shoes don't protect against lightning.)

If a person is struck by lightning, it is not dangerous to touch him or her. With immediate medical help, including CPR if necessary, most victims survive a lightning strike.

For more information on lightning safety, visit USA.gov's FAQ and the Online School for Weather. Or read lightning survivor stories, see dramatic photos of lightning, or learn more about the science behind lightning.

| View Comments [7] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: danger   lightning   safety   shelter   stephanie   survive   thunderstorm   victim