Every Friday, we do a “What We’re Watching” blog as we look ahead to the weekend. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.
Extreme Heat Conditions
Most of the nation has been under a heat advisory over the past week. The National Weather Service expects excessive and dangerous heat and humidity to continue throughout the weekend across much of the central and eastern U.S. The highest heat index values are expected across parts of the Midwest, Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic.
The following are tips to stay cool and safe:
• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
September: National Preparedness Month
Earlier this week we launched new web tools so you and your organization can join the National Preparedness Month coalition and pledge your support to help prepare your families, businesses and communities for emergencies.
Once you register, you’ll have access to:
• a toolkit that includes suggestions for activities and events, templates, articles, banners and customizable materials,
• an events calendar allowing where you can post and promote preparedness events,
• discussion forums to share success stories to engage with fellow coalition members and FEMA representatives.
Reminder: Survivors should stay in contact with FEMA
Disaster survivors who registered with FEMA for assistance need to keep their contact information up to date to avoid delays processing their application. If your address or telephone changes you can update this information through DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free helpline operates daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time.
Applicants generally receive a response from FEMA within 10 days after registering. Anyone who has not received mail from FEMA more than 10 days after registration should call 800-621-3362.
Video: Recap of DHS Secretary visit Minot, N.D.
We recently blogged on Secretary Janet Napolitano’s tour to flood damaged Minot, North Dakota. Here is a video of the Secretary’s promise of FEMA's continued support in the recovery of Minot.
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