February / 2021 Makwa Giizis (Bear Moon)
Public Safety Updates and Information
Public Safety Updates and Information NEW YEAR 2021 Be Prepared to Start the New Year The start of a new year 2021 is a new start to review family preparedness, for YOU, your FAMILY and Community. FEMA www.Ready.gov has resources and information to start an emergency supply kit, easy items you already have at home: duffle bag to store emergency items, first aid kit, contact numbers of family members, medicines, hygiene items. Don’t forget about your pets and pack a Pet Kit to grab and go if you need to leave for an emergency. In addition to preparing a home emergency kit, prepare a vehicle emergency kit with blankets, jumper cables, snacks, flashlight, shovel, etc. Listed below is several ideas to create an emergency supply kit for your vehicle and be ready for winter. Visit www.Ready.gov/winter for more winter safety tips. Start the New Year with a resolution to be ready! We’re asking YOU to Resolve to be Ready in 2021 by putting emergency preparedness at the top of your list of priorities for this year. Resolve to be Ready is a nationwide effort designed to encourage individuals, households, businesses and communities to make a resolution to prepare for emergencies in the new year. Preparing for emergencies doesn’t have to be complicated. Just start with these three simple steps: 1.
Build an emergency supply kit.
2.
Have a family emergency plan.
3. Be informed about the types of emergencies that can happen in your area and their appropriate responses.
By making the decision to #ResolvetobeReady in 2021 and following these simple preparedness actions, Americans will minimize the impact of emergencies on themselves, their family, and their businesses. Visit Ready.gov to find free materials to help you and your family be more prepared for 2021!
Bundle up! Are you Ready for Winter Weather? Winter is the time for fun, cold-weather activities, such as sledding and skating. Cold weather, ice, and snow can be fun, but that may also be dangerous if you’re not prepared. Winter storms and severe cold can bring on a variety of risks, such as car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. A severe winter storm may: •
Last a few hours to several days.
• Cut off heat, power and communication services. • Put older adults, children and sick individuals at greater risk.
Consider the following steps to be prepared this winter: •
Know what to do before, during, and after a winter storm.
•
Know your winter weather terms.
•
Listen to local officials and emergency alerts.
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Start stocking your winter emergency kits. Create an emergency supply kit for your car including items such as jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and nonperishable snacks.
•
Keep a full tank of gas.
•
Stay off the road during and after a winter storm.
•
Use safe heating devices and have a carbon monoxide alarm in place, especially if using alternative heating devices.
•
Keep out the cold with insulation, caulking & weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing.
•
Be aware of the signs and basic treatments for frostbite and hypothermia as well. When using a space heater, follow these safety tips: • Plug heaters directly into the outlet, never use an extension cord. Keep anything that can burn 3 feet away • from heaters. • Make sure your heaters have an automatic shut-off.
Learn how to stay safe before, during, & after winter storms & extreme cold by visiting: www.ready.gov/winter #WinterSafety
20 GTB NEWS
