FEMA to test emergeny alert system...are you on board?

"One of the most important communications tools that helps federal, state, local, territorial and tribal authorities issue emergency information and warnings to the public is the Emergency Alert System. This system is frequently used and tested at the local level, but to date it has never been tested on the national level. Chances are you have seen or heard the Emergency Alert System tested in your area many times, whether while watching your favorite TV show or listening to the radio."

Click here to read more! : http://blog.fema.gov/2011/10/emergency-alert-system-test-one-month.html

Do you know what to do?

A major part of being prepared is having a plan. Know two exits...know what to do.

Today is the eighth anniversary of the tragic fire that killed 100 and injured more than 200 more nightclub patrons at the Station Night Club fire in Rhode Island. As I watch the half time show of the 2011 NBA All Star game that is less than a mile from the location I am typing this, I think about..."how many people inside Staple Center have thought about knowing at least two ways to exit in case of and emergency?" As the father of four, I always scan stores, arena, church and any other large gathering places for exits, hazards and concerns. Always have a plan. Learn from those who lost their lives by not knowing how or where to exit eight years ago in Rhode Island.

Don't stop being ready...

Disasters can come at any time. If you stay prepared, you don't have to get prepared. It's simple, but not easy. This past weekend we moved our clocks back an hour... Did you change the battery in your smoke detector? Did you cycle your food items and water in your disaster kits? If you think about these two extra actions on the days we move our clocks back/forward, you are taking steps to keep your family safe and prepared. It's only twice a year... Is your family worth being thought about twice a year? I hope so. Be safe...Be well...Be prepared.

Los Angeles & American Red Cross join together

In time of need, Los Angeles Fire, Police & Sheriffs Department stand ready to respond. Here we see a firefighter with her rescue dog and a LA County Sheriff as they take questions from students of the Los Angeles Unified School District Preparedness Fair held at The Nokia Center inside LA Live, across from Staple Center.

Today, the city of Los Angeles along with The American Red Cross signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) memorializing an ongoing agreement of mutual aid. By having this MOU in place, it helps Los Angeles continue to blaze an impressive trail in the

preparedness community.

Dates set for free training in Pasadena & Los Angeles

I am honored to be a part of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Health Fair being held in Pasadena CA. on September 25, 2010. I have been asked to present a brief disaster preparedness micro DAC (Disaster Awareness Course).

Location: Jackie Robinson Community Center/1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave. Pasadena, CA.

Time: 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM

I will also be presenting a 2 hour full DAC at Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles on October 9, 2010, starting at 9:30 AM. Hope to see you at either session.

Back to school! A great place to start!

It's back to school time and if you are like me, it's time to buy new back packs for the little ones. Here's a great idea for your church, schools and after school programs...

Instead of throwing away the old backpacks from last year, go green! Yes, recycle those old backpacks into "Go" bags for your children and/or the children in your neighborhood. By including kids in projects like this, you empower them with the skills of disaster preparedness as well as teach them to be good stewards of the earth by recycling. It's a win, win for everybody!

The Shakeout is coming! October 21, 2010

http://www.shakeout.org/