The likelihood of a natural disaster occurring in Alabama is high. Hurricanes, floods, droughts, and winter storms are possible. In addition to what we see from nature, we also can expect some man-made disasters in Alabama. Among the list of potential man-made disasters are wildfires and accidents involving hazardous materials and chemical stockpiles.

Disasters come in many forms and may happen when we least expect them. But you can be prepared. This site has many resources intended to help you prepare for disasters such as those listed above. Spending a few hours in preparation for a disaster can make recovery easier and may even save lives – your own and those of loved ones – not to mention companion animals and possessions.

 NOAA Watch

Be Prepared for a Winter Storm and Power Outage

Imagine this. You’re minding your own business getting ready for school and work when suddenly the radio, lights, heat, and everything else electrical stops working. Just like that, you find yourself in the dark and wondering how long the power will be out. Are you paralyzed or prepared?

What you can do to be prepared for a winter storm and power outage:

• Know where your flashlight and batteries are—and be able to easily access them. Consider purchasing battery operated lanterns for additional light sources.
• Decide which room of the house is easiest to keep warm, plan to close doors to other rooms in the house. When the power goes out, keep outside doors closed, and close window drapes or curtains at night to retain heat. If you don’t have drapes, hang blankets over windows.  Stuff cracks around doors with rugs, newspapers, or towels.
• If you have a gas heater, ensure it is in good working order. Be sure you know how to safely use the heater. If you have a gas or wood burning fireplace or a wood burning stove, be sure it is in good working condition. Maintain a distance of three feet between your heat source and flammable objects. Have a supply of wood on hand.
• If you have a generator, ensure it is in good working order. Be sure you have a supply of fuel on hand. Keep generators outside. Their use in an enclosed space can kill you.
• Check for easy access to your gas or charcoal grill if you’ve stored it for the season. Check your fuel supplies. Gas and charcoal grills are intended for outdoor use: do not use them indoors!
• Prevent frozen or broken pipes by insulating exposed pipes.  During a power outage, open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes.
• Check insulation in attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Adequate insulation helps maintain your home’s heat.
• Make sure you can access your first aid kit and fire extinguisher.
• Restock food and water supplies, especially items that require no cooking or refrigeration.
• Keep your car’s fuel tank full.

For more information on winter storm preparedness, check these resources:

Before Winter Storms and Extreme Cold (FEMA)

Extreme Cold and Winter Storms (The Disaster Handbook)

Food and Water Safety When the Power Goes Out (ACES)

Generator Safety (video, MU Extension)

Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems: Responding to Electrical Power Outages and Floods (TAMU)

Opere los generadores con el cuidado apropriado (MSU)

Snow/Ice (EDEN)

Winter Power Outages (Acreage Living newsletter, IAState)

Winter Storm (American Red Cross, also available in Spanish)

Winter Storm Facts (CDC, www.bt.cdc.gov site is available in several languages)

Winter Storms…the Deceptive Killers (NOAA)

Ready Tip

Severe Weather Awareness Integral to Disaster Preparedness

On the days when the sun is shining and the temperature is perfect, we don’t tend to think about severe weather and how it might affect us, our families, and our community. But that weather-perfect day is a perfect time to remind ourselves about what to do when the weather turns nasty.

The National Weather Service (NWS) provides the following tips to help you prepare for severe weather:

• Develop a plan for you and your family.
• Have a safe room in your home or small business. Information on how to build a safe room is available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
• Practice your plan.
• Know the county or parish in which you live or visit.
• Keep a state or county highway map nearby to follow storm movement.
• Purchase a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio.
• Listen to radio and television for weather, watch, and warning information.
• Select and bookmark your Internet weather information resources.
• If severe weather threatens, check on your neighbors and friends who may need assistance.

When threatening weather approaches

• Know where you’ll go for safety and how much time it will take to get there.
• Consider postponing outdoor activities to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation.
• Monitor the weather.
• Don’t use a corded phone if you hear thunder.
• Keep away from electrical equipment, wiring, and water pipes.
• Avoid open areas and isolated tall trees, towers, or utility poles during a thunderstorm.
• Stay away from metal conductors such as wires or fences.
• Seek shelter in an underground shelter, basement or safe room if there is a tornado in the vicinity.
• If you live in a mobile home, immediately go to the nearest sturdy building or shelter. Do not stay in your mobile home if there is a tornado threat.

To learn more about severe weather, read NOAA’s severe weather brochure. You can also view the November 6 presentation on Weather Safety by Warning Coordination Meteorologist John De Block of the National Weather Service in Birmingham. Part 1 is approximately 45 minutes in length and part 2 is approximately 5 minutes long.

More Ready Tips

Safety News & Notes (Florida AgSafe)

H1N1 Flu information

Flu.gov -- Know What to Do About the Flu 

Alabama Department of Public Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Quick Card

  How to Protect Yourself in the Workplace during a Pandemic

  Spanish version

World Health Organization

EDEN Topic Pages

  Pandemic Influenza In addition to current status, this page includes a link to important information about fraudulent H1N1 medications and products.

eXtension

Auburn University Pandemic Flu

Tuskegee University H1N1 Swine Flu Information

ECHO Minnesota: Resources for limited English proficiency individuals

Learning Opportunities

EDEN Offers Pandemic Preparedness for Businesses

and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness for Faith-Based Organizations

Disaster Kits are for all seasons. What does it take to build a kit?

Disaster Relief Web Site

DisasterAsisstance.gov was launched December 31, 2008 with links to 17 U.S. Government agencies providing disaster assistance.  You can apply for assistance with a single, online application. This website is intended to speed the application process and allow you to check the progress of your application online.