Ohio EMA Latest Releases, News and Information http://ema.ohio.gov Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:30:00 EST COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Insurance, the Ohio Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc. - FLASH® today announced a partnership to offer disaster safety and prevention information to Ohioans. The partnership was formalized at a signing ceremony this afternoon at the Ohio Emergency Management Agency on the one year anniversary of the Hurricane Ike windstorm. “This partnership will help families understand that luck is not their best option for confronting hazards like flooding—the nation’s most common and costly natural disaster,” said Leslie Chapman–Henderson, president and chief executive officer of FLASH. “Affordable home protection options exist and flood insurance is one of the best ways to protect again financial ruin. Unfortunately, less than 1% of Ohioans have flood insurance protection today.” “The Department of Insurance is honored to work with these two fine organizations to help keep Ohioans safe,” said Mary Jo Hudson, director of the insurance department. “Through our combined efforts, we’ll be able to reach people all across Ohio and get them the information they need to protect their families and homes.” "Ohio EMA works with a variety of great agencies all with strong missions," said Nancy Dragani, Executive Director of Ohio Emergency Management Agency. "But it is partnerships like this one that allow our individual missions to reach farther and wider and ultimately make more of an impact on Ohioans." Also at today’s ceremony, the newly-formed alliance announced a new flood awareness campaign designed to provide Ohioans information on protecting their property from flood waters, keeping themselves safe during a flood and making sure Ohioans are educated about purchasing flood insurance. The three agencies have developed a web page with different flood safety informational pieces, including tips on protecting property, purchasing insurance and filing insurance claims. The link to the page is available on at www.flash.org, www.ema.ohio.gov or www.insurance.ohio.gov. The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc. – FLASH® is a 501(c)(3) collaboration of organizations dedicated to strengthening homes and safeguarding families from disaster. Based in Tallahassee, FLASH is the nation's fastest-growing disaster safety education organization with more than 100 partners. To learn more about FLASH and access free consumer resources, visit www.flash.org or call (877) 221-SAFE (7233). The Ohio EMA coordinates the state's response and recovery from the State of Ohio Emergency Operations Center. One of the primary focuses of the agency is to ensure that Ohio citizens are prepared to respond to and recover from an emergency or disaster and to lead mitigation efforts against the effects of future disasters. During times of disasters, Ohio EMA coordinates activities of responding state agencies and maintains liaison with similar agencies of other states and of the federal government. The mission of the Ohio Department of Insurance is to provide consumer protection through education and fair but vigilant regulation while promoting a stable and competitive environment for insurers. Ohio insurance consumers with questions and concerns about their insurance can call the Department’s consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526. Free information can also be obtained at www.insurance.ohio.gov. # # # Contacts: Zoe Boyer, FLASH Project Manager, (850 )385-7233, ext. 304 Tamara McBride, Ohio EMA Public Affairs Chief, (614) 799-3695 Jarrett Dunbar, Public Information Officer, Ohio Department of Insurance, (614) 644-2475 http://ema.ohio.gov/Documents/Releases/2009/22090914_EMA_FLASHSigningCeremony.pdf September marks the observance of National Preparedness Month and the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) is leading a statewide campaign with a diverse group of national, state and local partners to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and to promote community involvement throughout events and activities. National Preparedness Month 2009 focuses on changing perceptions about emergency preparedness to help Ohioans understand what it truly means to be Ready. Each week during National Preparedness Month, ODPS will be sending a press release or providing information on different areas of preparedness most likely to impact Ohioans. Flooding is Ohio’s most common natural disaster. Flooding can happen in every county and city; however, all floods are not alike. Some can develop slowly during an extended period of rain, or in a warming trend following a heavy snow. Others, such as flash floods can occur quickly, even without any visible signs of rain. It’s important to be prepared for flooding no matter where you live, but particularly if you are in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even a very small stream or dry creek bed can overflow and create flooding. Be Informed. Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a flood hazard.  Flood Watch – Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.  Flash Flood Watch – Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground, listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for more information.  Flood Warning – Flooding is occurring or will occur soon. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.  Flash Flood Warning – A flash flood is occurring, seek higher ground on foot immediately. Prepare Your Home  Find out if your home is at risk for flood and educate yourself on the impact a flood could have on you and your family. Then safeguard your home and possessions with flood insurance. Visit www.floodsmart.gov for more information. For more information about preparing for or responding to a flood emergency, log on www.Ready.Ohio.gov or www.ema.ohio.gov so you can be sure your family and loved ones are Ready. ### Throughout the month, ODPS will highlight weekly testimonials of fellow Ohioans who have survived a disaster, or the impact the disaster has had on their community, on Ohio’s preparedness Web site at www.Ready.Ohio.gov. The Web site also has information and resources to help Ohioans develop a successful game plan to be prepared, including making a plan, putting together an emergency kit and sharing information with others. http://ema.ohio.gov/Documents/Releases/2009/20090923_EMA_NPMWeek4.pdf September marks the observance of National Preparedness Month and the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) is leading a statewide campaign with a diverse group of national, state and local partners to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and to promote community involvement throughout events and activities. National Preparedness Month 2009 focuses on changing perceptions about emergency preparedness to help Ohioans understand what it truly means to be Ready. Each week during National Preparedness Month, ODPS is sending a press release or providing information on different areas of preparedness most likely to impact Ohioans. Many of us think being Ready means being prepared for a major disaster or emergency, but being Ready also includes being prepared for something as simple as a family illness or childcare situation. Consider the following scenario: There are a significant number of teachers out with H1N1 at your child’s school and school will be closed for at least a week. Do you have a back-up plan for childcare? Make a Plan. You can plan for an influenza pandemic now. You should know the magnitude of what can happen during a pandemic outbreak and what actions you can take to help lessen the impact of an influenza pandemic on you and your family.  Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.  Having an alternative method of child care during an emergency is important, because the emergency may only affect your child's school for an extended period of time.  You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, daycare and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one.  Be sure to consider the specific needs of your family members  Notify caregivers and babysitters about your plan. For more information about preparing for or responding to an emergency, log on www.Ready.Ohio.gov or www.ode.state.oh.us so you can be sure your family and loved ones are Ready. ### Throughout the month, ODPS is highlighting testimonials of Ohioans who have survived a disaster, or the impact the disaster has had on their community, on Ohio’s preparedness Web site: www.Ready.Ohio.gov. The site also has resources to help Ohioans develop a game plan to be prepared, including making a plan, putting together an emergency kit and sharing information with others. http://ema.ohio.gov/Documents/Releases/2009/20090914_EMA_NPMWeek3.pdf September marks the observance of National Preparedness Month and the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) is leading a statewide campaign with a diverse group of national, state and local partners to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and to promote community involvement throughout events and activities. National Preparedness Month 2009 focuses on changing perceptions about emergency preparedness to help Ohioans understand what it truly means to be READY. Each week during National Preparedness Month, ODPS will be sending a press release or providing information on different areas of preparedness most likely to impact Ohioans. Week Two calls for action. Get an emergency kit. Expect the unexpected. Your family needs a disaster preparedness kit for life’s unanticipated emergencies. Whether trying to respond to or recover from a flood, tornado or snow and ice storm, disaster preparedness is the key to survival and a disaster preparedness kit is a great first step towards protecting yourself and your loved ones. Get a kit. When you’re preparing your emergency kit, make sure you take the unique needs of your family into consideration. Do you have pets that will need food and water? Are there medications you need to include in the kit? If you have a kit, are the medications and food supplies current? You should periodically check your kit for expired items and items that need to be replaced. As the seasons change, so should your emergency kit. You’ll need warm clothes and blankets in the winter, lighter clothes, sunscreen and extra water in the summer. For more information about preparing for or responding to an emergency, including detailed information about making a kit that fits the needs of your family, log on www.Ready.Ohio.gov so you can be sure your family and loved ones are READY. ### Throughout the month, ODPS will highlight weekly testimonials of fellow Ohioans who have survived a disaster, or the impact the disaster has had on their community, on Ohio’s preparedness Web site at www.Ready.Ohio.gov. The Web site also has information and resources to help Ohioans develop a successful game plan to be prepared, including making a plan, putting together an emergency kit and sharing information with others. http://ema.ohio.gov/Documents/Releases/2009/20090910_EMA_NPMWeek2.pdf (COLUMBUS) – September marks the observance of National Preparedness Month and the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) is leading a statewide campaign with a diverse group of national, state and local partners to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and to promote community involvement throughout events and activities. National Preparedness Month 2009 focuses on changing perceptions about emergency preparedness to help Ohioans understand what it truly means to be Ready. Each week during National Preparedness Month, ODPS will be sending a press release or providing information on different areas of preparedness most likely to impact Ohioans. In 2008, according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Ohio had more than 48,000 fires and 150 deaths as a result of fires, many of which could have been prevented. It is important to learn about fires and how your family will respond to a fire in order to protect yourself and your loved ones. Are you Ready, or Are you READY? When there is a fire, do not waste time gathering valuables or making a phone call. Fires can spread quickly, becoming life threatening in just two minutes and engulfing a residence in as little as five minutes. While flames are dangerous, heat and smoke can be more dangerous and can sear lungs. As a fire burns, poisonous gases are emitted that can cause one to become disoriented or drowsy, which could put you into a heavy sleep. The leading cause of fire-related deaths is asphyxiation, outnumbering burns by a three-to-one ratio. For more information about preparing for or responding to a fire emergency, log on www.Ready.Ohio.gov or http://www.redcross.org so you can be sure your family and loved ones are READY. ### Throughout the month, ODPS will highlight weekly testimonials of fellow Ohioans who have survived a disaster, or the impact the disaster has had on their community, on Ohio’s preparedness Web site at www.Ready.Ohio.gov. The Web site also has information and resources to help Ohioans develop a successful game plan to be prepared, including making a plan, putting together an emergency kit and sharing information with others. http://ema.ohio.gov/Documents/Releases/2009/20090831_EMA_NPMWeek1FireSafety.pdf (COLUMBUS) – September is National Preparedness Month (NPM), a nationwide effort encouraging Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. This year marks the sixth NPM and the Ohio Department of Public Safety today joined preparedness partners including FEMA, the Central Ohio Transit Authority and the Ohio Community Service Council to kick-off the 2009 campaign. NPM 2009 is focusing on changing perceptions about emergencies and helping Americans understand what it truly means to be Ready. Being ready goes beyond smoke detectors, fire alarms and extra food in the pantry. Being Ready means knowing what specific items to include in disaster preparedness kits. Being Ready means meeting with household or business members and writing emergency plans for the different types of incidents that can affect your home or community. Throughout the month of September, county emergency management agencies, Red Cross chapters, schools, churches and local businesses will host activities and events that highlight the importance of emergency preparedness. “The state of Ohio is no stranger to disasters and weather emergencies. We can ensure that the state is able to adequately respond to and recover from whatever comes our way by making sure we are all Ready,” said Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Henry Guzmán. “Get a kit. Make a plan. Be informed. And get involved. Every Ohioan should take the necessary steps now to keep themselves and their families safe, prepared and Ready.” Examples of Ready activities include first aid/CPR training; preparing emergency plans; participating in neighborhood watch meetings; practicing tornado and fire drills; and organizing emergency preparedness information at fairs, churches, schools and businesses. Visit www.ready.ohio.gov for additional preparedness information and resources. National Preparedness Month is an initiative of the federal Department of Homeland Security sponsored by FEMA’s Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps. # # # The Ohio Department of Public Safety is dedicated to the mission of saving lives, reducing injuries and economic loss and administering Ohio’s motor vehicle laws through the work of its divisions: Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Medical Services, Ohio Investigative Unit, Office of Criminal Justice Services, Ohio Homeland Security, Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Traffic Safety Office. http://ema.ohio.gov/Documents/Releases/2009/20090828_EMA_OhiosNPMKickoff.pdf Columbus, OH - September 2009 marks the sixth annual National Preparedness Month, sponsored by FEMA’s Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps. National Preparedness Month (NPM) is designed to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. WHO: Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Henry Guzmán Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Nancy Dragani FEMA, Region V Deputy Federal Preparedness Coordinator James Opoka Ohio Community Service Council CEO William Hall Ohio Public Transit Association President William Lhota Ohio Homeland Security Executive Director William Vedra WHAT: NPM 2009 is focusing on helping Americans understand what it truly means to be Ready, which includes specific items to include in disaster preparedness kits, making a plan, being informed and getting involved. Throughout the month of September, activities and events will take place across the state and the nation to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness. WHEN: Friday, August 28, 11 a.m. WHERE: State Emergency Operations Center/Joint Dispatch Facility Ohio Emergency Management Agency 2855 West Dublin Granville Road Columbus, Ohio 43235 (The event will take place in the front of the building, or in Room 204, in the event of rain) In addition to the keynote speakers, Ohio citizens will give testimonials on being prepared for emergencies. Ohio Emergency Management Agency, Ohio Homeland Security, Ohio Emergency Medical Services Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Citizen Corps and COTA will have representatives at the event to give safety demonstrations and highlight different areas of preparedness. http://ema.ohio.gov/Documents/Releases/2009/20090826_EMANatlPreparednessMediaAdvisory.pdf