Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities

[Texaspirate11]

Patricia is the strongest hurricane in the EPAC at a CAT 5.
Surely devastation will be felt in Mexico and prayers go up for them

TODAY (Friday) is the day you need to stock up on supplies.
If you need medication or whatever to get you through
Although this storm does not have a name, its coming in as a Coastal LOW
and sometimes those stay longer.
Some predict a foot of rain in some area.
Please stay weather aware.

[Texaspirate11]

FROM HOUSTON OEM

The City of Houston is monitoring the potential for heavy rainfall and possible flooding beginning Saturday afternoon through Monday morning. The National Weather Service estimates widespread rain totals of 3-7 inches across the area, with some areas receiving 8-12 inches. Also, there exists a possibility of tornadoes with this threat, depending on conditions.

Depending on how fast this rain falls, we could see dangerous Flash Floods occur in low-lying areas, highways, frontage roads and creek/stream beds.

Houston residents are urged to take steps to prepare for this threat:

Ensure your NOAA Weather Radios have adequate batteries and are set to "Alert" mode
Rethink plans that would take you away from home Saturday through Monday.
Ensure you have enough supplies (food, water, etc.) to stay home the next few days.
Designate a tornado "safe room" in your home in the event a Tornado Warning is issued
This room should be an interior room with no windows on the lowest level of your home.
Pay attention to local Radio/Television broadcasts and @AlertHouston for details on this event.
Actions to take if you are impacted:

If you are caught traveling in this rain, do not drive through areas of high water, flash flooding is very likely with this event, and you may be caught in a very dangerous situation. Turn Around, Don't Drown ®
If you are caught in rapidly rising flood water while driving, get out of your vehicle and seek higher ground immediately.
The City of Houston Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will continue monitoring this situation in consultation with the Harris County Flood Control District and the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston Forecast office and will provide updates through AlertHouston and on OEM Social Media Channels (Twitter and Facebook).

For updates on this situation, visit the City of Houston Emergency Information Site at houstontx.gov

[Texaspirate11]

FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HOUSTON/GALVESTON TX
937 AM CDT FRI OCT 23 2015

TXZ163-164-176>179-195>200-210>214-226-227-235>238-232245-
/O.NEW.KHGX.FF.A.0017.151024T1200Z-151026T1200Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
AUSTIN-BRAZORIA-BRAZOS-BURLESON-CHAMBERS-COLORADO-FORT BEND-
GALVESTON-GRIMES-HARRIS-HOUSTON-JACKSON-LIBERTY-MADISON-MATAGORDA-
MONTGOMERY-POLK-SAN JACINTO-TRINITY-WALKER-WALLER-WASHINGTON-
WHARTON-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ALVIN...ANAHUAC...ANGLETON...BAY CITY...
BELLVILLE...BRENHAM...BROOKSHIRE...BRYAN...CALDWELL...CLEVELAND...
COLDSPRING...COLLEGE STATION...COLUMBUS...CONROE...CORRIGAN...
CROCKETT...DAYTON...EAGLE LAKE...EDNA...EL CAMPO...FREEPORT...
FRIENDSWOOD...GALVESTON...GROVETON...HEMPSTEAD...HOUSTON...
HUMBLE...HUNTSVILLE...KATY...LAKE JACKSON...LAKE SOMERVILLE...
LEAGUE CITY...LIBERTY...LIVINGSTON...MADISONVILLE...
MISSOURI CITY...MONT BELVIEU...NAVASOTA...ONALASKA...PALACIOS...
PASADENA...PEARLAND...PIERCE...PRAIRIE VIEW...RICHMOND...
ROSENBERG...SEALY...SHEPHERD...SUGAR LAND...TEXAS CITY...
THE WOODLANDS...TOMBALL...TRINITY...WEIMAR...WHARTON...WILLIS...
WINNIE
937 AM CDT FRI OCT 23 2015

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN HOUSTON/GALVESTON HAS ISSUED A

* FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR A PORTION OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS...INCLUDING
THE FOLLOWING AUSTIN...BRAZORIA...BRAZOS...BURLESON...
CHAMBERS...COLORADO...FORT ...BEND...GALVESTON...GRIMES...
HARRIS...HOUSTON...JACKSON...LIBERTY...MADISON...MATAGORDA...
MONTGOMERY...POLK...SAN JACINTO...TRINITY...WALKER...WALLER...
WASHINGTON AND WHARTON.

* FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY MORNING

* WIDESPREAD HEAVY RAINFALL IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP AND SPREAD
ACROSS THE REGION. RAINFALL TOTALS OF 3 TO 5 INCHES WILL BE
WIDESPREAD AND SOME AREA OF RAINFALL MAY REACH 9 TO 12 INCHES.

* THE RAINFALL RATES SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY MAY EXCEED 3 INCH
PER HOUR RATES WHICH WILL EASILY LEAD TO STREET FLOODING. RIVER
AND BAYOU FLOODING WILL BE POSSIBLE WHERE THE HEAIVER AMOUNTS
CONCENTRATE. BY MONDAY MORNING THE HEAVIER RAINS MAY DEPART THE
AREA TO THE EAST BUT THE THREAT OF RIVER AND BAYOU FLOODING WILL
LINGER THROUGH THE DAY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD
TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION
SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.

&&

[Texaspirate11]

Happy Friday the 13th!
Here is something scary - our upcoming weather Monday and Tuesday of next week.
Please be weather aware and monitor the weather.
A potent storm from the Pacific is coming in -and it promises to be a doozy:
From our NWS

FOCUS FOR NEXT EVENT WITH SEVERE AND HEAVY RAINFALL/FLOODING WILL
BE IN THE MONDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY PERIOD. AT PRESENT IT APPEARS
THAT SETX WILL HAVE A THREAT OF SEVERE/STRONG THUNDERSTORMS
(WINDS/TORNADIC) IN A HIGH TO VERY HIGH SHEAR/LOW CAPE ENVIRONMENT
MONDAY AFTERNOON AND NIGHT TRANSITIONING TO HIGH EFFICIENCY HEAVY
RAIN THREAT WITH CONTINUED SEVERE TORNADIC TUESDAY MORNING. WIND
PROFILES ARE LOADED WITH SURFACE WINDS OF 15-20MPH SUSTAINED WINDS
AND LLJ OF 30-55 KNOTS. TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY GETS
VERY PROBLEMATIC WITH THE TRACK/SPEED OF THE UPPER TROUGH WHICH
MAY BE SLOWER THAN CURRENT MODEL CONSENSUS WHICH KEEPS A HEAVY
RAIN THREAT FOR THE EASTERN HALF OF THE REGION WELL INTO
WEDNESDAY. CONFIDENCE/AGREEMENT IN SOLUTIONS IS MODERATE THROUGH
TUESDAY BUT WEDNESDAY AND BEYOND IS LOW AT BEST

[Texaspirate11]

Heads up Friends for Late tonight - Tuesday

Wind profiles really increase in the 300am to noon time period with strong turning over the warm sector. High resolution models now showing more development of storms (possibly supercells) in the warm sector air mass and these storms will have a higher tornado potential. Linear forcing on surging cold front will develop a broken line of strong to severe thunderstorms across C TX between midnight and 600am with this line moving east across SE TX on Tuesday morning into the afternoon hours. Severe threat will transition from a higher tornado threat in the morning hours to damaging straight lines in the mid morning to mid afternoon hours. Current forecast as the front through much of the area by early to mid afternoon, but any slowing of the boundary and/or greater heating toward 80 degrees on Tuesday will result in a much more significant severe weather/tornado threat. Modest instability is the only factor keeping things from really getting out of control on Tuesday as wind profiles will be scary.

Moisture really ramps up this evening with surge of tropical air mass south of the warm front pouring into the region around sunset. Moisture level reach near record levels by late this evening and expect excessive rainfall in any of the stronger storms. A little more worried with models showing more warm sector development overnight now than yesterday which could add up rainfall totals prior to the main squall line reaching the area. Will maintain a solid 1-2 inches with isolated totals of 3-4 inches…much of which could fall in an hour or 2. Street flooding will be the main threats with the high hourly rainfall rates.

[Texaspirate11]

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all.
Looks like Mother Nature will crash many a' table this coming holiday.
Because of Tropical Storm Sandra (which may end up a Cat 2) hitting Mexico, Texas will get stuffed with heavy rains
and in the panhandle, snow/freezing temps... Dallas may see flooding rains - and Central and SE Tx will also get into
the action.
No matter where you may be this weekend, be it home, or away somewhere in Texas, please make
sure you monitor the weather.
Stay safe, be weather aware and be blessed with family and friends.

[Texaspirate11]

Well...here we are its the weekend AND another storm is about to take over.
Two systems actually. Saturday, the storm will come from the SW and tomorrow,
from the North....thank goodness for Football Season. These storms are coming in
then the COLD FRONT will be here

Please begin to monitor the weather beginning this Saturday afternoon as some areas could
experience heavy rains and winds with a possible tornado.

The cities around the Bay Area have cancelled their Outdoor Holiday events.
No boating for us as seas will be high.

Take care - and please be weather aware.
I hope you can see this awesome picture of a Lighthouse off the Coast of Oregon.
You can see EL NINO truly in affect out there. They are getting heavy rains, mudslides, hail
This picture is just amazing as the waves are thrashing the Tillamook Lighthouse.
The photographer had to brave the elements to get this shot.

[Texaspirate11]

I hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday Season.
A bit rainy for Christmas, but better than snow, huh?
(crickets......)


Again, I would like to thank the administrators for allowing me to have this platform
in keeping the Disability Community safe and educated throughout the year!

Have a safe and wonderful time this season.

Until 2016, Smooth sailing my friends.

[Texaspirate11]

Just came back from vacation and am so heartbroken over the devastating tornadoes.
While away, I did manage to help out some of those with disabilities who reached out and needed help.
IF you know of anyone in the devastated areas that need assistance, please PM me. I could definitely find
resources and equipment for them.

Lets pray for a quieter January.

[Texaspirate11]

WITH the historic snow storm which is about to hit the midatlantic states, I hope those with disabilities are prepared.
I have fielded several phone calls already from those with disabilities and they are in a panic.
They can't reach the organizations that can help them and they can't find shelters, as of yet.

This puts me in a bind. I'm not there. I can only suggest and give them tips on how to survive.
However, this also makes me shake my head.

It takes two to deal with disaster. The person affected and the responders/emergency managers and other organizations.

Both sides need to prepare and communicate.

I can't help you if you don't go out and buy a generator and you are electricity dependent. Breathing is a good thing.
You know what you need to lead an independent life and you know your disability better than anyone.
Planning for it, two days prior to storm won't work. Or, maybe you'll get lucky.

For those who run organizations that help the disabled telling them to call 911 in an emergency or when it gets bad, isn't preparedness. At all.

No matter how many times I educate the community on being prepared PRIOR to an event - like start in April for hurricane season in June- November, there are some that just wont do it, or can't, or think by magic, things will fall from the sky.....that would be the storm.
On the other hand, the advice I'm hearing that was given by organization to those that requested information, makes me very sad. And most grateful I live in Texas - where we ARE ready to act ...together.

So, what's the lesson with my rant?
GET PREPARED BEFORE THE SEASON.
If its hurricane season - prepare in Late Winter/Spring
If its a snow storm - Prepare in Late Summer/Fall.
We never know when a storm will hit or if it will - but I guarantee you eventually Mother Nature will make a house call.
Being prepared is so much more fun than panicking.....

God Speed to those in Jonas's way.

[Texaspirate11]

Its January and we've seen a major snow storm out East
And little Alex our subtropical...
Never too late to prepare so lets jump start this year with preparedness as a priority
Thanks to OKLA. Emergency Management for these awesome tips:
Bookmark and Share
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/info ... onal-needs

[Texaspirate11]

IF you live in Galveston, please sign up TODAY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



Register for the New “One Call Reaches All” Notification System

Receive Important City Alerts, Emergency Notifications


GALVESTON, TX (February 3, 2016) – The City of Galveston has implemented a new One Call Reaches All emergency notification system designed to effectively reach its citizens. This new system will provide all users not only with the ability to opt-in to receive a phone call, a text message, and/or an email in the event of an emergency, it will also provide a hotline where citizens may call in for timely updates.



All Galveston residents, business owners, and property owners are highly encouraged to register to ensure important notifications and emergency messages are received. Even if you were previously registered for this service, it is important that you re-register under the new system. Please keep both your username and password in a safe place so that you can easily update your contact information as needed.



Users now have the option to register multiple phone numbers and emails where they would like to receive important notifications from the City via a phone call, text message, and/or email message. The hotline is a new feature that will consist of pre-recorded messages detailing road closures, anticipated re-entry times, and other relevant information for those that opt-in to this service.



Register to Receive Emergency Alerts from the City of Galveston:



Please visit http://www.cityofgalveston.org and click on the One Call Reaches All button on the City's homepage to register. Please note all publicly listed telephone numbers have already been included in the system. Please note you may register additional phone numbers and email addresses. All information will be kept confidential and secure.



If you do not have internet access but would still like to register or if you have questions regarding the One Call Reaches All emergency notification system, please contact the Office of Emergency Management at (409) 765-3710 or the Office of Public Information at (409) 797-3546.



###

[Texaspirate11]

HELLO FRIENDS
Please mark you calendars for this upcoming event and help me SPREAD THE WORD.

COME LEARN about hurricane preparedness and how the life you save WILL be your own.

I'll see you there, right?

Stop by the City of Houston Commission for People with Disabilities Table and say hi
to the redhead - that's me!

I'd love to meet you and get your plan going......

Remember - just because you're disabled, you don't have to be a victim....

See y'all in May!

[Texaspirate11]

For Those that live in Galveston - please help them out, so the next disaster they can help YOU

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



City, County Conduct Point of Distribution Exercise Saturday, February 27th

Support Staff’s Training Exercise by Participating at Galveston Island Community Center


(GALVESTON, TX) February 23, 2016 – The City of Galveston and Galveston County will conduct a Point of Distribution exercise in conjunction with the Texas State Guard this Saturday, February 27th, from 9 AM to 11 AM at the Galveston Island Community Center. This mock emergency training provides staff with an opportunity to walk-through the process of efficiently distributing supplies from a centralized location in the event of an emergency.



In a real-life disaster, emergency personnel distribute supplies from a Point of Distribution (POD). PODs serve as a centralized location for the distribution of important supplies like food, water, and other necessities that are no longer easily accessible due to the damage of infrastructure. Saturday’s training is designed to test the City’s ability to support efforts within a POD. In this role play exercise, staff will be distributing ice and water as if potable water and ice are no longer readily available to the public.



To make this mock emergency exercise as realistic as possible, citizens are encouraged to participate by driving through the coned area at the Galveston Island Community Center to pick-up a complimentary case of water. This not only helps train staff to operate an efficient POD, it also allows the public to experience the scenario first hand. Please note water will be distributed on a first come, first served basis for as long as supplies last.



WHAT: Mock Emergency Point of Distribution (POD) Training Exercise



WHEN: Saturday, February 27th

9 AM to 11 AM



WHERE: Galveston Island Community Center

4700 Broadway, Galveston, TX



For more information about this training exercise, please contact the City’s Office of Emergency Management by calling (409) 765-3710 or visit us online at www.cityofgalveston.org.



###

[Texaspirate11]

HAPPY SUNDAY the 28th of February
Our weather has been glorious and not much to complain about this winter
YAY....

However, we are entering our "transitional" season of Winter to Spring
(Cold Air fighting Warm Air - in laymen's terms) and it could get dicey.

This week, our NWS will be bringing "SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS" and teaching
us how to stay safe and weather aware during tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.

Remember: Preparedness is not just for Hurricanes.

Please check daily on this forum under our SE Severe Weather Awareness blog
There will be tips and wonderful information for you and your family.
The Disability Community must start to be aware and prepared during Spring and Summer.

Enjoy this awesome weather today.

[Texaspirate11]

MY FRIENDS IN THE BLIND COMMUNITY AND LOW IMPACT WORLD:
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, April 30th 2016

I'll be speaking at this wonderful event at University of Houston "HAVIN" Fair/INSIGHT EXPO

My topic will be on How to Prepare For Hurricane Season.
It will be educational and entertaining - especially if it could SAVE YOUR LIFE!

I hope to see you there my friends

SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, April 30th 2016
At The University of Houston College of Optometry
Health and Biomedical Sciences Building
4811 Calhoun

April showers bring May flowers and April also brings


THE
Annual
INSIGHT EXPO 2016
THEME: ADVOCACY IN ACTION

A day of Sharing, Learning, and Discovery
for the
Blind and Low-Vision Community

Brought to you by

Houston Area Visually Impaired Network

Stay Tuned for More

[Texaspirate11]

Monday March 7th 2016

Hello Friends
Let's be weather aware and prepared!

The National Weather Service (NWS) says we can expect severe weather beginning Tuesday morning into Wednesday. The main threats include heavy rain, isolated tornadoes and strong winds.

Flooding
Heavy rain falling quickly over the area will likely cause street and flash flooding.

Houston residents should be prepared for heavy rain and flooding over this period, and should take steps to prepare now. This includes:

Paying attention to local weather forecasts.
Make sure you have what you need ahead of time, so you can limit the need to travel on Tuesday.
Ensure you have sufficient flashlights and batteries in case electricity is knocked out by storms.
If a Flash Flood Warning is issued for your area:
Avoid low-lying areas, especially near bayous and low-lying streets.
Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
Do not walk through flooded areas. Manhole covers can become dislodged and cause a dangerous situation, and fast-moving water can knock a person over very quickly.
Strong Winds
In addition to heavy rain, severe thunderstorms may produce isolated tornadoes and straight line winds.

If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area:
Put on sturdy shoes and long pants
Seek shelter immediately in an interior room on the lowest floor possible.
Listen for official information from NOAA Weather Radio or local broadcasts.
Don't Wait. Communicate.
Make sure you stay informed not only about changing conditions, but the impact this storm system may have on schools, businesses and services in your area. Talk with your employer about their emergency plan, and also make sure you have a way to hear about any service or school closures which may occur because of this storm.

Make sure you have a family emergency communication plan - to help ensure that your family can in touch during severe weather. Tips are available from ready.gov

[Texaspirate11]

We got a Spring Storm coming thru - 3/18
Be safe and weather aware

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued March 18 at 6:44PM CDT until March 18 at 7:30PM CDT by NWS Houston - GalvestonTHE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LEAGUE CITY HAS ISSUED A * SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR... HARRIS COUNTY IN SOUTHEASTERN TEXAS... NORTHWESTERN GALVESTON COUNTY IN SOUTHEASTERN TEXAS... NORTH CENTRAL BRAZORIA COUNTY IN SOUTHEASTERN TEXAS... EAST CENTRAL FORT BEND COUNTY IN SOUTHEASTERN TEXAS... * UNTIL 730 PM CDT * AT 643 PM CDT...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED OVER SOUTH PARK... OR NEAR MACGREGOR...MOVING SOUTHEAST AT 5 MPH. HAZARD...60 MPH WIND GUSTS AND QUARTER SIZE HAIL. SOURCE...RADAR INDICATED. IMPACT...HAIL DAMAGE TO VEHICLES IS EXPECTED. EXPECT WIND DAMAGE TO ROOFS...SIDING...AND TREES. * LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE... PASADENA...PEARLAND...NORTHERN FRIENDSWOOD...LA PORTE...DEER PARK... ALVIN...SOUTH HOUSTON...BELLAIRE...WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE...NORTHWESTERN SEABROOK...GALENA PARK...JACINTO CITY...WEBSTER...MANVEL...PINEY POINT VILLAGE...ASTRODOME AREA...CLEAR LAKE...GREATER FIFTH WARD...NEARTOWN / MONTROSE AND GREATER HOBBY AREA. HAIL...1.00IN WIND...60MPHFOR YOUR PROTECTION MOVE TO AN INTERIOR ROOM ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF A BUILDING. LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WINDS AND CONTINUOUS CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING IS OCCURRING WITH THIS STORM. MOVE INDOORS IMMEDIATELY. LIGHTNING IS ONE OF NATURE`S LEADING KILLERS. REMEMBER...IF YOU CAN HEAR THUNDER...YOU ARE CLOSE ENOUGH TO BE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING. TORRENTIAL RAINFALL IS OCCURRING WITH THIS STORM...AND MAY LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING. DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE THROUGH FLOODED ROADWAYS.Brazoria; Fort Bend; Galveston; Harris

[Texaspirate11]

Hello Friends
We have as of today, April 14th, 47 days left until the beginning of Hurricane Season 2016.
From today onward, you will begin to hear meteorologists and forecasters "predict" the season.
For example, Colorado State University (headed by Dr Phil Klotzbach) came out with their forecast.
"NORMAL SEASON with 12 named, 5 hurricanes, 2 major. (cat 3, 4, 5)
Later on, others will come out with their views. National Hurricane Season will have theirs in May.

So, what does all this mean? Who should you listen too? Some say Normal year, some may say Above Average.

Remember this IT ONLY TAKES ONE. No matter if it's an El Nino or La Nina or La Nada...The Gulf of Mexico really
doesn't care. But, you need too.

Don't let your preparedness guard down because you equate Normal with Nothing.

Those with disabilities and the Elderly should begin to communicate with family, friends or however you
define your support group.

Within the next couple of weeks, we will build upon our plan. Together.

Don't forget SATURDAY MAY 21st at the George R. Brown is our READY OR NOT Hurricane Expo HALL A-3 from 10 to 3:00
I hope to see you there.

http://www.khou.com/news/forecasters-pr ... /132889661

[Texaspirate11]

Here is some wonderful information for Texans.
April 23-25th Is a Sales Tax Holiday on Emergency Preparedness Items
NOW is the time to buy it.

Hope everyone stays safe during this rainy week.

Link:
http://www.alicetx.com/article/20160413/NEWS/160419781

There’s no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase. These include:

•batteries, fuel containers, and flashlights priced at less than $75;
•hurricane shutters and emergency ladders priced at less than $300; and
•portable generators priced at less than $3,000.

Purchases that do not qualify include:

•batteries for automobiles, boats and other motorized vehicles;
•camping stoves and camping supplies; and
•chainsaws.