Austin City Council Proclaims September as National Preparedness Month

Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. Austinites have to work together, as a team, to ensure that individuals, families, and communities are ready. During National Preparedness Month (NPM), the City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management encourages individuals and families to take steps now to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities. We must prepare to become a “Disaster Ready Austin” this year’s theme is:

• Make a plan
• Get a kit
• Stay informed
• Know your neighbors

For immediate release

MEDIA ADVISORY

Public and Media invited inside Homeland Security facility for National Preparedness Month Open House

WHO: Austin Homeland Security and Emergency Management and city and county public safety agencies join together to better inform the community during National Preparedness Month 2010 activities.

WHAT: Austin Homeland Security and Emergency Management will host its 2^nd Annual Public Safety Open House; this is the one time every year media and the public are allowed in the secure facility.  September marks National Preparedness Month 2010, the seventh year of a nationwide coordinated effort encouraging families to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. Attendees will learn concrete steps on preparing their families, businesses and communities for emergencies and disasters. Families will climb aboard public safety vehicles, evacuate a smoke house, see the Emergency Operation Center, among other activities. 

WHEN: Sept. 18, 10:00 a.m –1:00 p.m.  

 WHERE: Combined Transportation, Emergency and Communications Center (CTECC), 5010 Old Manor Road; Austin, Texas 78723  

 WHY: Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. Individuals are encouraged to: put together an emergency supply kit; make a family emergency plan; be prepared to help your neighbor; and work as a team to keep everyone safe. Austin HSEM encourages our community to be better prepared and invites community members to attend its 2^nd Annual Public Safety Open House to learn how.

PARKING: Public parking will not be available at the HSEM facility, however there is parking at Bartholomew Park Pool and a courtesy shuttle will transport people to the facility. 

For more information contact Austin HSEM at 512-974-0450  

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Extreme heat in Central Texas

As we enter our hottest time of the year, the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department offers the following tips people can take for themselves, others and for pets in hot weather to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

• Stay in shaded areas and avoid the sun.
• Wear light clothing and a hat.
• Never leave another person or an animal in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, but avoid beverages that contain alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar.

• Take advantage of the cooling power of water. Fill buckets or basins and soak your feet. Wet towels and bandanas can have a cooling effect when placed on the shoulders or head. Take cool showers or baths, and consider using a spray bottle filled with cold water to cool off throughout the day.

• Plan strenuous outdoor activities for early or late in the day when temperatures are lower.
• Take frequent breaks when working outdoors.
• If you are aware of elderly, more vulnerable people in your neighborhood check on them to see if they need additional assistance.
• Allow your pet to stay inside in air-conditioned comfort during the heat of the day. If that’s not possible, make sure your pet always has access to shade and plenty of fresh, cool water. Never leave an animal in a closed, parked vehicle.
• At the first signs of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps), seek a cooler location, rest for a few minutes and slowly drink a cool beverage. Seek medical attention immediately if conditions do not improve.

To learn more about the effects of extreme heat and how to stay safe this summer visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website:http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp.

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City of Austin Hazard Mitigation Plan Update: Maintaining a Safe, Secure and Sustainable Community (Draft Plan).

• Cover
• Table of Contents
• Section 1 - Introduction
• Section 2 - Planning Process
• Section 3 - Community Profile
• Section 4 - Hazard Identification
• Section 5 - Hazard Profiles
• Section 6 - Vulnerability Assessment
• Section 7 - Capability Assessment
• Section 8 - Mitigation Strategy
• Section 9 - Mitigation Actions
• Section 10 - Plan Maintenance

Appendices*

• Appendix A
• Appendix B
• Appendix F

*Appendices C, D and E are for Official Use Only and may be exempt from public release under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). 

February 18 Airplane Crash Incident Information

Incident Update 9:50 a.m. CST Feb. 19, 2010 Re: Plane Crash at 9400 block of Research Blvd.

Incident Update 9:50 p.m. CST Feb. 18, 2010 Re: Plane Crash at 9400 block of Research Blvd.

Incident Update 8:50 p.m. CST Feb. 18, 2010 Re: Plane Crash at 9400 block of Research Blvd.

Incident Update 7:50 p.m. CST Feb. 18, 2010 Re: Plane Crash at 9400 block of Research Blvd.

Incident Update 7:11 p.m. CST Feb. 18, 2010 Re: Plane Crash at 9400 block of Research Blvd.

Incident Update 5:50 p.m. CST Feb. 18, 2010 Re: Plane Crash at 9400 block of Research Blvd.

Incident Update 5:00 p.m. CST Feb. 18, 2010 Re: Plane Crash at 9400 block of Research Blvd.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the FBI Command Post at 210-650-6199

Media Advisory Re: Plane Crash at 9400 block of Research Blvd.

Twitter photo of crash and fire

Report Bogus Charitable Solicitations

From the start of a disaster recovery operation through the end, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) take the issue of fraud and abuse very seriously and continue to urge Texans to report any suspicious activities. Find out more HERE.