Prepare4 Public Safety Information

Super Security at this Year's Superbowl

2011-02-05T13:08:00.000-08:00

1. Vantage points in the Stadium's rafters for Law Enforcement Snipers.
2. Radiological detectors for possible "Dirty Bombs"(10 hits at last year's SB-all were medical isotopes).
3. Multiple entrances for faster evacuation.
4. 30 mile radius of restricted airspace.

Here's What to Look For - Before the Roof Collapses to the Floor!

2011-02-05T09:32:00.000-08:00

Over 90 buildings (so far) in Massachusetts have collapsed under the stress of Snow and Ice accumulating on rooftops.

Do you live in an area affected by the recent winter storms?

Take a moment to stop, look and listen. Your commercial building, apartment or house may be telling you something.

Don't let your roof become your new floor!
Here's What to Look For

Homeowners and business owners should be mindful of the risk of personal injury to themselves and occupants before removing snow from roofs. A contractor could be helpful in assessing the need for snow removal. Most tree removal companies will do snow removal from roofs.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Be on the alert for large accumulating snow build-up or snowdrifts on your roofs. If roof snow can be removed with the use of a snow rake (available at most hardware stores), do so. Use caution, as metal snow rakes conduct electricity if they come into contact with a power line.

WARNING SIGNS OF A POTENTIAL ROOF COLLAPSE

Prior to a roof collapse, buildings generally exhibit signs that the roof is in distress and action should be taken to mitigate a roof collapse. The following are some of the symptoms that have been reported prior to roof failure:

Sagging roof steel – visually deformed
Severe roof leaks
Cracked or split wood members
Bends or ripples in metal supports
Cracks in walls or masonry
Cracks in welds of steel construction
Sheared off screws from steel frames
Sprinkler heads pushed down below ceiling tiles
Water in ponds where it never has not formed ponds before
Doors that pop open
Doors or windows that are difficult to open
Bowed utility pipes or conduit attached at ceiling
Creaking, cracking or popping sounds

TIPS FOR SNOW REMOVAL FROM ROOFS

Try to void working from ladders, as ladder rungs tend to ice up. Snow and ice collect on boot soles, and metal ladders.
Flat roofs can be shoveled clear, but only if it is determined that the roof is safe to stand upon. Exercise care when on the roof to avoid potentially dangerous falls.
Flat roof drainage systems should be kept clear to minimize the risk of excess roof ponding in the event of subsequent heavy rainfall or melting.
Large icicles can form on roof overhangs, but do not necessarily mean ice damming is occurring. Icicles overhanging doorways and walkways can be dangerous and should be carefully removed.
All of the mentioned actions should only be performed by able-bodied adults, as the snow is heavy, and roofs and other surfaces may be slippery. Protective headgear and eye protection is recommended.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT AN IMMINENT ROOF COLLAPSE

Evacuate the Building Immediately!
Call 911 from a safe location.

Raw Video: Australia Flood Damage - 9News Australia

2011-01-13T05:37:00.000-08:00

Select Here to View Video

9News Video Landing Page: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/video.aspx

Australia Floods 2011-Social Media Connects People and Places During a Disaster

2011-01-13T05:16:00.000-08:00

Select Here to View Video

9News Video Landing Page:http://news.ninemsn.com.au/video.aspx

9News Australia Facebook Page:http://www.facebook.com/9News

Watch Live Blizzard Coverage in Boston, MA - WCVB-TV5

2011-01-12T05:30:00.000-08:00

Select Here to View Live Blizzard Coverage

Updates, Advisories, Closings, Weather Forecast and More

Raw Video: Aerial Footage of Queensland, Australia Flooding - 9News Australia

2011-01-11T05:55:00.000-08:00

Select to View Video

9 News Video Landing Page: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/video.aspx

Emergency Management Australia http://www.ema.gov.au/

Raw Video: Helicopter Rescues Stranded Flood Victims - 9News Australia

2011-01-11T05:46:00.000-08:00

Select to Play the Video

9 News Video Landing Page:http://news.ninemsn.com.au/video.aspx

Emergency Management Australia:http://www.ema.gov.au/

Grantham, Australia Affected by Inland Tsunami - 9News Australia

2011-01-11T05:36:00.000-08:00

9 News Australia Video Landing Page:http://news.ninemsn.com.au/video.aspx
Emergency Management Australia:http://www.ema.gov.au/

Witness Describes the Scene in Tucson - How He and Others Tackled the Suspect

2011-01-11T05:03:00.000-08:00

CNN Video Landing Page: http://www.cnn.com/video/

State and Federal Officials to Survey Storm Damage in San Diego-KFMB-TV8

2011-01-07T05:15:00.001-08:00

Select Link for Video Landing Page: http://www.cbs8.com/global/category.asp?c=155799&clipId=&topVideoCatNo=149659&topVideoCatNoB=155712&topVideoCatNoC=155713&topVideoCatNoD=155710&topVideoCatNoE=155711&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=5443527

SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - The County of San Diego has paved the way to get emergency money from the state and federal governments. The county estimates that there are more than $6 million in damage.

State and federal officials are expected to look at that damage Wednesday. Heavy rains caused flooding, which created sinkholes, mudslides and potholes.

News 8's Adrienne Moore files this video report with the latest on where the funds could go.

High Spirits Found in The High Flood Waters of Australia

2011-01-06T20:15:00.001-08:00

Australians hit by the floods in Queensland are hailed for their positive spirit in adversity

Making a Difference at 35,000FT - Passengers Foil Turkish Hijack-Reuters

2011-01-06T20:08:00.000-08:00

Police arrest a would-be hijacker at Istanbul airport after passengers overpower the man on a Turkish air flight. Simon Hanna reports.

North County San Diego Firefighters Train at Abandoned Military Housing-KFMB-TV8 San Diego

2011-01-06T19:53:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, North County fire agencies took part in several fire drills inside abandoned military housing on Camp Pendleton.

In this News 8 video story, photojournalist Charlie Landon shows us how this valuable training will help firefighters.

Video Landing Page: http://www.cbs8.com/Global/story.asp?S=13799603

Driving While Drowsy - Waking Up to This Danger

2011-01-06T05:25:00.000-08:00

ABC News Video
ABC News: http://abcnews.go.com

30 Second Interviews about Drowsy Driving.

How to Recognize the Signs, What to do and More.

Difficult Driving Conditions:
Drowsy Driving

These interviews were conducted with Reed Berry "The Traffic Guy"
http://www.reedberry.com/

USFA Firefighter Safe Operations in Abandoned Buildings - Video & Information Toolbox

2011-01-04T21:45:00.001-08:00

Video: ABC7 Chicago News Story : http://abclocal.go.com/wls/index

The recent double firefighter fatality fire in Chicago, the eight civilian fatality fire in New Orleans, and two other recent building collapses in Buffalo, NY and Washington, DC resulting in firefighter injuries stress the importance of safe operations in abandoned buildings.

These events serve as an impetus for the U.S. Fire Administration to highlight and share with you materials designed to raise awareness of the risks and offer suggestions for addressing the dangers associated with vacant and abandoned buildings. Please share this information with community officials and operations personnel so we might prevent another tragedy.

· Abandoned Cold Storage Warehouse Multi-Firefighter Fatality Fire (Worcester, Massachusetts) (PDF)

· Intentionally Set Fires (PDF)

· Vacant Residential Building Fires (PDF)

· Coffee Break Training: Abandoned Buildings (PDF)

· Board-Up Procedures (PDF)

· Abandoned Building Project Toolbox

Health Minute Video: Warnings on What to do to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. CNN/KOVR-TV13

2011-01-03T19:28:00.000-08:00

A Closer Look at Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:

http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/12/28/a-closer-look-at-carbon-monoxide-poisoning/?iref=allsearch

CNN: http://www.cnn.com

KOVR-TV13 Sacremento: http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/

American Lung Association-Carbon Monoxide Indoors:

http://www.lungusa.org/healthy-air/home/resources/carbon-monoxide-indoors.html

A 3.6M EQ Rattles Homes North East of England, UK - SkyNews UK

2011-01-03T18:28:00.001-08:00

British Geological Society (BGS): http://www.bgs.ac.uk/

Articl and Video Landing Page Link:
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Earthquake-Of-36-In-North-Of-England-Centred-North-West-Of-Ripon-In-North-Yorkshire/Article/201101115879004?lpos=UK_News_Carousel_Region_2&lid=ARTICLE_15879004_Earthquake_Of_3.6_In_North_Of_England%2C_Centred_North-West_Of_Ripon_In_North_Yorkshire

Article & Video: Supply Drops to Flooded NE Coast of Australia - Sky News

2011-01-03T06:21:00.000-08:00

Article and Video Landing Page Link:
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Australia-Floods-Military-Planes-Fly-Supplies-As-Rockhampton-Residents-Evacuate-And-Another-Dies/Article/201101115878604?lpos=World_News_News_Your_Way_Region_3&lid=NewsYourWay_ARTICLE_15878604_Australia_Floods%3A_Military_Planes_Fly_Supplies_As_Rockhampton_Residents_Evacuate_And_Another_Dies_

Australia Floodwaters Still Rising-Reports & Videos from CBC News

2011-01-02T20:55:00.000-08:00

CBC News Article:
http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2011/01/02/australia-floodwaters.html

Australia Flood Disaster - Video: More than 20 Australian communities now either cut off or slipping beneath the flood waters.
http://www.cbc.ca/video/player.html?category=News&zone=world&site=cbc.news.ca&clipid=1718835785

Water Still Rising in Australia- Video: The premier of Queensland, Australia, Anna Bligh, tells CBC News that centers have been established to help people forced from their homes by flooding.
http://www.cbc.ca/video/player.html?category=News&zone=world&site=cbc.news.ca&clipid=1718629902

Fuerte réplica se Sintió en Regiones de Biobío y Araucanía. 24 Horas Noticias

2011-01-02T20:23:00.000-08:00

24Horas Noticias: http://www.24horas.cl

NE. Australia-Emerald, Queensland. Emerald Flood Worsens-Relief Effort Begins SkyNews-AU

2011-01-01T19:05:00.000-08:00

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://video.news.com.au/1716499994/Emerald-crisis-worsens-as-army-moves-in"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;VIDEO: Emerald crisis worsens as army moves in&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

ABC News - Australia "Queensland Flood": http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/01/01/3104836.htm

Live Streaming Flood Updates on ABC local radio: http://www.abc.net.au/brisbane/programs/webcam_radio.htm?layout=popup

Current Weather Warnings: http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/

Australian Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org.au/ourservices_acrossaustralia_disasteremergencyservices_Queensland-floods-2010.htm

More Information and Advisory links:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/01/01/3104836.htm

Aerial View of Tornado damage - KATV-TV7 Arkansas

2011-01-01T18:06:00.000-08:00

Video Landing Page:

http://www.katv.com/global/category.asp?c=189703&clipId=5430135&topVideoCatNo=189702&autoStart=true

KATV-TV7: http://www.katv.com

Prepare4 Blog, "Tornado Alley" - http://ctem.blogspot.com/2007/03/tornado-alley.html

Puerto Rico tembló más de 1,600 veces en el 2010

2010-12-31T22:55:00.000-08:00

Artículo Original:
http://www.hispano.com/2010/12/30/puerto-rico-temblo-mas-de-1600-veces-en-el-2010/

Noticias - http://www.hispano.com/

Online Puerto Rico Seismic Network en Inglés y Español (RED Sismica):
http://redsismica.uprm.edu/

SAN JUAN- En el 2010 América Latina y el Caribe fueron testigos de grandes movimientos telúricos y Puerto Rico no fue excepción. La Red Sísmica de la Isla reportó 1,671 temblores hasta el 29 de diciembre.

Sin embargo no es el año con mayor número de sismo registrados, en el 2009 la tierra se movió 2,739, lo que representa una diferencia de1,068 temblores. Lo que este año cambió según la geóloga Lillian Soto, fue el número de terremotos sentidos por las personas; en este año 68 movimientos fueron reportados como sentidos y en 2009 sólo 23 de ellos.

“En noviembre tuvimos eventos de enjambre. Varios sismos se sintieron y estuvieron ubicados en la región conocida como la Falla de los 19 grados, al norte del País”, señaló Soto en entrevista con el periódico El Nuevo Día.

En diciembre solamente se han reportado en la Isla 80 movimientos telúricos, de los cuales sólo siete han sido sentidos por los puertorriqueños. El último sismo y de mayor magnitud tuvo lugar el pasado 24 de diciembre durante Nochebuena, fue un temblor de magnitud de 5.4 en la escala de Richter y su epicentro se ubicó en el municipio de Aguas Buenas.

Ninguno de los sismos provocó grandes daños o pérdida de vida humana, tampoco representaron peligro de tsunami para la Isla.

Increasing Threat of TerrorismKnow What To Do

2010-12-30T14:25:00.000-08:00

Recognizing the 8 Signs of Terrorism

Additional Links and Information:
Recognize the 8 signs of terrorism - A video produced by The Cell in partnership with the Governor's Office of Homeland Security, Department of Agriculture and the Colorado Information Analysis Center - Hosted by John Elway

Video Landing Page: http://thecell.org/wp/8-signs-of-terrorism-video/

Report Suspicious Activity: Dial 9-1-1

The Cell-Terrorism Information and Prevention Resource for the Public, Media and Educators:
http://www.thecell.org/

Colorado Information Analysis Center (CIAC): https://www.ciac.co.gov/

Dept of Homeland Security-Counterterrorism: http://www.dhs.gov/files/counterterrorism.shtm

Disclaimer: "I have no claim on this video. All rights reserved by copyright owners"

Heavy Rain Triggers Massive Phone Outage - KNX1070AM Los Angeles Podcast

2010-12-30T10:51:00.000-08:00

Heavy Rain Triggers Massive Phone Outage - Select to Read and listen to the news story

New Year's Eve Fire Warning for Southern Australia - Australian News

2010-12-30T07:27:00.000-08:00

View Larger Map

Select the link below to check the Fire Danger in your District:
http://www.bom.gov.au/sa/forecasts/firedanger.shtml

Read the story:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/12/30/3103930.htm

July 7, 2010 The Nation's Power Grid - Sweating it Out During a Heat Wave

2010-07-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

A brief history of a power grid strained beyond it's capacity.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

July 5, 2010 Gulf Oil Spoil Damaging More Than the Environment

2010-07-06T16:38:00.000-07:00

Gulf oil spill takes emotional toll on residents - Mental health experts say growing anxiety over the Gulf oil leak is taking a toll on those who make a living on its waters.

NBC's Kerry Sanders reports from Louisiana. - Prepare4 Media NBC News Clip

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

July 6, 2010 Weather Threatens Gulf of Mexico Region

2010-07-06T16:19:00.000-07:00

Cyclone Strength Storm, A tropical wave in the eastern Caribbean south of the Gulf Region.
As the Northeast heats up the heat is on to speed up the oil recovery efforts in the Gulf before the next storm disrupts the area.
Prepare4 Media edited NBC Nightly News Clip

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

July 5, 2010 Northeast Braces for Heat Wave-Midwest for Potential Severe Storms and Flooding

2010-07-05T15:03:00.000-07:00

Prepare4 Media Edited Clip from July 5, 2010 NBC Nightly News Segment with Kevin Tibbles

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Are You Covered?, Get Informed Before the Next Storm

2010-01-26T14:58:00.000-08:00

Your Home
“Am I covered for that?” Many were asking themselves that question last week while the rain and trees were falling on county roads and homes. Some storms cause damage to our property AND our wallets so as you are filling up those sandbags fill out an insurance policy that will cover and protect you from storm damage.

The Calm before the Storm
“Sure, I’m calm I’ve got home owners insurance and that covers everything!” Well, your homeowner’s insurance policy does cover many of the everyday risks a homeowner faces but surface water damage caused by the rain entering through the hole in the roof is not covered, this type of damage along with damage caused by flood waters needs to be addressed by a separate surface water/flood policy.

A word to the wise:

If you live down slope from a recently burned out area you may want to take out a flood insurance policy. Burn areas do not have the vegetation needed to hold the hill together therefore water and other debris will rush down unabated onto property and into your house.

“In the Flooded Plains”

If you know that you live in a flood plain (Tijuana River Basin, Mission Valley-San Diego River Area, etc) you also know that you can get flood insurance.

But what if you don’t know? Please find out.

There are a number of resources you can go to for information, you can ask your insurance agent or broker, the Federal Government sponsors the website, www.floodsmart.gov. This site will give you information about flooding, flood risks, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), preparation and recovery, maps, etc.

Know before the flood waters flow!
Get Storm Ready
Being storm ready also means that you are “claim ready”.
Most insurance companies suggest that you take pictures or better yet a video of your entire house, inside and out, and it is recommended that you do this every two or three years. If you don’t have pictures or video do you have receipts, serial numbers or other documents proving ownership of the items that you have listed on your claim? If your claim states that your 3 - 42 inch plasma televisions were destroyed by the tree that landed in your living room they will ask you to provide some sort of proof. Being claim ready is also helpful when other “storms” occur such as a house fire, burglary, wildland fire or earthquake.
Now, once you have made your Claim Ready file store a copy of it off-site like in a safety deposit box or somewhere where it will be safe, secure and easily accessible because even if your home is destroyed your documents won’t be.

Your SUV is not a USV (Underwater Submersible Vehicle)

If you decide to drive around DPW barricades warning of flooded roads or through water of an unknown depth get ready to be chest deep into trouble. If you have comprehensive auto insurance you will be covered for the damage and the cost of “fishing” your vehicle out of the water. Depending on your insurance company this “stupidity factor” may or may not raise your premiums but it certainly will put your agent on notice in regards to your driving. You have liability only? well, better invest in a USV.

Garaged Vehicles

Make sure that the '65 Ford Mustang that you are restoring to cherry like condition for rolls down El Cajon Boulevard on a July evening has its own comprehensive insurance policy, running or not! Homeowners insurance will not cover damage to the car if the tree that is in your living room entered by way of the garage.

Before the Next Storm

So now you have been informed

That before the next storm

Take a moment and see

If you are covered by the right insurance policy.

" Two Feet and Rising!"

2009-03-22T16:52:00.000-07:00

Flooding & Flash Flood

National Flood Safety Awareness week at FloodSmart.Gov (March 15-22, 2009) has just passed but it looks like we need to be aware for a little while longer.

Turn Around, Don't drown!

Floods & Flash Flooding - On the surface the river of water may look calm but the power lies beneath the surface.
If you are ever swept into the water (may that never happen) look for something to grab on to or float with, look for a way out! Remember it ain't over until the water buffalo sings.

Trapped in a car? Look for away out. Ships float, Cars don't!

Flood Facts that will Move You

Flash floods are the top weather-related killer in the U.S.

6 inches of swift flowing water will knock you off your feet.

18 inches of swift flowing water will effectively move your car...down the road.

View a 30 Second Swift Water Public Service Announcement

Having trouble viewing this video?

Tune in to Prepare4's Channel on YouTube

Garbagemen, Our Everyday Heroes!

2009-03-18T00:34:00.000-07:00

What? Garbagemen? Absolutely!

Garbagemen keep our cities and towns clean, free of disease and other unwelcome things.

Unable to walk
because your sidewalk is blocked.

Unable to play
because the ground has turned a muddy gray.

What is that water in your cup?

Brown and floating with gunk?

Your garbageman allows you to enjoy the smells of spring,
without the odor enhancement of other things.

So the next time you see the man,
picking up that garbage can.

Give a smile and say thank you
because it's with determination that he deals with the stank and goo.

P.S. They even go the extra mile by attaching a snowplow to their machine
to keep the streets clear and clean.

Thank you guys for your hard work!

Prepare4 Public Safety Information

Super Security at this Year's Superbowl

1. Vantage points in the Stadium's rafters for Law Enforcement Snipers.2. Radiological detectors for possible "Dirty Bombs"(10 hits at last year's SB-all were medical isotopes).3. Multiple entrances for faster evacuation.4. 30 mile radius of restricted airspace.

Here's What to Look For - Before the Roof Collapses to the Floor!

Raw Video: Australia Flood Damage - 9News Australia

Australia Floods 2011-Social Media Connects People and Places During a Disaster

Watch Live Blizzard Coverage in Boston, MA - WCVB-TV5

Raw Video: Aerial Footage of Queensland, Australia Flooding - 9News Australia

Raw Video: Helicopter Rescues Stranded Flood Victims - 9News Australia

Grantham, Australia Affected by Inland Tsunami - 9News Australia

Witness Describes the Scene in Tucson - How He and Others Tackled the Suspect

State and Federal Officials to Survey Storm Damage in San Diego-KFMB-TV8

High Spirits Found in The High Flood Waters of Australia

Making a Difference at 35,000FT - Passengers Foil Turkish Hijack-Reuters

North County San Diego Firefighters Train at Abandoned Military Housing-KFMB-TV8 San Diego

Driving While Drowsy - Waking Up to This Danger

USFA Firefighter Safe Operations in Abandoned Buildings - Video & Information Toolbox

Health Minute Video: Warnings on What to do to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. CNN/KOVR-TV13

A 3.6M EQ Rattles Homes North East of England, UK - SkyNews UK

Article & Video: Supply Drops to Flooded NE Coast of Australia - Sky News

Australia Floodwaters Still Rising-Reports & Videos from CBC News

Fuerte réplica se Sintió en Regiones de Biobío y Araucanía. 24 Horas Noticias

NE. Australia-Emerald, Queensland. Emerald Flood Worsens-Relief Effort Begins SkyNews-AU

Aerial View of Tornado damage - KATV-TV7 Arkansas

Puerto Rico tembló más de 1,600 veces en el 2010

Increasing Threat of TerrorismKnow What To Do

Heavy Rain Triggers Massive Phone Outage - KNX1070AM Los Angeles Podcast

New Year's Eve Fire Warning for Southern Australia - Australian News

July 7, 2010 The Nation's Power Grid - Sweating it Out During a Heat Wave

July 5, 2010 Gulf Oil Spoil Damaging More Than the Environment

July 6, 2010 Weather Threatens Gulf of Mexico Region

July 5, 2010 Northeast Braces for Heat Wave-Midwest for Potential Severe Storms and Flooding

Are You Covered?, Get Informed Before the Next Storm

" Two Feet and Rising!"

Garbagemen, Our Everyday Heroes!

1. Vantage points in the Stadium's rafters for Law Enforcement Snipers.
2. Radiological detectors for possible "Dirty Bombs"(10 hits at last year's SB-all were medical isotopes).
3. Multiple entrances for faster evacuation.
4. 30 mile radius of restricted airspace.