This week is also a week to celebrate the Salvation Army! Salvation Army Week was first declared by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954. In his speech, President Eisenhower noted,

“Among Americans, the Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of human brotherhood. In time of war, the men and women of this organization have brought to those serving their country far from home, friendliness and warm concern. In the quieter days of peace, their work has been a constant reminder to us all that each of us is neighbor and kin to all Americans. Giving freely of themselves, the men and women of the Salvation Army have won the respect of us all.”

To see yet another way the Salvation Army has impacted your life, watch this short video and remember to thank our area Salvation Army members for being a part of the organization that brought us doughnuts!

In recognition of National Police Week, we at Richland County Emergency Management would like to thank our area officers for your willingness to serve the Richland County community and for your dedication to protecting the community during emergencies. We’re proud to partner with you to ensure our area remains safe when disaster strikes.

For more information on how Police and Emergency Management work together, see this article from The Police Chief magazine written by FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate: http://www.policechiefmagazine.org/magazine/index.cfm?fuseaction=display&article_id=3007&issue_id=82013

NOAA Emergency Radios Save Lives

“Listen, Act and Live!”

Do you have an emergency weather radio? It could save your life.

May 4, 2016 is NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards Awareness Day in Wisconsin. The campaign encourages people to own a NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards. It provides a 24-hour source of weather forecasts, watches, warnings, and non-weather emergency information from the National Weather Service and its parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

“The early warning of possible danger gives you and your family time to act and stay safe.” says Brian Satula, Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator. Satula adds, “Listen, Act and Live! Listen to the weather radio warnings and take action right away. You’ll have a much better chance of surviving the disaster.”

NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, with an alarm and battery back-up, is one of the best ways to protect your family, especially at night when the alarm feature can wake you up during severe weather and give you and your family time to seek appropriate shelter. If there is no severe weather or emergency your radio can be switched to a silent, stand-by mode.

Weather radios come in many sizes, with a variety of functions and costs. They can be purchased at most electronic and home improvement stores. Most weather radio receivers are either battery-operated portables or AC-powered desktop models with battery backup. The portable weather radios are an important item to take along when you are enjoying the outdoors such as camping and boating. Many receivers have digital technology called Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) that allows users to program their radios to alarm only for hazardous conditions that affect their county.

For additional information about weather radios including real life stories of Wisconsin residents who survived a tornado thanks to the early warning from a NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, go to http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/tornado/survivors.asp.

ReadyWisconsin is a campaign from Wisconsin Emergency Management with a mission to prepare individuals, families and businesses for emergencies and disasters. For additional safety tips, visit http://ReadyWisconsin.wi.gov  or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Despite laws to prevent distracted driving, too many motorists still talk and text on cell phones while behind the wheel. They eat a meal. They rummage for things on the seats, floor, dashboard or other compartments. They even stare intently in the rearview mirror to comb their hair or apply make-up. Because they’re not paying attention to traffic conditions and road hazards, distracted drivers drastically increase their risks of causing a crash or failing to avoid one.
Although many multi-tasking activities can cause distracted driving, talking and texting on cell phones have received significant public and legislative attention. In November 2012, a state law went into effect that prohibits drivers with an instruction permit or probationary license, which includes many teenagers, from “using a cellular or other wireless telephone except to report an emergency” while driving. A previously enacted state law made texting while driving illegal for all motorists.
Remember what’s at stake.

On National Stress Awareness Day and the rest of the year round, don’t let an emergency stress you out!

Be Informed. Make a plan. Get a kit.

Ready America

Ready America (Spanish)