When disasters hit, we know that families, businesses, and communities are more resilient if they have taken steps to prepare and plan beforehand. We also know that engaging and managing large numbers of volunteers is an important part of disaster recovery. The AmeriCorps ReadyWisconsin program is a 14-member part-time (900 hours annually) service program designed to increase community resilience by providing preparedness outreach and education to community organizations, businesses, and local governments. AmeriCorps ReadyWisconsin will also assist communities with developing emergency volunteer management plans, volunteer recruitment, and disaster relief services when needed. When disasters hit, we know that families, businesses, and communities are more resilient if they have taken steps to prepare and plan beforehand. We also know that engaging and managing large numbers of volunteers is an important part of disaster recovery. The AmeriCorps ReadyWisconsin program is a 14-member part-time (900 hours annually) service program designed to increase community resilience by providing preparedness outreach and education to community organizations, businesses, and local governments. AmeriCorps ReadyWisconsin will also assist communities with developing emergency volunteer management plans, volunteer recruitment, and disaster relief services when needed. [Read more…]
Weather Summary Video 01/08/2015
• Snow, windy conditions and blowing and drifting snow expected today into this evening. Travel could be hazardous both along and west of US-52, and along and north of I-94, especially during the late afternoon/evening
• Bitter cold wind chills this morning and another round tonight into Saturday morning
LaCrosse Weather Story 01-07-2015
If venturing outside for the rest of the week, be sure any exposed skin is covered, as bitter to dangerously cold air impacts the region. Additionally, travel could be impacted Thursday into Thursday night, due to light snow accumulations, windy conditions and blowing and drifting snow.
Stay Safe During Bitterly Cold Temperatures and Dangerous Snow Conditions
Release date: January 5, 2015
Release Number: RV-015-001
CHICAGO – Dangerously low temperatures and accumulating snow are in the forecast for much of the Midwest and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wants individuals and families to be safe when faced with the hazards of cold temperatures and winter weather.
“Subfreezing temperatures and wind chills can be dangerous and even life-threatening for people who don’t take the proper precautions,” said Andrew Velasquez III, FEMA Regional Administrator. “It is important for everyone to monitor their local weather reports and take steps now to stay safe, whether traveling or at home, during times of extreme cold temperatures.”
During cold weather, you should take the following precautions:
- Stay indoors as much as possible and limit your exposure to the cold;
- Dress in layers and keep dry;
- Check on family, friends, and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance;
- Know the symptoms of cold-related health issues such as frostbite and hypothermia and seek medical attention if health conditions are severe.
- Bring your pets indoors or ensure they have a warm shelter area with unfrozen water.
- Make sure your vehicle has an emergency kit that includes an ice scraper, blanket and flashlight – and keep the fuel tank above half full.
- If you are told to stay off the roads, stay home. If you must drive, don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule and stay on main roads.
You can find more information and tips on being ready for winter weather and extreme cold temperatures at http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather.
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.
Dangerously Cold Air Arrives Tonight
A brisk northwest wind tonight will usher in dangerously cold air, setting up a frigid day Wednesday when air temperatures look to stay below zero. If venturing outside, be sure any exposed skin is covered. A brief warm-up is planned on Thursday before more arctic air plunges into the region for Thursday night into Saturday morning.