Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities

[Texaspirate11]

We're going back to HOT HOT TEMPS this week!!!
Summer refuses to let go
(I for one am NOT disappointed)

However, if you don't have AC, please get to a cooling center
If you work outdoors, wear loose fitting clothes and try to find some
shade while you take breaks.
Drink lots of water and know the signs of heat stroke.
Minutes matter.

Take care and stay cool.

[Texaspirate11]

I was very happy to see that South Carolina is taking this Hurricane very seriously.
They are already evacuating the medical needs community.
I know its not our hurricane here in Texas, but I'm going to put out information for the Accessible and Functional Needs Community along the Southeast Coast of the US as I would do here in Texas. Perhaps you can share this information. Matthew right now is a Cat 4. This is a major hurricane. Even if it comes to Florida-Carolina coasts as a Cat 2, it will produce copious amounts of rain and winds, not to mention Surge. Surge/flooding is the #1 killer in a storm. For those in the AFN Communities (this includes those with disabilities, elderly, transportation deprived and English as a second language) it is imperative you get your plans out NOW. A little wobble to the East or West will make a difference in this storm, and time is of the essence. Please register with your Local Office of Emergency Management if you don't have a ride out. Start to speak to your family/friends on how you will evacuate and what you need to take with you to sustain a somewhat independent lifestyle. IF YOU ARE ELECTRICITY dependent get the HELL OUT. Even a Cat 2 can disrupt electricity for days. Power up your phones and make sure you take your medical information and if you have a service animal, take their rabies shot information (and food for them). Start to gather your important papers and other essential information you might need to take. Monitor the weather and please when responders say "GO"- do just that. LEAVE. I wish you all well, safe and prepared.

[Texaspirate11]

IF you know anyone in FLORIDA please share this information:

FLORDIADISASTER.org is the place to go to find your shelters in Florida. Happy to hear they are evacuating those in the AFN community today. However, those that are left behind because they feel they have to protect their homes wont be happy when it comes in as a Cat 4 (as predicted). Although this storm is suppose to "hug the coast" it will still bring in devastating surge and wind damage. If you are electric dependent leave NOW. Also REMEMBER to TEXT instead of making phone calls. This will save your battery and keep lines open for responders. thank you and good luck, Florida.

[Texaspirate11]

Re-entry after a storm like Matthew may be difficult for those with disabilities and the elderly.
Their homes may have been damaged and it may take time for things to "get back into shape."
Having to work with insurance companies, etc is frustrating at best. And getting back to your routine, may take time
and work.

Or, You may have hunkered down, but you lost electricity and again you have to wait for the lights to get back on.
All of this can lead to depression and anxiety.
Even if nothing happened to your home, one can feel the trauma of going through a major storm like Matthew.
I have several friends in Florida who escaped the wrath of Matthew, but tell me they feel tired, overwhelmed and worried for their loved ones who live in S.C. and Northern Florida. And of course, all the talk of Matthew looping around again has everyone on edge.

This is the time to rely upon your family and friends to help you through whatever issues you are facing.
This is the time you can seek help to talk it out. Make sure you connect with those who can deal with what you are going through
If you need someone to help you fill out paperwork, ask them.
If you need someone to advocate for you dealing with your home, ask someone.
If you just need someone to talk about the experience, talk.

You aren't alone in this.

I hope everyone came through safely. I know 4 people have lost their lives so far
In the Caribbean over 800 people died.
I hope Matthew is our last hurricane for the season.
It only takes one, and this one, sadly delivered the punch.

[Texaspirate11]

For those in Galveston County being affected by this storm, please note and share:

RED CROSS HAS OPENED A SHELTER IN LEAGUE CITY:
BAY HARBOUR UNITED METHODIST
3459 DEKE SLAYTON HWAY FM 518E
LEAGUE CITY, TEXAS
I am hoping its accessible....

If you plan to evacuate to this Red Cross Shelter, they suggest you bring the following items:
• Prescription and emergency medications
• Foods that meet unusual dietary requirements
• Identification and important personal documents
• Extra clothing, towels, hygiene supplies and other comfort items
• Supplies needed for children and infants, such as diapers, formula and toys
• Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled

If you have need help with anything flood-related, call the American Red Cross at 1-866-526-8300 (option #1).

[Ounce]

FLASH FLOOD WARNING
TXC039-167-032345-
/O.NEW.KHGX.FF.W.0081.161203T2151Z-161203T2345Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
FLASH FLOOD WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HOUSTON/GALVESTON TX
351 PM CST SAT DEC 3 2016

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LEAGUE CITY HAS ISSUED A

* FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR...
NORTHWESTERN GALVESTON COUNTY IN SOUTHEASTERN TEXAS...
NORTHEASTERN BRAZORIA COUNTY IN SOUTHEASTERN TEXAS...

* UNTIL 545 PM CST.

* AT 350 PM CST...DOPPLER RADAR AND AUTOMATED RAIN GAUGES INDICATED
HEAVY RAIN FALLING ACROSS THE WARNED AREA. 3 TO 5 INCHES OF RAIN
HAVE FALLEN. FLASH FLOODING IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SHORTLY.

* SOME LOCATIONS THAT WILL EXPERIENCE FLOODING INCLUDE...
LEAGUE CITY...TEXAS CITY...SOUTHERN FRIENDSWOOD...ALVIN...
DICKINSON...LA MARQUE...SANTA FE...SOUTHERN SEABROOK...WEBSTER...
HITCHCOCK...KEMAH...NASSAU BAY...CLEAR LAKE SHORES...HILLCREST...
LIVERPOOL...BACLIFF...SAN LEON...KEMAH BOARDWALK AND CHOCOLATE
BAYOU.

ADDITIONAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 1 TO 3 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE IN THE
WARNED AREA.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TURN AROUND...DON`T DROWN WHEN ENCOUNTERING FLOODED ROADS. MOST FLOOD
DEATHS OCCUR IN VEHICLES.

PLEASE REPORT FLOODING TO YOUR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY WHEN YOU
CAN DO SO SAFELY.

&&

LAT...LON 2933 9511 2920 9519 2929 9530 2936 9535
2950 9516 2951 9511 2953 9509 2954 9510
2953 9508 2956 9507 2955 9502 2957 9501
2960 9498 2962 9500 2963 9498 2950 9486

$$

08

[Texaspirate11]

thank you ounce.

[Ounce]

Pleasure, ma'am.

[Texaspirate11]

December 7

Hello friends - hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving and what a blessing we escaped Hurricane Season this year.
Want to bring your attention to the Cold Snap that we're about to receive...certainly NOT a blessing for us who
love the Sun and Heat...

Thursday night into Friday will bring us our coldest weather to date. North of 1-10 will see temps in the 20's and 30's to the South...WInds will howl out of the North 25-30 MPH...Please advised of this event.
Make sure you take in your pets, plants, wrap your pipes if you can and please, if you don't have a warm place to stay - FIND ONE...

We will thaw out by Sunday with temps back in the 70;s - don't you love Texas?

Please stay warm, weather aware and tell others about this cold snap that is about to descend upon us.

[Texaspirate11]

The National Weather Service has issued a Freeze Warning for the City of Houston from Midnight until 9am Friday. As a result of low temperatures, parts of Houston, especially in northwest of the City, will experience a light freeze this evening. Cold weather can pose a danger to the health and safety of Houston residents and proper care should be taken to reduce exposure to these conditions.

Additionally, a Wind Advisory is in effect for Houston until 6pm on Thursday with wind gusts of up to 35mph possible.

When cold weather occurs, Houstonians should remember to protect the Four 'P's: People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants.

People
•Dress in warm, layered clothing, including gloves, a coat, and a hat when you are outside.
•Never leave children or the elderly in vehicles during cold weather, as they can act as refrigerators and expose anyone inside to sub-freezing temperatures.
•Never use a generator, grill, camp-stove, or any gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device to heat your home (or any enclosed area). These devices can generate carbon monoxide, which can't be seen or smelled, but is deadly.


Pets
•Protect your pets by ensuring that they have a warm, safe place to sleep. The best place for a pet to sleep is in a heated environment.
•Do not shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth.
•Never leave your animal in a car during cold weather. Cars can act as refrigerators in the winter, holding in the cold and causing animals to freeze to death.

For more cold-weather tips for pets, visit the page in the following link from the ASPCA: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care- ... -tips.aspx

Pipes
•While generally, pipes don't freeze until temperatures hit the mid 20s, its important to make sure you're prepared and have proper insulation ready to go.
•During cold weather, pipes may freeze and rupture, causing water leaks and damage to your home. Protect your home by opening the cabinets under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow air from your home's heater to warm the pipes under the sink. Let faucets drip - as moving water freezes more slowly than still water.
•Insulate outdoor faucets and pipes with insulation or newspaper, and be sure to disconnect and drain hoses from outdoor spigots.

Plants
•Protect plants from freezing by covering them with plant-cover fabric, or a light blanket with plastic sheeting on top of it.
•Be sure to group potted plants together, and near the edge of a building. Remember that soil in containers can get just as cold as the air temperature, and cause the roots to freeze, even if the above-surface leafs survive.

For up-to-date weather information, visit the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston forecast office website at weather.gov/houston.

[Texaspirate11]

Bundle up! Tonight will be bitter cold (December 18th-19)

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN HOUSTON/GALVESTON HAS ISSUED A
FREEZE WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 9 AM
CST MONDAY.

* EVENT...SUB FREEZING TEMPERATURES IN THE UPPER 20S TO LOWER
30S.

* TIMING...AROUND MIDNIGHT THROUGH EARLY MONDAY MORNING HOURS.

* IMPACT...PROTECT THE 4 PS. PEOPLE...PETS...PLANTS AND PIPES.
FOLKS WITHOUT SUFFICIENT SHELTER OR HEAT SHOULD BE LOOKED
AFTER...PETS PLACED INSIDE...SENSITIVE VEGETATION COVERED OR
PLACED INDOORS...AND EXPOSED EXTERIOR WATER PIPES WRAPPED WITH
INSULATING MATERIAL.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FREEZE WARNING MEANS SUB FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE IMMINENT OR
HIGHLY LIKELY. THESE CONDITIONS WILL KILL CROPS AND OTHER SENSITIVE
VEGETATION.

[Texaspirate11]

I want to take this time to wish you and yours a most wonderful holiday season.
Thanks for taking the time to read this forum and helping spread the word on keeping safe & weather aware.
Here's to a cane-free 2017!

All the best
Texaspirate

[Texaspirate11]

The National Weather Service has issued a Hard Freeze Warning for Houston in effect from 7:00 p.m. Saturday to 10:00 a.m. Sunday.

Temperatures will quickly dip below freezing again tonight, and the duration of sub-freezing temperatures will be anywhere from 12-14 hours in Houston.

Because of the length of time we will be under freezing temperatures, the City recommends that residents take steps to protect their pipes and plants ahead of the arrival of the coldest temperatures.

When cold weather occurs, Houstonians should remember to protect the Four 'P's: People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants.

Protect the 4 "P"s

People
•Dress in warm, layered clothing, including gloves, a coat, and a hat when you are outside.
•Never leave children or the elderly in vehicles during cold weather; vehicles can act as refrigerators and expose anyone inside to sub-freezing temperatures.
•Never use a generator, grill, camp-stove, or any gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device to heat your home (or any enclosed area). These devices can generate carbon monoxide, which can't be seen or smelled, but is deadly. (Check out these heating safety tips from the Houston Fire Department)


Pets
•Protect your pets by ensuring that they have a warm, safe place to sleep. The best place for a pet to sleep is in a heated environment.
•Do not shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth.
•Never leave your animal in a car during cold weather. Cars can act as refrigerators in the winter, holding in the cold and causing animals to freeze to death.

For more cold-weather tips for pets, visit the page in the following link from the ASPCA: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care- ... -tips.aspx

Pipes
•While generally, pipes don't freeze until temperatures hit the mid 20s, its important to make sure you're prepared and have proper insulation ready to go.
•During cold weather, pipes may freeze and rupture, causing water leaks and damage to your home. Protect your home by opening the cabinets under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow air from your home's heater to warm the pipes under the sink. Let faucets drip - as moving water freezes more slowly than still water.
•Insulate outdoor faucets and pipes with insulation or newspaper, and be sure to disconnect and drain hoses from outdoor spigots.

Plants
•Protect plants from freezing by covering them with plant-cover fabric, or a light blanket with plastic sheeting on top of it.
•Be sure to group potted plants together, and near the edge of a building. Remember that soil in containers can get just as cold as the air temperature, and cause the roots to freeze, even if the above-surface leafs survive.

Maintaining Proper Heating and Hot Water in Buildings

The Public Works & Engineering Department (PW&E), which is responsible for multi-family building inspections, reminds landlords and property owners about the basic requirements for heating and hot water supply to their properties.

Landlords are obligated to maintain their rental properties to the minimum standards set by the City of Houston Code of Ordinances (Sec. 10-363). Heating equipment must be able to maintain a minimum inside temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (measured three feet above the floor) when it is 20 degrees Fahrenheit outside.

In each non-vacant dwelling unit and congregate living facility, provide and maintain in good operating condition a device to supply hot water at a minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

To report suspected violations, call 3-1-1 (713.837.0311).

Homeless Outreach

Various agencies, including the Houston Police Department (HPD) Homeless Outreach Team, will be checking in with the local homeless population in an effort to help them stay safe and warm. They also work with homeless individuals to connect them with shelters and other available services.

Houston residents interested in helping the homeless population during periods of cold weather are encouraged to seek out a non-profit agency that routinely works with the homeless population and knows their needs to make a monetary, or in-kind donation (such as blankets, gloves, gently-worn coats).

The Houston Coalition for the Homeless maintains a list of agencies that provide direct services to people who are homeless. For more information visit homelesshouston.org.
Report Icing Conditions

Standing water may form ice overnight as temperatures drop. if ice forms on any City streets, sidewalks or bridges, please report it to Houston 311 by calling 3-1-1 (or 713.837.0311), through the Houston 311 Mobile App, or online at houston311.org. The Public Works & Engineering Department (PW&E) can dispatch crews to deploy chat rock or ice melt in those areas, if needed.

For updates on roadway conditions, visit houstontranstar.org.

[Texaspirate11]

For those that need shelter due to today's flooding

FIFTH WARD MULTI SERVICE CENTER
4014 MARKET STREET
Houston, Texas

Is OPEN - it is an accessible facility. Please share for those that may need this shelter.

[Texaspirate11]

WELL here we go again: Round 2 of Stormy Weather to kick off our week.
PLEASE be Weather Aware & Prepared as Houston and the surrounding area is up for another
FLASH FLOOD event - please LISTEN to what the National Weather Service advises & our local mets.
And, please TURN AROUND DONT DROWN...




Houston Residents Should Prepare in Advance of Severe Weather Monday. The City of Houston is monitoring the potential for severe weather, including the strong potential for Flash Flood Stormy Conditions beginning early Monday morning and lasting throughout the day.




Houston is under a Flash Flood Watch from 3:00am until 4:00pm Monday.




The National Weather Service says the Houston area might see heavy rainfall that can produce up to 3-5 inches of rain over the area, with some areas receiving rates of 1-3 inches per hour. If these rain rates occur, we will likely see flash flooding throughout the area.



What Should I Do?

•Be prepared to stay in place if dangerous flooding occurs in your area. This means you may need to make alternate plans with your employer or child's school if you cannot safely travel.

•Communicate with your family ahead of time about what to do if you cannot get home at a normal time due to the heavy rain.

•If a FLASH FLOOD WARNING is issued for your area, seek higher ground and avoid travel until the warning expires.

•Avoid travel during periods of heavy rain. Rainfall can obscure your ability to see the road, leading to accidents, or causing you unknowingly to drive into areas of high water. Especially be aware of low-lying areas such as underpasses.

•If you become trapped in your car in rising water, immediately get out of your vehicle seek higher ground.

•Under no circumstances, attempt to cross into an area that has been closed by a barricade or public safety vehicles. These areas are closed due to dangerous conditions on the roadway.

[Texaspirate11]

Wednesday March 29th

Greetings Friends
This has certainly been a stormy Spring and today (Wednesday) will be another round of Severe/Strong storms in the SE TX area.

Please turn on your NOAA wx radios if you have them (and you should)
Or your cell phones turned on to get alerts.
monitor the weather and please be aware and prepared.

Today, I had the pleasure of listening to different mets speak and I brought up the point that people who are blind NEED to know where the weather is going. I have heard many in the Blind community say when a met points to a map and says "The weather is coming HERE" it doesn't help those in the blind community. It must be exact, such as
"SE Tx will experience the following...." Or "In the Dallas area, we have...." To point and say "here' or "there" doesn't help.
Also with radio, being a bit more descriptive helps.

So the advocacy goes on and I hear ya when I meet you all at different weather workshops.
I believe we have the best mets around!

In any event, PLEASE stay on top of the storm watches and warnings.
Rain/Hail/Possible tornadoes .

This coming Sunday - April 2nd we also have another round of nasty weather coming in - this may come with
heavy rains...stay tuned - but YOU need to be alert.

[Texaspirate11]

I know this doesn't have to do with weather and I hope the moderators are okay with this
But, it does have to do with advocacy.
I am proud to say that I have received the State of Texas Barbara Jordan award for Excellence in the Media.
To walk in the footsteps of one of Texas' greatest orator, a woman who gave a voice to the voiceless, is something
I never dreamed would happen to me.

I am grateful & blessed to receive this prestigious award and hope to live up to this great Texan.

[djjordan]

Awwww that's some great news!!!! Congratulations to you Texaspirate11!!! That is a huge honor!!!

[BlueJay]

Congratulations Texaspirate11 and thank you for your hard work and effort!! You rock!

[Texaspirate11]

Thank you DJ and BlueJay appreciate it.

Hope everyone came thru Wednesdays storms okay.
Wow. It had everything - tornadoes (2) hail and flooded roads.

Lets turn our attention to this weekend when ANOTHER SEVERE WEATHER Situation may come our way.
That could be Sunday - April 2nd. This one may bring heavy rains/flooding. With our ground already saturated, it could be troublesome.

With a lot of events going on outdoors - Crawfish festivals, Bluebonnet hunting, music events
lets be a bit more weather aware about this potential incoming storm.

Stay aware and prepared!