Consider the following scenario: The lights are out, it is totally dark and you can’t see. You smell smoke and there is a fire. You must evacuate and escape. Now close your eyes for 10 seconds and mentally find your way to safety. Did you remember that doorway? That wall? That step? That desk? That machine? Other obstacles? Were you able to negotiate your way to safety? Continue Reading →

The NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) have a joint web site at www.ready.gov/severe-weather with information that will help save lives by educating the public on what to do before, during, and after severe weather strikes. Last year (2011) there were more than 1,000 fatalities and 8,000 injuries caused by severe weather. While we can’t control when or where severe weather will hit, we can prepare and arm ourselves with the knowledge of what to do before, during, and after a severe weather event. Continue Reading →