FEMA held a media roundtable on January 30th, 2024 to talk #WinterReady Preparedness for Vulnerable Populations. As the third anniversary of Winter Storm Uri (February 13th-17th, 2021) approaches, this critical conversation centered on educating the public about winter preparedness. However, FEMA made sure to include key elements of natural disaster preparedness as Houston is known for devastating hurricane seasons. This roundtable marked the first convening by agencies involved in natural disaster preparedness with ethnic media from across Greater Houston.
FEMA launched the first-ever #WinterReady campaign encouraging people to identify and reduce the risks they face during the winter season in November of 2023. The campaign provides easy, low-cost tips to keep you safe including ways to keep homes warm, travel safely, and prepare for inclement weather and simple steps to mitigate the risks of home fires which are most prevalent during this time. “An ounce of prevention today is worth a pound of cure tomorrow. The #WinterReady Campaign, thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will make resources available to help our entire country stand more resilient, more secure, and more prepared in the face of the cold months ahead. I strongly urge every community to take advantage of these resources — including and especially those who have not faced these weather-related challenges before,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas.
Here are some highlights from the roundtable:
Opening address from FEMA:
Traci Brasher, FEMA Deputy Regional Administrator in Region 6, provided the opening address via Zoom. Before delving into FEMA’s #WinterReady campaign, she outlined some enhancements the agency recently made. She remarked: “As some of you may know, over the last few years, FEMA has prioritized equity in our approach to disaster assistance across all our programs. The bottom line is we need to meet people where they are. We also want to ensure that underserved communities are receiving the help they need to recover.
“Just over a week ago, we announced significant updates to our Individual Assistance program which helps individuals and families recover after disasters. These changes include quicker access to needed funds, expanded eligibility for property and home repairs, and an easier application process for survivors to jumpstart their recovery from disasters. These changes are the most significant updates to survivor assistance in the last 20 years.
“In the past, the limitations of federal assistance have delayed disaster recovery for too many, especially communities that are disproportionately affected by disasters. “Last November, FEMA published “Achieving Equitable Recovery: A Post-Disaster Guide for Local Officials and Leaders. This is a first of its kind framework to help rebuild communities in a more accessible, inclusive, and equitable manner.
“These are steps in the right direction, but we still have work to do.
Panelists:
Traci Brasher, FEMA Deputy Regional Administrator in Region 6
Brian Murray, Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management:
Logan Perkes, FEMA Region 6 Disability Integration Specialist:
Dan Reilly, National Weather Service Houston/Galveston
Jason Tudor, AARP Natural Disasters Manager:
Panel Discussion Highlights:
Logan Perkes, FEMA Region 6 Disability Integration Specialist, stressed the importance of preparedness planning for people with disabilities. She provided detailed advice on ways to plan and help others in vulnerable situations prepare.
“One of the things that, for people with disabilities, to be a good practice would be having a written list of emergency contacts, the medications they take, and any medical information first responders need to know in case anything did happen in an emergency. Always request a 90-day supply of medications that way they have extra on hand in case there is severe weather, and they can’t leave home. And then when they are building an emergency kit, they can purchase items over time because some people are living off $900 a month so they can’t spend $100 buying food and supplies all at one time. If physical assistance is needed, shutting off water to the house, carrying bottled water, transporting medical equipment, or identifying a person ahead of time who may be able to help, that can be a neighbor, a family member, or a friend who may can come over before a storm is coming and help.”
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Brian Murray from the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management discussed the office’s comprehensive communications strategy, emphasizing the integration of accessibility and language inclusivity in their messaging, particularly concerning winter weather. He also answered an attendees’ question on what efforts the city is making to help homeless individuals during weather situations: “People who are generally outside do not necessarily have resources, so we do a couple of things. “Number one, the Harris County Sheriff’s office has a homeless outreach team that will go out and proactively seek people out. They will offer them possible supplies and will also take them to missions and shelters as they are available. We also work with some of the other agencies that specialize in helping people and families who are experiencing homelessness to try and get them indoors as best they can. There is a lot that goes on to try and proactively reach out to those communities. That includes not only the folks that you may see downtown, but there’s numerous encampments of people experiencing homelessness throughout the county. They will go out there, determine what the need is, and try to make arrangements for as many people as possible. It’s important to know that will go out and ask, ‘Do you want help’ because they just can’t force them to do anything but there’s an extensive effort that goes into that before each and every large-scale incident, especially any weather incident that we are aware of.”
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Dan Reilly of the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston spoke about the expected weather patterns influenced by El Niño and highlighted the NWS’s efforts to expand their reach in underserved communities. He spoke about the need to partner with ethnic media outlets to help with diverse populations, in addition to his agency’s focus on language barriers. “The City of Houston has some preparedness guides in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and so on, but maybe we can do better than that and work as a group. Maybe we can partner with Harris County and Houston Ethnic Media to come up with materials that can serve your communities. We really do want to engage, and I am hearing your willingness to engage with the group here, so that is why we are here today. “Another thing I want to mention on the National Weather Service site for communicating, there is a website, weather.gov/translate and that is an effort to take weather service products, and by AI (artificial intelligence) translate them into different languages. Right now, the Houston office is not part of that experiment but that will change soon. We expect to be added to Spanish and Vietnamese. Once that effort is underway, it will be important to quality control that. Two Vietnamese speakers, for example, can look at the translated materials and give feedback and say, ‘That’s just not right or that’s not accurate.”
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Jason Tudor from AARP, focusing on older Americans, detailed AARP’s initiatives in disaster resilience and preparation. He shared insights into AARP’s response to previous disasters and their ongoing partnership with FEMA and the American Red Cross, particularly. “If you remember back in 2017, the Houston area experienced the worst, most disastrous flooding in its history. Houston wasn’t the only place in the United States in North America that was affected that year by disasters. We also had the hurricanes in Florida and Puerto Rico, where we saw nursing home patients in Puerto Rico die in their beds because they were without power for more than 10 days. “We saw thousands of Puerto Ricans dying after Hurricane Maria because of lack of access to power and emergency services. Shortly after that, in the following year, we saw in the campfire in California, people dying in their homes, in their wheelchairs burning to death because they couldn’t evacuate.”
In the face of changing climates and unpredictable weather patterns, it’s essential to prioritize preparedness and resilience. Here are some key strategies to weather the winter months with confidence and grace.
1. Stock Up on Essentials:
Before the first snowflake falls, take stock of your pantry, medicine cabinet, and emergency supplies. Ensure you have an ample supply of non-perishable food, bottled water, medications, and other essentials to last several days in case of inclement weather or power outages.
2. Prepare Your Home:
Protect your home against the elements by checking for drafts, insulating pipes, and clearing gutters. Have your heating system serviced to ensure it’s in proper working order, and consider investing in a backup heating source, such as a generator or space heater, for added peace of mind.
3. Winterize Your Vehicle:
If you live in an area prone to snow and ice, prepare your vehicle for winter driving conditions. Equip your car with snow tires, carry a winter survival kit, and familiarize yourself with safe driving practices in snowy and icy conditions. Consider joining a roadside assistance program for added security.
4. Stay Informed:
Stay abreast of weather forecasts and advisories to anticipate upcoming storms or extreme weather events. Sign up for emergency alerts from local authorities and have a communication plan in place with family and neighbors in case of emergencies.
5. Practice Fire Safety:
As temperatures drop, many turn to alternative heating sources, such as fireplaces and space heaters, to stay warm. Exercise caution when using these devices and follow safety guidelines to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Install and test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms regularly.
6. Protect Outdoor Plants and Pets:
Shield outdoor plants from frost and cold temperatures by covering them with blankets or bringing them indoors. Ensure outdoor pets have adequate shelter, food, and water to stay warm and hydrated during winter weather. Avoid leaving pets outside for extended periods in freezing temperatures.
7. Mind Your Mental Health:
Winter can be challenging for mental well-being, with shorter days and colder weather limiting outdoor activities. Prioritize self-care by maintaining a routine, staying connected with loved ones, and seeking support if you’re struggling. Consider incorporating activities like exercise, meditation, or creative pursuits into your daily routine to boost mood and resilience.
8. Plan for Emergencies:
No one wants to imagine the worst-case scenario, but it’s crucial to be prepared for emergencies. Develop a family emergency plan that outlines evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and meeting points in case of severe weather or other crises. Keep important documents, such as insurance policies and identification, in a secure, easily accessible location.
9. Support Vulnerable Populations:
Winter can be especially challenging for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, the homeless, and those living in poverty. Consider volunteering with local organizations that provide shelter, food, and support services to those in need. Extend a helping hand to neighbors who may require assistance during winter weather events.
10. Embrace the Season:
Despite its challenges, winter offers opportunities for cozy moments, outdoor adventures, and festive celebrations. Embrace the season by indulging in winter activities like ice skating, sledding, or savoring a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace. Find joy in the simple pleasures that winter brings, and cultivate a sense of gratitude for the changing seasons.
As we navigate the winter of 2024, let us approach it with preparedness, resilience, and a community spirit. By taking proactive steps to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities, we can weather the challenges of winter with strength and grace.
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