July Individual and Community Preparedness Monthly Toolkits Bulletin from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Prepare to Protect: Preparing for Disasters is Protecting Everyone You Love

Individual and Community Preparedness Monthly Toolkits Bulletin

July 2022

Welcome to Region 7's monthly toolkits bulletin! Each month we bring you timely and relevant toolkits and shareable information to help you and your organization carry out preparedness activities. To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable summer, FEMA Region 7 is using the month of July to educate the public on safe handling of fireworks, extreme heat and droughts.

We are seven months into our year-long 12 Ways to Prepare campaign and for July we discuss ways planning with neighbors can help benefit the whole community.

Extreme Heat and Summer Safety Toolkit

Heat waves can be dangerous and even life-threatening for people who don't take the proper precautions. Excessive heat claimed an average of 158 lives per year in the U.S. from 1992 through 2021, according to NOAA. That's higher than the average annual death tolls from flooding (88), tornadoes (71), hurricanes or tropical storms (45) and lightning (37) in that 30-year period.

Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or has over-exercised for his or her age and physical condition. Older adults, young children, and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to succumb to extreme heat.

The Extreme Heat and Summer Safety Toolkit contains key messages, shareable safety tips, plus graphics and messaging for social media campaigns.

Extreme Heat Info Sheet (PDF)

Drought Preparedness

During times of extreme heat, many areas can also experience periods of reduced rainfall or drought. As the summer continues and temperatures rise, there may be an increased risk of drought in our region. If a drought should occur, it’s important to know what measures to take to reduce the impact to yourself and property.

Drought Basics and Safety Info

12 Ways to Prepare

We’re entering the seventh month of our 12 Ways to Prepare campaign and July's preparedness action is Plan with Neighbors.

Summertime neighborhood block parties are a great way to get to know your neighbors and discuss preparedness! When an emergency or disaster occurs, it takes many people to assist with community needs. Does your neighborhood have a plan to check on elderly or vulnerable residents during extreme heat or frigid cold? Do you have a plan with one of your neighbors in case your pets need to be evacuated while you are not home? Do you share or trade resources with your neighbors during ice storms or sustained power outages when stores are closed or driving may not be possible? Neighbors helping neighbors can save lives!

Here are additional ways you can help your neighbors and local community:
- Join a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program and get trained on basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
- Volunteer with your local community or a national organization to support preparedness efforts in your community.
- Take training such as CPR/First Aid, Stop the Bleed, and You Are the Help Until Help Arrives to render immediate aid until first responders arrive.
- During a disaster, you can help your neighbors by donating to a reputable response organization of your choice through the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (NVOAD).

Pet Preparedness Webinar Recording

Did you miss last month's webinar - Pet Preparedness: Keeping Your Pets Safe During a Disaster? JoAnn Woody, American Red Cross and Ciara Lanterman, Humane Society of Missouri shared excellent information on general pet preparedness, evacuating with your pets, keeping your pets safe during periods of extreme heat and cold, as well as preparedness actions for large animal pets, such as horses and cattle.

You can watch the recording here.