September 3, 2008
These NewsBriefs are produced and delivered weekly by
Attainium to keep our friends and clients
current on topics relating to Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery and Crisis Management.
September 2008 is the fifth annual National Preparedness Month (NPM), sponsored by the U.S. Department
of Homeland Security's (DHS) Ready Campaign. This year the focus of NPM is to encourage citizens to take
important preparedness steps. The articles below have been selected to help you do just that - for yourself and your families.
Whether you have to stay at home or leave home during a disaster, you'll find this booklet helpful.
(Item #1)
The Readiness Quotient - or RQ - is a first of its kind tool for individuals, families and communities
to determine and evaluate their readiness.
(Item #2)
Strong and varied emotional reactions to such an event are natural. Here are some ways to deal with those feelings.
(Item #3)
If you and your kids are separated, do they know how to get in touch with you (and you with them)?
(Item #4)
Home safety has never been easier than it is with this checklist.
(Item #5)
If you have to evacuate, do you have a financial disaster plan?
(Item #6)
As always, we look forward to hearing about your concerns
with regards to business continuity. If you have a topic
you'd like to see covered, please email me at
bmellinger@attainium.net
Best Regards,
Bob Mellinger
President
Attainium Corp
Quote of the Week
Preparedness Prevents Peril.
- Chinese Proverb -
Articles
1. Are You Ready for a Disaster?
In a fire, flood, tornado, hurricane, or power outage, you may have to find a safe place away from home.
In some emergencies you may have to stay at home for many days. Either way, you and your family should be prepared.
http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/resource_center/rc_brochure08_p001.pdf
2. What's Your Readiness Quotient?
Although we repeatedly have been urged to "get ready" and to prepare for emergencies - from natural disasters
to terrorist attacks, no one has ever given the public a simple, comprehensive and consistent tool to actually
measure how prepared they are. No one has ever provided individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole
with a practical "gauge" to assess their preparedness, recognize their successes and identify gaps where
more work needs to be done.
http://www.whatsyourrq.org/
3. Maintain a Healthy State of Mind
Anyone who experiences a disaster is affected by it, whether directly or indirectly through location,
family or friends, or exposure to media coverage of the event. The sections in the following article explore
common reactions to disasters and how people in different age groups can prepare for, respond to,
and recover from their experiences.
http://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/mind/
4. Home Safety Tips: Communication Plan
When Hurricane Katrina and Rita hit the Gulf Coast, many people did not know what to do.
The Home Safety Council wants every family to be ready in case something like this happens
where they live.
http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/safety_guide/sg_disaster_w003.aspx
Download Communication Cards so everyone will have critical information.
http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/programs/pr_freddie_p007.pdf
5. Create Your Home Safety Checklist
Answer six easy multiple-choice questions, and the Home Safety Council web site will immediately
create a personalized safety checklist for you. You can print it and use it to make sure you're prepared
for home safety.
http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/resource_center/rc_checklist_w001.aspx
6. Personal Finance Disaster Plan
If you have to leave your home quickly, will you have funds for a few days? A few months?
Are your important papers easily accessible? Plan now so you won't be without funds, insurance contacts,
and important papers in the event of a disaster.
http://www.balancepro.org/nationalfederation/na/personalfinancedis.html
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