NOW’S THE TIME: THE READY CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGES AMERICANS TO RESOLVE TO BE READY IN 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. — With the new year approaching, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Ready Campaign is reminding Americans to Resolve to be Ready in 2009. Resolve to be Ready is a nationwide effort designed to encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the new year.

“Individual planning is the cornerstone of emergency preparedness,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “Since establishing this department and Ready, we have come a long way in raising the baseline of preparedness in this country, but we still have a long way to go. As 2009 approaches, I urge all Americans to consider the importance – and real value – of being prepared for all hazards.”

Being Ready for emergencies can be an easy new year’s resolution to keep by following the Ready Campaign’s three simple steps: 1) Get an emergency supply kit; 2) Make a family emergency plan; and 3) Be informed about the types of emergencies that can happen in your area and their appropriate responses.

By taking these three steps – in particular having an emergency supply kit both at home and in the car – Americans will be prepared for winter mainstays like power outages and icy roads. Each of these kits should include basic necessities such as water, food and first aid supplies to help you survive if you are without power or become stranded in your vehicle. Complete checklists for each kit are available at www.ready.gov.

This year, the Ready Campaign is employing new media strategies to promote emergency preparedness. By using Twitter, a social networking tool, Ready hopes to not only reach new audiences, but also to open the lines of communication with the public, ensuring emergency preparedness is top of mind year-round. Twitter users can stay up-to-date on the latest Ready activities by following their username, “ReadydotGov,” on Twitter.

By making the decision to Resolve to be Ready in 2009 and following the simple preparedness steps in advance, Americans will minimize the impact of emergencies on themselves, their family and their businesses. By visiting www.ready.gov or calling 1-800-BE-READY, individuals can access free materials that will help them make and keep a new year’s resolution that will bring their families peace of mind.

February 2008 marked the Ready Campaign’s fifth year at the Department of Homeland Security. Launched in 2003 in partnership with The Advertising Council, Ready is designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. It has proven to be one of the most successful campaigns in Ad Council’s more than 65-year history. Since its launch, the campaign has generated more than $756.5 million in donated media support. Individuals interested in more information about family, business and community preparedness can visit www.ready.gov.

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Applied Vitals is a preparedness company specializing in emergency and recreational preparedness products and supplies. In addition to a growing line of products, the company also provides preparedness information and videos to help families and businesses get prepared for emergencies and disasters.

The Ready Campaign is launching a new tool to encourage Americans to take steps to prepare. The Campaign is hosting a video blog and is looking for Americans who have recently experienced an emergency situation such as Hurricanes Gustav or Ike to help us tell Americans why it is important to take steps in advance to prepare. This new video blog will be hosted on Ready’s Web site www.ready.gov and aims to inspire more Americans to get an emergency supply kit, make an emergency plan and to be informed about the different emergencies that can happen.

Ready is looking for entries, so we hope you will pass this along to people who would be willing to help us get more Americans taking steps to prepare for emergencies.

Here’s how it works:

Video Format

You can use any recording device to record your video clip (such as cell phones) and clips should be no shorter than 60 seconds and no longer than 3 minutes. Upload the video to www.youtube.com/fema by responding to the video that requests submissions. Any video format that can successfully be uploaded to YouTube will qualify for a submission. Good quality cell phone videos can qualify, make sure your lighting and audio will come out well before shooting the video!

Criteria

Qualified submissions must include the term “Ready.gov” somewhere in the title of the video. Submissions will be chosen on the basis of content, helpfulness in encouraging preparedness, and general clarity of your message. Your video will be reviewed by Ready and be featured on our Web site (www.ready.gov) if your submission is approved, and it will help thousands of people to prepare for emergencies and natural disasters.

Possible reasons for rejection include: poor video quality, excessive background noise, poor lighting, video volume “too loud” or “too soft”, offensive language or content, failure of video submission to play correctly, video length issues [too short or too long], irrelevance to the subject matter, or incorrect or omitted contact information or email for submission.

The Preparedness Video Blog will be hosted here: http://www.ready.gov/vblog.

If you don’t already have a YouTube account, you can create one by visiting http://www.youtube.com/signup?next=/fema.

For examples of preparedness videos, you can review FEMA’s YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/fema.

Thank you in advance for helping us engage and influence Americans on the important issue of emergency preparedness!

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Applied Vitals is a preparedness company specializing in emergency and recreational preparedness products and supplies. In addition to a growing line of products, the company also provides preparedness information and videos to help families and businesses get prepared for emergencies and disasters.

Come visit us at Hudson’s Surfside Flea Market this weekend only! Saturday and Sunday, November 1-2, 2008. We’re bringing our entire inventory of emergency preparedness products and hurricane kits to sell at drastically marked down prices.

Hudson’s Surfside Flea Market
1040 HWY 17 South
Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
Phone: 843-238-0372
map to Hudson’s Surfside Fleas Market

If your company or community has been looking for an opportunity to stock up on the basics (food rations, water rations, preparedness kits), then this is it. These will be the best prices you will see—50% below retail price on average—and you’ll save on shipping as well!

DHS’ FIFTH ANNUAL NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
YIELDS HIGHEST LEVEL OF SUPPORT TO DATE

WASHINGTON– The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign joined with more than 3,200 National Preparedness Month coalition members in the month of September to educate individuals, families and communities on the importance of emergency preparedness. This year’s coalition of national, regional, state, and local organizations was the largest in the five year history of National Preparedness Month, and represents a 4,000 percent increase in participation to date.

“We’ve made great strides over the past five years in encouraging Americans to take steps to get prepared and to get involved during National Preparedness Month,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “But, the civic duty we all share to prepare ourselves, our home and work for an emergency does not end in September. Disasters can happen at any time, and I urge all Americans to make personal preparedness a priority in their daily lives.”

National Preparedness Month began in September 2004 with 80 coalition members. Participation has grown steadily each year, to include roughly 1,400 coalition members joining in 2007. The largest area of growth has been from nonprofit organizations, followed by military, faith-based and health organizations.

This year, National Preparedness Month coalition members coordinated more than 420 events and activities across the country, ranging from seminars and fairs, to community outreach events, workshops, webinars, and training. They include:

• ReadyPA: Pennsylvania joined the growing list of states and regions that have localized the Ready Campaign by launching ReadyPA during National Preparedness Month. ReadyPA unveiled a web site and localized public service advertisements that direct citizens to visit www.readypa.org for local emergency preparedness information. ReadyPA also partnered with Wal-Mart to feature in-store displays with key emergency kit items and informational handouts in 84 stores statewide.
• Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM): ADEM highlighted National Preparedness Month by partnering with local sports teams. They displayed a new Mobile Communications Unit outside War Memorial Stadium for the Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Louisiana Monroe football game on Sept. 6. ADEM distributed literature and played Ready Campaign public service advertisements during the game, which had an estimated 60,000 people in attendance.ADEM also held preparedness nights at Dickey-Stevens Park, a minor league baseball stadium in North Little Rock. The Ready Campaign’s public service announcements were played during playoff and championship games, and ADEM employees distributed brochures with information on how to put together a family emergency kit.
• Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security (OKOHS): OKOHS partnered with Radio Disney to host a kick-off event at the Tulsa Zoo. Vendors distributed information and OKOHS handed out items promoting Ready Oklahoma and emergency preparedness. OKOHS and Radio Disney also held a preparedness competition for schools in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, where the most “prepared” school in each district received a “Rockin’ Recess.”

In addition, OKOHS, Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club partnered to host a statewide Emergency Preparedness Weekend from Sept. 19-21, when stores displayed emergency preparedness kits and provided preparedness information.

For additional information on National Preparedness Month 2008, please visit www.ready.gov.

February 2008 marked the Ready Campaign’s fifth year at the Department of Homeland Security. Launched in 2003 in partnership with The Advertising Council, Ready is designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. It has proven to be one of the most successful campaigns in Ad Council’s more than 65-year history. Since its launch, the campaign has generated more than $756.5 million in donated media support. Individuals interested in more information about family, business and community preparedness can visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov. To order free brochures call 1-800-BE-READY or 1-888-SE-LISTO.

National Preparedness Month events and activities are voluntary. DHS is not financially obligated to any National Preparedness Month Coalition Member.

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Press Release: DHS Press Office

WASHINGTON – As Tropical Storm Gustav makes its way into the Gulf of Mexico, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign (www.ready.gov) reminds Gulf Coast region residents about the importance of taking precautionary measures to prepare for an emergency situation or evacuation before Gustav approaches our shores. Specifically, the Ready Campaign encourages citizens to get an emergency supply kit, make an emergency plan, and to be informed about what to do if Tropical Storm Gustav gains strength, turns into a hurricane, and heads in their direction.

“Regardless of its predicted path, it is important for citizens in the Gulf Coast region to listen to what their local officials are advising over the course of the next few days and to take these simple steps to prepare,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “If residents make individual and family preparations, they make it easier for first responders to focus on people who can’t help themselves and need help first.”

Ready recommends having a three-day supply of water for each individual in your family, including pets, along with non-perishable food, a battery-powered radio, extra batteries and a flashlight. It is also important to consider your family’s unique needs such as medication and any important documents like property insurance. Additionally, pet owners should check which shelters in the area will take animals in case of evacuation.

Ready’s Web site, www.ready.gov, is a free resource where individuals can find an emergency supply checklist, download an emergency plan and link to local information. Ready also has resources and tools available on its Web site to help business owners ensure their business plans stay up and running, talk to their employees and protect their assets. For information in Spanish visit www.listo.gov. Individuals can also call 1-800-BE-READY or 1-888-SE-LISTO for more emergency preparedness information.

February 2008 marked the Ready Campaign’s fifth year at the Department of Homeland Security. Launched in 2003 in partnership with The Advertising Council, Ready is designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. It has proven to be one of the most successful campaigns in Ad Council’s more than 65-year history. Since its launch, the campaign has generated more than $756.5 million in donated media support. Individuals interested in more information about family, business and community preparedness can visit www.ready.gov.

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Applied Vitals is a preparedness company specializing in emergency and recreational preparedness products. In addition to a growing line of products, the company also provides preparedness information and videos to help families and businesses get prepared for emergencies and disasters.

Partner with Applied Vitals to raise funds for your animal rescue. We’re actively looking for animal rescue partners to participate in our affiliate program, where referral sales will produce direct donations back to the referring organization.

The process is simple:
1. Contact us to become a partner
2. We’ll provide you with a tracking link to use on your website or in your email marketing
3. Our system automatically tracks sales generated from your traffic and we make donations directly to your organization every quarter.

We’ll also help you the web side of things to get a page or link up on your site if you don’t have a web developer available.

Help your new pet parents get geared up with collars, leashes and the necessities, while helping your animal rescue raise funds to save more lives. At Applied Vitals, we love animals as much as you do and are anxious to meet you and get involved in your organization. Contact us today to start raising funds for your non-profit organization.

The U.S. Geological Survey has released a report, the ShakeOut Scenario, narrating the events surrounding a major Southern California earthquake along the San Andreas Fault. Following are excerpts from the report:

The question is not if but when southern California will be hit by a major earthquake— one so damaging that it will permanently change lives and livelihoods in the region. How severe the changes will be depends on the actions that individuals, schools, businesses, organizations, communities, and governments take to get ready. To help prepare for this event, scientists of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have changed the way that earthquake scenarios are done, uniting a multidisciplinary team that spans an unprecedented number of specialties. The team includes the California Geological Survey, Southern California Earthquake Center, and nearly 200 other partners in government, academia, emergency response, and industry, working to understand the long-term impacts of an enormous earthquake on the complicated social and economic interactions that sustain southern California society. This project, the ShakeOut Scenario, has applied the best current scientific understanding to identify what can be done now to avoid an earthquake catastrophe. More information Continue Reading »

Backpacker Magazine rates Adventure Medical Kits Fresh Bath Travel Wipes their favorite

The next best thing to a shower, these anti-bacterial wipes come in large (8” x 5”) sheets pre-moistened with vitamins A, E and Aloe Vera. Our tester appreciated the wash-cloth-like texture, and swears she smelled “just shy of a rose,” despite four showerless days of sweaty backcountry skiing. Bonus points: They’re biodegradable. (But you should still pack them out with your trash. Best to let them biodegrade in the landfill, not the backcountry).”
- Backpacker, June 2008

Stock up today - be ready for summer camping and hiking season!

Adventure Medical Kits Fresh Bath Travel Wipes are the perfect hygiene solution on the trail. The biodegradable wipes provide antibacterial, rinse-free bathing that neutralizes odors. Fresh Bath Wipes are moistened with a patented cleansing formula containing vitamins A and B, with a touch of Aloe Vera to moisturize skin.

All of Adventure Medical Kits hygiene products are alcohol free and are essential items for all hikers, backpackers and boaters to carry this summer!

WASHINGTON – As hurricane season approaches, Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign and The Advertising Council are reaching out to small businesses and encouraging them to “define their day after” by putting emergency preparedness at the top of their to-do list. A series of national public service advertisements (PSA) entitled “Procrastination” were released nationwide today for radio, print, internet and outdoor media. These PSAs focus on what can happen when a business owner chooses to place making an emergency plan at the bottom of their to-do list. The theme taps into the natural tendency for individuals to put off making plans for another day.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, small businesses employ more than half of all Americans. However, Institute for Business and Home Safety research shows that, at the minimum, one in four businesses never reopen following a disaster. Continue Reading »

By Julie Sevrens Lyons: Mercury News

Studying layers of soil in a trench they dug near the Fremont BART station, geologists recently made a startling discovery: The Hayward Fault has had a big earthquake roughly every 140 years, on average, since 1315.

And this Sunday marks year 139.

Calling the fault a “tectonic time bomb,” scientists Wednesday urged Bay Area residents to put together an earthquake plan, stockpile supplies Continue Reading »