Lets Talk Shop!!

This week, there are a number of live crisis' going on throughout the United States.  Wildfires are raging in Colorado, and Tropical Storm Debby is creating havoc in the Gulf Region.  Watching weather, I am seeing Red Flag Warnings popping up for areas all over Montana.  Part of my job is watching and sharing information to keep people informed, not only of the hazard, but what they need to do.  Anytime a family member or friend asks for information on a certain fire, or hazard, I am more than happy to do my best in finding them the links to the most up-to-date information, however I think its important for you to understand a few things you need to do to stay informed and how you too can find the information you  might be searching for.

 Photos from the Derby Fire

To start, I believe you have a responsibility to be prepared yourself.  As these major disasters strike, it could be DAYS where you may be out of your home, if not longer.  Think about what you may need.  If you were told you had 30 minutes to leave your home or less, not knowing when you could return, do you have what you need easily accessible?  Ready.gov has made some easy check lists for what to consider in making a kit, and a plan.  PLEASE check it out.

Buts lets talk about communication.  Many today, (including myself) no longer have a land line in my home.  I rely on my mobile phone, along with a Voice Over Internet Phone (VOIP) to communicate.  Now, the mobility of these services are great, but there are also some drawbacks.  Did you know UNLESS you register your mobile phone or VOIP with your local area Emergency Dispatching Center, your number will NOT be included if they need to use Reverse 911 to notify you of a danger or in the need to evacuate an area.  You easily can do this by taking a a couple minutes and going to the webpage of your county/provider and listing your address along with the phone number. Mobile phones also have a couple other disadvantages.  We all rely on cell towers to connect our signal to who we are trying to get ahold of.  In an emergency, those cell towers can be overwhelmed pretty quickly if everyone in an area is trying to use them at once to contact a loved one outside the area.  It has been proven though that a text message can make it out when a call wont.  Learn and use text messaging in an emergency to let loved ones know you are alright.  The other issue is battery life.  As we use our phones more and more, we recharge constantly.  How long would your phone last without power?  Just like I carry back up batteries for flashlights, weather radio, its important to consider a back up power brick for your phone.  They are available for as little as $30 and well worth the investment.   Make sure you take the time to register your phone so you are included in emergency notifications. Don't forget to update this info if you move.

Benedict Gulch Fire

Now Social Media has become a big deal, heck if you are reading this, you are using social media. Just like when I was a kid, there was the "party lines," and we all tuned in at 5:30 and 10:00 to find out the news for the day, now it is available to us 24/7.   It can be a great way of sharing information and catching up with loved ones, but its also a great source of understanding what is going on and what you need to do.  There is a long list of  Social Media sites you can use.  I mainly use Facebook, Google + and Twitter.  Learn how to use them, "Like" or "Follow" your area Emergency Management agencies.  Many are now using them.  Learn how they are using them, and what #hashtags they may be using to follow in gathering information.

 Above:  Derby Fire, 

Below: Countryman Creek Fire

I encourage you to do some research and be ready, be prepared, be informed!  Please seek out someone who can help you if you need help in any of these areas.  I am more than willing to help anyone understand how to determine who and what they may need to consider to be prepared.  I LOVE Talk'n Shop!!