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How to Donate and Volunteer Responsibly for the Oklahoma Relief Efforts

servealabama — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:27:04 -0400

Follow these tips when thinking about ways to effectively donate or volunteer to the Oklahoma tornado relief efforts.

The most effective donations after disasters are financial donations. Visit the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster website to donate to those non-profit organizations that are active in disaster response.

Volunteers are very beneficial to the response and recovery efforts after a disaster and are most effective when affiliating with a non-profit organization. Do not self-deploy to the affected areas. Contact your local non-profit organization to find out how you can become trained to respond in the most effective way.

Additional information about the Oklahoma Tornadoes relief efforts can be found at: Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Huntsville ranked No. 1 among tornado cities; Birmingham and Tuscaloosa in top four

servealabama — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:05:00 -0400

Huntsville ranked No. 1 among tornado cities; Birmingham and Tuscaloosa in top four:

Three of the top 4 tornado prone cities in the US are in Alabama, according to research from The Weather Channel’s Steve Forbes.

Flood Driving Safety Tips

servealabama — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

With the Spring Severe Weather Season in full swing in Alabama, Flash Flooding with heavy thunderstorms is possible. Please use the following tips when driving in heavy rain/flooding situations:

Pay attention to barricades.
Don’t ignore them by driving past them.

Do not drive through standing water on roads or in parking lots.
The average automobile can be swept off the road in 12 inches of moving water, and roads covered by water are prone to collapse. Attempting to drive through water also may stall your engine, with the potential to cause irreparable damage if you try to restart the engine. If you come upon a flooded street, take an alternate route.

Take extra precautions if you’re forced to drive through water.
If no alternate route exists and you have no other reasonable alternative but to drive through standing water.

Do your best to estimate the depth of the water (if other cars are driving through, take note of how deep the water is).
Drive slowly and steadily through the water.
Avoid driving in water that downed electrical or power lines have fallen in — electric current passes through water easily.
Watch for items traveling downstream — they can trap or crush you if you’re in their path.
If you have driven through water up to the wheel rims or higher, test your brakes on a clear patch of road at low speed. If they are wet and not stopping the vehicle as they should, dry them by pressing gently on the brake pedal with your left foot while maintaining speed with your right foot.
Stay off the telephone unless you must report severe injuries.
If your vehicle stalls in the deep water, you may need to restart the engine to make it to safety. Keep in mind that restarting may cause irreparable damage to the engine.
If you can’t restart your vehicle and you become trapped in rising water, immediately abandon it for higher ground. Try to open the door or roll down the window to get out of the vehicle. If you are unable to get out safely, call 911 or get the attention of a passerby or someone standing on higher ground so that they may call for help.

April 15, 2011 Tornado Outbreak A Reminder of the Spring Severe Weather Threat in Alabama

servealabama — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:32:07 -0400

April 15, 2011 was one of the largest tornado outbreaks in Central Alabama history. Overshadowed by the historic devastation of April 27, 2011, the April 15 outbreak helped make April 2011 the most active month for tornadoes in Alabama on record. Please remember to build/check your Emergency Kit for your home or business!

Here’s additional info on the April 15, 2013 Tornado Outbreak from the National Weather Service Office in Birmingham.

Prepare For Severe Weather - Check Your Emergency Kit Today

servealabama — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:34:04 -0400

Alabama’s primary severe weather season is underway. Keep your household and business prepared by building/updating your Emergency Kit. HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO INCLUDE IN YOUR EMERGENCY KIT.

(image courtesy American Red Cross)

Tornado Safety Rules from the National Weather Service Birmingham

servealabama — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Tornado Safety Rules from the National Weather Service Birmingham:

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013 - SEVERE WEATHER WITH TORNADOES POSSIBLE ACROSS ALABAMA. It is extremely important to have a reliable source for weather warning information. A NOAA Weather Radio is the best way to receive watch and warning information. Please stay tuned to your local radio, television and web sources for the latest local watches and warnings. DO NOT RELY ON OUTDOOR SIRENS FOR YOUR PRIMARY WEATHER WARNING SOURCE.

March 18th Storms Damage Hundreds of Homes in Alabama - Help With Unmet Needs in Alabama Disasters Through the Governor's Emergency Relief Fund

servealabama — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:56:11 -0400

(Photo Courtesy al.com)

Over 400 homes were affected by storms on March 18, 2013. Find out more in this al.com article.

To donate to Alabama Disaster Relief - Unmet Needs, mail contributions to “Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund” 8 Commerce Street, Suite 1140, Montgomery, AL 36104.

Bo Bikes Bama 2013! Tornado Relief for Unmet Needs of April 2011 Tornado Survivors - Proceeds go to Governor's Emergency Relief Fund

servealabama — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 17:36:00 -0400

BO BIKES BAMA, CORDOVA, ALABAMA - APRIL 27, 2013

Starting in Cordova, Alabama, Bo Bikes Bama offers a 20 or 60 mile route through tornado ravished Walker County - one of the most devastated counties in the nation during the April 27th, 2011 tornado outbreak that claimed 324 lives across six states.

On the second anniversary of the deadly April 27, 2011 tornadoes, two-sport legend Bo Jackson will lead a one-day charity bike ride through Cordova, Alabama to continue his mission to raise $1 million for tornado recovery. Participants will have the option to join Bo for a 20-mile or 60-mile route through the town.

Bo Bikes Bama was created by Bo in 2011 with the help of Trek, Nike and Capital Sports & Entertainment to address unmet recovery needs faced by Alabamians. The inaugural event attracted hundreds of cyclists, from as far away as Canada, to New Jersey and California. Over the course of five days, Bo and sports icons like Ken Griffey, Jr., Scottie Pippin and Picabo Street, rode through some of the most devastated areas of Alabama, crossing the finish line in Tuscaloosa.

To date, Bo Bikes Bama has raised more than $600,000 for the Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund, which was established by Alabama Governor Robert Bentley immediately following the devastating April 2011 storms. The Fund helps Alabamians who have exhausted all other avenues of disaster relief provided by insurance, government funding and relief organizations. In addition to repairing and rebuilding homes, the Fund has helped build several community storm shelters to protect Alabamians from future storms.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT BOBIKESBAMA.COM. DONATE OR REGISTER TO RIDE TODAY!

The 2013 Alabama All Hazards Awareness Guide Now Available Online

servealabama — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:13:00 -0500

Governor Robert Bentley, the Alabama EMA and the National Weather Service has released the 2013 Alabama All Hazards Awareness Guide. It’s available in PDF form online now. ALABAMA ALL HAZARDS AWARENESS GUIDE LINK

READYALABAMA TEAMS UP WITH VERIZON WIRELESS TO EDUCATE RESIDENTS ABOUT SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

servealabama — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 12:46:00 -0500

Birmingham, AL – Alabama will hold its second annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday Feb. 22-24, during which time residents can purchase items recommended by ReadyAlabama for an emergency preparedness kit. Building on its collaboration with ReadyAlabama in 2012, Verizon Wireless has activities planned throughout the weekend to educate consumers about emergency preparedness.

During the sales tax holiday, participating Verizon stores in Alabama will distribute ReadyAlabama’s emergency kit supply list. In addition, customers can bring in their smartphones to these locations throughout the weekend and have them set up with the latest severe weather applications along with local text alerts.

“Wireless technology serves as a vital communications tool when severe weather strikes,” said Jonathan LeCompte – president, Verizon Wireless Georgia/Alabama Region. “Verizon works year-round to ensure our network is prepared, and we’re excited to work with ReadyAlabama to help ensure that Alabamians are prepared as well.”

Representatives from ReadyAlabama will be available in Montgomery and Tuscaloosa to help educate customers on severe weather preparedness. Brooke Mills, Disaster Preparedness and Response Director for Serve Alabama will be at the Montgomery location from 2-4 p.m. on Friday; and Jon Mason, Director of Serve Alabama will be at the Tuscaloosa location on Saturday.

Cell phone batteries and charges are included in the Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Free Holiday. To find out what else is on the list, click here.

Governor Bentley Discusses Sales Tax Holiday for Severe Weather Preparedness Items

servealabama — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 12:08:06 -0500

OFFICE OF GOVERNOR ROBERT BENTLEY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013

MONTGOMERY – Governor Robert Bentley on Wednesday urged people across Alabama to take advantage of this weekend’s state sales tax holiday for severe weather preparedness items.

“People need to take this opportunity to stock up on the supplies they’ll need before, during and aftersevere weather,” Governor Bentley said. “From NOAA weather radios, to first aid kits and generators, these supplies can help you and your family stay safe. Alabama is vulnerable to several different forms of severe weather. Take the time now to plan ahead. If you wait until the storm strikes, it’s often too late.”

The state sales tax holiday for 2013 will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, February 22. The holiday will continue through the end of Sunday, February 24. As part of the holiday, items related to severe weather preparedness will be exempted from state sales and use taxes.

Items covered by the state sales tax holiday include:

Several types of batteries, including cell phone batteries and chargers
Battery-powered radios
NOAA weather radios
Flashlights, lanterns, and emergency glow sticks
First aid kits
Duct tape
Plywood, window film or other materials, specifically designed to protect window openings
Portable generators
Gas or Diesel fuel containers
Tarpaulins and plastic sheeting
Any non-electric food storage cooler or water storage container
Non-electric can openers
Any artificial ice, blue ice, ice packs, or reusable ice
Fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors
Ground anchor systems such as cords or rope or tie-down kits

The covered items must cost $60 or less, except for generators, which are covered as long as they cost $1,000 or less.

Several cities and counties across Alabama are joining the state by removing their own local sales and use taxes from the same items during the same weekend. A complete list can be found on the Alabama Department of Revenue website at: http://revenue.alabama.gov/salestax/WPholiday.cfm.

The sales tax holiday will be held at the conclusion of Severe Weather Awareness Week, which is currently underway.

“Alabamians have a unique opportunity with the state sales tax holiday to really save money on items that may save them in a future storm,” Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Art Faulkner said. “It is imperative that people use this awareness week and tax-free weekend to be prepared for all hazards, which could strike at any time of year.”

Serve Alabama, the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Volunteer Service, is continuing its “Ready Alabama” partnership with Lamar Advertising to help promote Severe Weather Awareness Week.

“The partnership with Lamar provides access to more than 70 digital billboard locations across the state,” Serve Alabama Director Jon Mason said. “This week, severe weather preparedness messages are currently on display from Huntsville to Mobile. The billboards promote hazard-specific preparedness and emphasize the importance of developing and maintaining an emergency kit for your home or office.”

“Severe Weather Awareness Week is the time to both educate yourself and develop an action plan before hazardous weather strikes,” added Jim Stefkovich, meteorologist in charge of the Birmingham National Weather Service office. “We at the NWS take our role of providing life-saving information very seriously. However, our best forecasts and warnings mean nothing if you don’t do something with this information. So, please join us. Take this week to learn about the threats. Learn how to receive the hazardous weather information. Finally, develop a plan to protect yourself and others before hazardous weather strikes. The life you save may be your own!”

The annual sales tax holiday was a key recommendation of Governor Bentley’s Tornado Recovery Action Council. The council was appointed by Governor Bentley following the April 27, 2011, tornado outbreak. Senator Greg Reed of WalkerCounty and Representative Bill Poole of TuscaloosaCounty sponsored legislation to create the holiday. The measure was approved by the Alabama Legislature in April of 2012 and was immediately signed by Governor Bentley.

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The Governor’s Press Office can be reached at 334-242-7150.

Alabama Sales Tax Holiday - Severe Weather Preparedness Items

servealabama — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 12:07:00 -0500

Friday, February 22 – Sunday, February 24, 2012 is Alabama’s second annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. This sales tax holiday serves as a way to encourage Alabama residents to build and stock up on items for their family disaster preparedness kit. The following items are eligible:

Items below that have a sales price of $60 or less per item

Batteries: AAA-cell batteries, AA-cell batteries, C-cell batteries, D-cell batteries, 6-volt batteries, 9-volt batteries. (NOTE: coin batteries, automobile batteries, and boat batteries are not exempt.)

Cellular phone battery

Cellular phone charger

Portable self-powered or battery-powered radio, two-way radio, weather-band radio or NOAA weather radio

Portable self-powered light source, including battery-powered flashlights, lanterns, or emergency glow sticks

Tarpaulin, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths, and other flexible, waterproof sheeting

Ground anchor system, such as bungee cords or rope, or tie-down kits

Duct tape

Plywood, window film or other materials specifically designed to protect window coverings

Non-electric food storage cooler or water storage container

Non-electric can opener

Artificial ice, blue ice, ice packs, reusable ice

Self-contained first aid kit

Fire extinguisher

Smoke detector

Carbon monoxide detector

Gas or diesel fuel tank or container

Items below that have a sales price of $1,000 or less:

Portable generators and power cords

Counties and municipalities are encouraged to join the state by removing their own local sales and use taxes from these preparedness items. The Alabama Department of Revenue has a complete list of all cities and counties participating in the 2013 Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday at http://www.revenue.alabama.gov/salestax/WPSalesTaxHol.cfm.

National Weather Service Birmingham Community Open House - February 16, 2013

servealabama — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:46:04 -0500

National Weather Service Birmingham Community Open House - February 16, 2013:

When: Saturday, February 16th, 2013

11 AM to 5 PM RAIN or SHINE!

Where: National Weather Service Office in Calera, AL, 465 Weathervane Rd. near the Shelby County Airport…

Who: anyone interested in meteorology and science…

Emergency Kit Supply List from Ready Alabama

servealabama — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 21:51:56 -0500

Emergency Kit Supply List from Ready Alabama:

Please take time today to check your emergency kit, or make sure you stock your kit with needed supplies. Stay alert and monitor the weather via NOAA Weather Radio and local television, radio and web media outlets.

Be a hero. Take the time to prepare your family or business for...

servealabama — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:15:00 -0500

Be a hero. Take the time to prepare your family or business for the next disaster. (Message from Ready.gov and ESPN)

Alabama Winter Weather Safety Tips

servealabama — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:41:00 -0500

Winter Weather Safety Tips (from the National Weather Service Birmingham)

In General…

Keep ahead of a winter weather by listening to the latest weather warnings and bulletins on NOAA Weather Radio, local radio or television. Be alert to changing conditions and avoid unnecessary travel. Also, make sure you check and stock your home/business emergency kit.

DOWNLOAD WINTER WEATHER SAFETY TIPS FROM NWS BIRMINGHAM (PDF)

For your home…Plan ahead!

• Check battery powered equipment, and stock extra batteries for flashlights and a portable television or radio. Also, check emergency cooking facilities.

• Check your food and stock an extra supply. Your supplies should include food that requires no cooking or refrigeration in case of power failures. Consider high energy foods such as dried fruit or candy. Don’t forget prescription medicines, first aid supplies, and other specialty items.

• Check your supply of heating fuel, but prevent fire hazards due to overheated coal or oil-burning stoves, fireplaces, heaters, or furnaces.

• Stay indoors during storms and cold snaps. Elderly persons, children, and those in bad health may be especially susceptible to cold weather. Avoid overexertion, especially if shoveling snow.

• Dress to fit the season. Loose, layered clothing will keep your warm, and a hat and mittens will protect your extremities.

• Winterize your home by caulking around openings, installing storm windows, and adding insulation.

• Don’t forget your pets or livestock. Move animals to sheltered areas. For pets, bring them indoors or provide some form of heat. Provide fresh water since many pets die from dehydration in winter storms.

In your vehicle…be prepared!

• Get your car winterized before the storm season begins. Maintain a checklist of the preparation required.

• Carry a winter storm car kit, especially if you plan cross country travel or anticipate travel in northern states. Items to consider include a mobile phone and charger, blankets or sleeping bags, flashlights and batteries, first aid kit, non-perishable foods, extra clothing, window scraper, water, road maps, small shovel, and kitty litter or sand for traction.

• If the storm exceeds or even tests your driving limitations, seek available shelter immediately. Plan your travel and select primary and alternate routes. Check the latest weather information before departing, and drive carefully and defensively. Avoid traveling alone, and be sure someone knows your travel plans and route of travel.

How you can help - Alabama Christmas Day Tornadoes

servealabama — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 13:13:46 -0500

Christmas Day Tornadoes in Alabama

For those interested in volunteering after the Christmas Day tornadoes, please review the most effective ways to help those in need:

Affiliate with existing non-profit organizations before coming to the disaster area. Immediately following a disaster, a community can become easily overwhelmed by the amount of generous people who want to help. Contacting and affiliating with an established organization will help to ensure that you are appropriately trained to respond in the most effective way. You may also sign up at www.handsonsal.org.

Be safe: Do not self-deploy. Register and wait until you have been notified of a specific volunteer need. Once assigned a position, make sure you have been given an assignment and are wearing proper safety gear for the task.

As Sandy Became #Sandy, Emergency Services Got Social By Drake...

servealabama — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 08:33:06 -0500

As Sandy Became #Sandy, Emergency Services Got Social
By Drake Baer, fastcompany.com

As New Yorkers took to Twitter to voice concerns, request aid, and offer real-time help, organizations were—more than ever before—there and ready to respond on their native platforms. Here’s how the Red Cross, the City of New York, and Occupy Wa…

Disaster response and social media after #Sandy

Volunteer for Hurricane Sandy Relief

servealabama — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 17:35:50 -0400

Follow these tips when thinking about ways to effectively volunteer or donate to the Hurricane Sandy response efforts.

· Volunteers are very beneficial to the response and recovery efforts after a disaster and are most effective when affiliating with a non-profit organization. Do not self-deploy to the affected areas. To register your interest, visit HandsOn Network. To find volunteer opportunities, visit Points of Light Disaster Volunteer Opportunities.

· The most effective donations after disasters are financial donations. Visit the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) website to donate to those non-profit organizations that are active in disaster response.

· Additional information about Hurricane Sandy response efforts can be found at: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).

Register for Governor’s Community Response Workshop

servealabama — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 11:44:51 -0400

Montgomery Marriott Prattville Hotel & Conference Center at Capitol Hill

2500 Legends Circle

Prattville, Alabama

Date: December 11, 2012

Time: Registration begins at 8am. Workshop will be from 9am-4pm.

Conference Registration: $25 per participant - You can register online by clicking

http://communityresponseworkshop.eventbrite.com

Participants are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the Montgomery Area Food Bank and will be entered to win a Ready AL Evac Pack!

Conference Partners: Serve Alabama - Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Volunteer Service, Corporation for National and Community Service, Hands On Network, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, Alabama Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters, Alabama Emergency Management Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Church World Service, Alabama Power

Who Should Attend: Faith-Based and Community Organizations, Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters, Volunteer Leaders, Volunteer Managers, National Service Programs: AmeriCorps, Senior Corps and Learn and Serve, Citizen Corps, Emergency Managers, and City and County Government Officials

Learn About: Ways to enhance existing partnerships, Guidelines to consider prior to disasters, Ways to effectively use social media during disasters, How to set-up a volunteer reception center, How to begin and maintain a local Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD), and How to establish a local Long Term Recovery Committee.