disaster preparedness
Federal Stimulus Dollars Helping Texas Prepare for Disasters
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will bring more than $290 million to the State Energy Conservation Office to help Texas increase energy efficiency and introduce renewable energy technologies around the state. There is a portion of that amount, however, that will be allocated for a project that has nothing to do with solar installations, energy audits, and the like. Instead, the funds are a part of a program aimed at improving the nation's energy emergency preparedness by helping states strengthen their energy infrastructures against hurricanes, floods, and other disasters.
In Texas, where the initiative is called the Energy Assurance Program, SECO will partner with the Public Utility Commission, Railroad Commission of Texas, and a number of other state entities and utility providers to update and improve the State of Texas Emergency Management Plan (EMP). The total amount Texas will get from the Recovery Act for the purpose of enhancing the EMP and ensuring "quick recovery and restoration from any energy supply disruptions" is $2.5 million. SECO and its partners will use the funds to run simulated exercises, provide new training to staff, and more.
Disaster Preparedness Month
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated September as National Preparedness Month. With the new school year and other transitions occurring this month, it’s a great time to think about ways you and your congregation can stay prepared for natural and manmade disasters.
Faith-based organizations are encouraged to include preparedness materials in their bulletins and newsletters, post preparedness information on their website, and speak to their congregations on the need to be informed, alert, and prepared.Texas Impact and the Texas Conference of Churches Disaster Recovery Project have created a bulletin insert with helpful reminders and concrete steps for you and your congregation to take.
Texas Prepares for Flu Season
This week, the federal government released a report detailing the possibility of a long and dangerous flu season this year. The warning comes two months after the WHO declared a global pandemic of the novel H1N1 strain of flu, previously known as swine flu. While pandemic levels of infection are possible but not probable, the State of Texas is preparing for the possibility of higher rates of flu contraction by taking an approach to preparation and response that is similar to the way it addresses extreme weather events.
While a vaccine specific to the H1N1 flu will not be available to states until mid-October, Texas already has 2.5 million courses of flu vaccines on hand and another 800,000 hopefully on the way from the national stockpile. Those vaccines can be used to protect from both types of flu. While anyone can get the regular vaccine and officials have assured the public that there are enough supplies for everyone that wants the shot, the H1N1 flu vaccine will be administered first to priority populations like school-age children, people with chronic health conditions, and pregnant women. The Texas Education Agency and the Department of State Health Services will work with school districts and other entities to determine when closures and other preventative measures are necessary, and officials continue to encourage people to stay home if they begin to feel ill.
DSHS is also operating Texasflu.org, which contains information for health care providers, employers, families, and others. To find out where you can get a flu shot, click here.
