You've Got a Plan, But Are Your Finances Ready?

April is National Financial Capability Month, and even though you may have a disaster prepareness plan, are your finances ready? We all know how difficult it can be to save for a rainy day, but anyone that has gone through an emergency or disaster knows that being caught without proper funds makes it all even harder.

Financial preparedness starts with assessing your current situation. What financial commitments will you face after experiencing an emergency? Check out the video below for best practices for reviewing and prepping your finances for an emergency.

Understanding Severe Weather Hazards

Types of Severe Weather

• Tornado: A violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm cloud to the ground. The Enhanced Fujita Tornado Intensity Scale is used to categorize tornadoes.
• Severe Thunderstorm: A thunderstorm that produces a tornado, damaging winds of 58 mph or higher, and/or quarter (1 inch) size hail or larger.
• Flash Flood: a flood which will create an immediate threat to life or property. Safety rules for flash flooding can be found with this brochure.
• High Wind: A High Wind Warning is issued for sustained winds of 40 mph or wind gusts of 58 mph.

Severe Thunderstorm/Tornado Safety Basics

• Get In: Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible and stay away from doors and windows.
• Get Down: Get to the lowest floor possible. Basements are best during tornadic or very high wind situations.
• Cover Up
• Remain Calm

S-A-W CERT Holds Annual Meeting and 20th Year Celebration

On March 13, S-A-W CERT members gathered to hold their annual meeting.  The main focus was celebrating the CERT program's 20^th year.  Started in 2003 as a regional program, the group evolved into what is now the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Community Emergency Response Team.  

A highlight of the evening was honoring CERT member Ron Cash who holds the title as the longest volunteer for the program.  Ron took the very first CERT training the CSPDC offerred and has been an active and engaged volunteer for twenty years!  Much appreciation goes to Ron and all the CERT volunteers for the dedication they have to their communities.