Proudly providing resilience education and training in the Shenandoah Valley since 2000.
Resiliency Digest
March 2019
News & tips for being ready
before, during, and after emergencies.
Spring into Action - Uncover Your Inner Hero
"I request that during that month (March) our people rededicate themselves to the splendid aims and activities of the Red Cross." -President Franklin D. Roosevelt - first Presidential Proclamation of March as Red Cross Month, 1943

March has been American Red Cross Month since this first Presidential Proclamation by FDR in 1943, and in 2019 you can “Uncover Your Inner Hero” by supporting this relief organization in a myriad of ways. Whether you donate, give blood, take a class, or volunteer, your efforts to provide much needed assistance to help the Red Cross “… prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies” is time and money well-spent. Be someone’s hero this year!
Be Spring-Ready for Severe Weather 
The Shenandoah Valley is no stranger to severe weather during the spring season, and many have occurred in March:

Ash Wednesday Storm March 5-9, 1962
Superstorm of March ’93 March 13-14, 1993
Great Spring Flood March 16-19, 1936
Easter Ice Storm March 26, 1978

Now is a great time to make sure you and your family are prepared for spring severe weather.  Print out this handy Flood Safety Checklist and watch the short videos below to be ready for whatever spring brings!
3 Steps to Prep for an Emergency
Make Sure You Have a Warning System in Place
Spring Break Safety
March is also Spring Break season when spring fever takes a big jump from longing to exuberant outdoor activities and trips. Unfortunately hazards can lurk in water, sun, food, drink, and travel. The American Safety Council offers up some great tips on their blog for helping your family - especially your young spring breakers - stay safe during the celebrations. READ MORE HERE.
Community Resiliency Achievements & Announcements
Thirty-six Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Community Emergency Response Team (SAW CERT) members gathered on Feb. 25 for their annual business meeting and an advanced training entitled, “CERT Tools for Leadership Success.”

The meeting featured a lively discussion about operating structure, impacts of the area’s November ice storm, potential training topics for 2019, and upcoming volunteer opportunities.

The advanced training session helped members sharpen leadership skills that are critical to providing essential support during emergencies and disasters when a community’s first responders and resources are stretched. 

Are you or someone you know interested in becoming a part of SAW CERT? Take the seven-week CERT Basic Course coming up this spring! Details below. To register contact Rebecca Joyce, S-A-W CERT Coordinator, 540-885-5174 ext.112, rebecca@cspdc.org .
For additional resources to help protect yourself, loved ones, and property, visit the National Weather Service, Ready.gov , U.S. Fire Administration , and the National Safety Council .  
[540.885. 5174]  [rebecca@cspdc.org]  [www.cspdc.org]