Proudly providing resilience education and training in the Shenandoah Valley since 2000.
Resiliency Digest
October 2020
News & tips for being ready
before, during, and after emergencies.
Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires.
Fire Prevention Week™ is October 4-10, 2020 and will “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!™” According to National Fire Prevention Association, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Almost half (44%) of reported home fires started in the kitchen. Two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.

The NFPA offers these tips for reducing your risks of kitchen fires:
  • Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling. If you have to leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
  • If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
  • You have to be alert when cooking. You won’t be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy.
  • Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when you’re cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame. Turn off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.
  • Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
Most earthquake-related injuries and deaths are caused by collapses and debris.
International ShakeOut Day is always the third Thursday of October (October 15, 2020). While COVID-19 has brought many uncertainties and challenges, being prepared for emergencies like earthquakes is still important!

Most earthquake-related injuries and deaths are caused by collapsing walls and roofs, shattered glass and falling objects. Trying to move more than a short distance during the shaking makes the risk of being hit by flying debris greater.
Why do a Drop, Cover, and Hold On drill? Identifying safe places in your environment and practicing your response BEFORE an earthquake occurs can save your life or help avoid serious injury. You may only have seconds to protect yourself before strong shaking knocks you down--or drops something on you. Practice helps everyone respond more quickly.

If you are inside a building, move no more than a few steps and
  • DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!),
  • Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
  • HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.

Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. In most buildings you are safer if you stay where you are until the shaking stops.

If you are outdoors when the shaking starts, you should find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines, then Drop, Cover and Hold On. Stay there until the shaking stops.

If you are driving, pull over to a clear location, stop and stay there with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops. Once the shaking stops, proceed with caution and avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged.

This ShakeOut Day, choose an option that follows health and safety guidelines, but DO THE DRILL! 
Cyber fraud is on the rise. Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM), and in the wake of COVID-19 requirements for increased use of internet-connected devices, taking some time to ensure you are protecting yourself, your family, and any business-related activities from cybercrimes and privacy violations is more important than ever.

Here are some staggering statistics about the rise in cybercrime:
  • In 2019 alone, global losses due to cybercrime were more than $3.5 billion. 
  • The first three months of 2020 saw a 20% increase in cyber fraud as cybercriminals took advantage of the global pandemic.
  • 7 million data records are compromised daily.

The focus of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is “If you Connect It, Protect It.” This emphasizes the potential vulnerability of all internet-connected devices. It only takes one person to create a data breach, so we all need to stay aware of the potential dangers. Learn more about how to protect your data online by visiting cisa.gov/ncsam.  #BeCyberSmart #Cybersecurity #NCSAM2020
Know the risks for Halloween activities
during COVID-19. 
The CDC has prepared a low-medium-high risk chart of various common Halloween activities to help you assess and choose what’s right for you and your family.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, here are some tips from National Safety Council to keep the fun safe!
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]