Proudly providing resilience education and training in the Shenandoah Valley since 2000.
Resiliency Digest
February 2021
News & tips for being ready
before, during, and after emergencies.
Don't Leave Winter Predictions or Prep to Phil
If you’re relying on Punxawtaney Phil’s predictions for planning out the rest of your winter preparedness strategies, you might want to think again.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the legendary weather prognosticator has only gotten it right 40% of the time in the last 10 years. The NOAA goes on to say that climate records indicate winter typically has a long way to go when the groundhog comes out on Feb. 2. Want to brush up on your Groundhog Day lore?
Winter Safety Measures You Shouldn’t Overlook
Preventing CO Poisoning

People get sick or die each year from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning due to unsafe use of generators or combustion appliances. In 2020, the Virginia Poison Center consulted on more than 14,000 carbon monoxide exposures, with most occurring between November and March. Carbon monoxide poisoning is entirely preventable by learning the symptoms of CO exposure and acting wisely during a power outage. This quick video has some life-saving tips.
You can also download these handy Environmental Protection Agency and Centers for Disease Control handouts for facts and guidelines for preventing CO poisoning in your home.
Brushing Up on Winter Storm Safety

And while you’re checking out your home for CO dangers, make sure you’ve got the scoop on protecting yourself and your family before, during, and after a winter storm. The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) has a great information sheet on how to stay safe when a winter storm threatens.

The American Red Cross also has a great collection of winter storm survival resources you’ll want to review.
Finding COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Confused about where and when you will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine? The Virginia Department of Health has developed an interactive web page where you can get all your questions answered.
Coping with COVID Stress During the Winter
And speaking of Groundhog Day, if are you feeling like pandemic restrictions have cut you off from diverse activities and left you stuck in your own version of the classic Bill Murray movie, remember there are lots of practical ways to manage the doldrums.

Check out the official CDC guidelines for managing stress and anxiety, or take a look at these tips from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Luckily there’s no shortage of creative solutions for managing the pandemic blues, especially during the winter. Here are two great lists of ideas that can help!
Community Resiliency Achievements & Announcements
In order for community resilience to grow, it requires each of us to be teachers and students. Educating family, friends, and neighbors on preparedness actions and resilience whenever an appropriate opportunity arises is a role we must all have to move our community forward. Our other responsibility is to learn. Community resilience is complex and looks different for each person, neighborhood, or community. Learning about the variety of stressors and shocks individuals and communities experience and the strategies that can help mitigate these impacts, is another way to move our community forward. 

Sadly, on January 13, 2021, Shenandoah Valley Project Impact (SVPI) lost one of our best teachers, Phyllis Staton Campbell, at 83 years old. Phyllis was a professional, published author, accomplished musician and vocalist, and engaging story teller. Phyllis was blind since childhood. Phyllis participated on the SVPI steering committee from its beginning in 2000 until it disbanded. Since then she has been a trusted advisor. 

All these years, Phyllis has openly shared her personal experiences, strategies, and the tools she used to deal with severe weather and emergencies without sight. Her self-taught preparedness skills rivaled the “smartest” survival guides on the bookshelves. We incorporate Phyllis’ teachings in our public awareness programs to this day. Phyllis will be missed by many for her lively spirit and constant acts of kindness. I will continue to be a teacher and student to honor her memory. 

Do you have an opportunity this month where you can educate or learn about resilince?
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]  [[email protected]]  [www.cspdc.org]