Proudly providing resilience education and training in the Shenandoah Valley since 2000.
Resiliency Digest
November/December 2020
News & tips for being ready
before, during, and after emergencies.
HEADING OFF HOLIDAY HAZARDS
Safe Travel and Celebrations During the Pandemic
The holiday season is a time when many families travel long distances to celebrate together. Travel increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others, however if you must travel, be informed of the risks and prevention measures you should put in place.

The CDC has created a scale of the level of risk involved in various types of travel, as well as for typical holiday celebration activities. Please review the recommendations and decide what is best for you and your loved ones.
Need some ideas for alternative ways to be with family and friends during the holidays? In addition to social distancing, wearing a mask, and frequent handwashing, the CDC has provided some great suggestions like porch deliveries, extra food preparation and serving precautions, and hosting outdoor or virtual activities instead of traditional gatherings.
Avoiding Fires Caused by Holiday Cooking, Candles, and Decorations
Did you know home cooking fires happen most often on Thanksgiving? Here are some reminders on how to keep celebrations fire-safe.

  • Stay with anything on the stove or turn off the burner before leaving the kitchen.
  • Use that turkey fryer responsibly!
  • Only use decorations that are flame-retardant or not flammable.
  • Check holiday lights each year for frayed wires or excessive wear.
  • Don’t link more than three strands of holiday lights.
  • Keep your live Christmas tree away from heat sources and room exits.
Keep forgetting to water that Christmas tree? This video of just how fast a dry tree goes up in flames will remind you not to put it off.
#MASKUP #LATHERUP #SLEEVEUP
National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is December 6-12. It is a national awareness week focused on highlighting the importance of influenza vaccination.

This year’s theme is #MaskUp, #LatherUp, and #SleeveUp to remind us that wearing a mask, washing hands often, and getting a flu vaccine are three simple actions that everyone, especially people at higher risk of developing serious flu complications, should take to help reduce the spread of flu and help save medical resources needed to care for people with COVID-19.
WINTER WEATHER WISDOM
Winter can bring with it a wide variety of potentially dangerous weather. From impacting roadways, outdoor activities, infrastructure, and more, being prepared for any eventuality can bring you and your family some peace of mind this winter season.
When Driving
During Power Outages
After Snowfall
Have a Safe & Happy Holiday Season
No matter how you choose to celebrate, the team at Shenandoah Valley Project Impact and CERT wish you a very happy holiday season!
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]