During a natural or manmade emergency or disaster you may not be able to rely on emergency responders for immediate aid. Would you know how to keep your family safer during a crisis?
How would you fare if you were on your own for 72 hours? You may cope better if you reside in a town, but what if you live in a rural area? Not only that, but extreme weather doesn’t occur only at home. Are you prepared for weather-related havoc during your carefully arranged vacation or while traveling?
Starting with the basics, do you know what our local hazards are? In addition to snow storms, thunderstorms and flooding, it’s also possible for Schuylkill County to experience hurricanes and tornadoes. Additionally, we’ve experienced slight earthquake tremors in the recent past. Usually these events are manageable and we return to normal with minimal inconvenience, but that may not always be the case. Furthermore, manmade disasters would not appear on the weather report. A home fire is the number one emergency you may encounter.
The thought of a disaster impacting your home and neighborhood can be frightening. But there are steps that you can take to reduce the level of fear and confusion one might experience during those times. Community self-preparedness is a vital step to a resilient community.
September is National Preparedness Month and Community Volunteers in Action is partnering with Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency to present an Emergency Preparedness Educational Seminar at 6 p.m. Aug. 29 at the Terence P. Reiley Community Center in Pottsville. The relaxed presentation is free and recommended to individuals, organizations, church groups and others wanting to better understand how to keep themselves and their property safer.
Topics will include learning your local hazards, planning tips for major weather-related disasters, what to do before, during and after an event, sheltering in place vs. evacuation, recovery and coping. Home fires will also be discussed.
One hour of your time can help you to prepare for the unexpected. Isn’t that worth the investment?
Seating is limited so call 570-628-1426 or email jjohnston@co.schuylkill.pa.us to reserve your seat today.
A photo safari will take place at Sweet Arrow Lake, Pine Grove, at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Explore some of the best areas in the park for photos then review the images with the group. Bring your digital camera, download cable and an empty memory card. Registration is required by calling 570-527-2505. The free program will be held rain or shine.
The Tamaqua Community Art Center will be hosting a Clay Garden Gnome Workshop with Stephanie Premich of Mud & Maker at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Learn how to create your own personalized gnome with accessories during the two-part workshop. Class fee of $30 includes all materials. Appropriate for ages 6 and older. Register online at www.TamaquaArts.org or by calling 570-668-1192.
“Murder at the Malt Shop” will be presented at the Frackville Elks on May 27. Return to the days of sock hops and drag races, and possibly mayhem. The $30 ticket includes show, buffet dinner and ice cream dessert bar. Order your tickets by calling 570-573-1363.
Community Volunteers in Action is the volunteer center for Schuylkill County. Use the preceding contact information for those specific opportunities and search other listings on our website at www.schuylkill.us/cvia. Find us on Facebook. Call us at 570-628-1426 or email to jjohnston@co.schuylkill.pa.us.
Literacy tutors
Times: Requires a commitment of four hours per week for one year.
Responsibility: Help adults with English as a Second language, reading skills or GED preparation.
Skills: For volunteers age 55 and above. Bachelor’s degree and background checks required. Training and ongoing support provided.
Location: Lifelong Learning Center
Call: Carol Bowen, RSVP of Schuylkill County, 570-622-3103.