Region 6 Homeland Security Board and Safeguard Iowa Partnership Announce Week 14 of “20 Weeks to Preparedness Program” 

Release Date: May 14, 2012
Release Number: 15

Welcome to Week 14 of the 20 Weeks to Preparedness program brought to you by the Region 6 Homeland Security Board and Safeguard Iowa Partnership.  This program will help to better prepare you and your family, a little at a time, over a 20 week period.  Each week new preparedness information will be shared including a list of items to gather or purchase for your disaster supply kit.  Sign up at www.safeguardiowa.org/subscribe-to-be-prepared to receive weekly reminder and announcements related to the 20 Weeks to Preparedness program.  

Use this program to gather items for your kit in small steps over a five month period.  Remember to change and replace perishable items by the expiration date. Purchasing the food suggested by this program would last approximately 3-5 days.

Place in storage bin:

• An extra pair of sturdy shoes per person
• Screwdriver
• Safety goggles
• Ready-to-eat meals

Personalized Item (if applicable):

• Extra keys to the house

To do: 

• Prepare emergency car kit  

In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.

This kit should include:

• Jumper cables
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Food containing protein such as nuts & energy bars
• Water for person and pets in your car 
• AM/FM radio to listen to traffic reports & emergency messages
• Cat litter or sand for better tire traction
• Shovel
• Ice scraper
• Warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes 
• Blanket or sleeping bag 
• Fully charged cell phone and phone charger 
• Flares or triangle  
• First aid kit & medication in case you are away from home for a prolonged time 

Be prepared for an emergency by keeping your gas tank full and if you find yourself stranded, be safe and stay in your car, put on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives.

Additional assistance is available by contacting your local Emergency Management Coordinator or visiting Safeguard Iowa Partnership at www.safeguardiowa.org, on twitter @safeguardiowa or Facebook at www.facebook.com/safeguardiowa. 

The Region 6 Homeland Security Board is comprised of fourteen counties in eastern Iowa that coordinate homeland security planning, training, exercise, response, and recovery. The counties included are Benton, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Cedar, Clayton, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, Iowa, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Scott.

The Safeguard Iowa Partnership is a voluntary coalition of the state's business and government leaders, who share a commitment to working together to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters in Iowa.

Region 6 Homeland Security Board and Safeguard Iowa Partnership Announce Week 13 of “20 Weeks to Preparedness Program” 

Release Date: May 7, 2012
Release Number: 14

Welcome to Week 13 of the 20 Weeks to Preparedness program brought to you by the Region 6 Homeland Security Board and Safeguard Iowa Partnership.  This program will help to better prepare you and your family, a little at a time, over a 20 week period.  Each week new preparedness information will be shared in this publication including a list of items to gather or purchase for your disaster supply kit.  Sign up at www.safeguardiowa.org/subscribe-to-be-prepared to receive weekly reminders and announcements related to the 20 weeks to Preparedness program. 

Use this program to gather items for your kit in small steps over a five month period.  Remember to change and replace perishable items by the expiration date. Purchasing the food suggested by this program would last approximately 3-5 days.

Place in storage bin:

• Fire extinguisher
• Antacid
• Hammer and nails
• Crackers, peanut butter and jelly 

Personalized Item (if applicable):

• Extra prescription glasses

To do:

• Review and finish video task 

Additional assistance is available by contacting your local Emergency Management Coordinator visiting Safeguard Iowa Partnership at www.safeguardiowa.org, on twitter @safeguardiowa or Facebook at www.facebook.com/safeguardiowa. 

The Region 6 Homeland Security Board is comprised of fourteen counties in eastern Iowa that coordinate homeland security planning, training, exercise, response, and recovery. The counties included are Benton, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Cedar, Clayton, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, Iowa, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Scott.

The Safeguard Iowa Partnership is a voluntary coalition of the state's business and government leaders, who share a commitment to working together to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters in Iowa.

Region 6 Homeland Security Board and Safeguard Iowa Partnership Announce Week 12 of “20 Weeks to Preparedness Program” 

Release Date: April 30, 2012
Release Number: 13

Welcome to Week 12 of the 20 Weeks to Preparedness program brought to you by the Region 6 Homeland Security Board and Safeguard Iowa Partnership.  This program will help to better prepare you and your family, a little at a time, over a 20 week period.  Each week new preparedness information will be shared including a list of items to gather or purchase for your disaster supply kit.  Sign up at www.safeguardiowa.org/subscribe-to-be-prepared to receive weekly reminders and announcements related to the 20 Weeks to Preparedness program.

Use this program to gather items for your kit in small steps over a five month period.  Remember to change and replace perishable items by the expiration date. Purchasing the food suggested by this program would last approximately 3-5 days.

Place in storage bin:

• One gallon of water per person per day
• Laxative/Antidiarrheal medicines
• Rolled bandages and safety Dried
• Drited fruit and/or nuts

Personalized Item (if applicable):

• Extra battery for motorized mobility aid

To do:

• Make copies of credit and debit card account information. Store in a plastic bag.

Additional assistance is available by contacting your local Emergency Management Coordinator or visiting Safeguard Iowa Partnership at www.safeguardiowa.org, on twitter @safeguardiowa or Facebook at www.facebook.com/safeguardiowa.

The Region 6 Homeland Security Board is comprised of fourteen counties in eastern Iowa that coordinate homeland security planning, training, exercise, response, and recovery. The counties included are Benton, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Cedar, Clayton, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, Iowa, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Scott.

The Safeguard Iowa Partnership is a voluntary coalition of the state's business and government leaders, who share a commitment to working together to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters in Iowa.

Region 6 Homeland Security Board and Safeguard Iowa Partnership Announce Week 11 of “20 Weeks to Preparedness Program” 

Release Date: April 23, 2012
Release Number: 12

Welcome to Week 11 of the 20 Weeks to Preparedness Program brought to you by the Region 6 Homeland Security Board and Safeguard Iowa Partnership.  This program will help to better prepare you and your family, a little at a time, over a 20 week period. Each week new preparedness information will be shared including a list of items to gather or purchase for your disaster supply kit.  Sign up at www.safeguardiowa.org/subscribe-to-be-prepared to receive weekly reminders and announcements related to the 20 Weeks to Preparedness program.

Use this program to gather items for your kit in small steps over a five month period.  Remember to change and replace perishable items by the expiration date. Purchasing the food suggested by this program would last approximately 3-5 days.

Place in storage bin:

• One gallon of water per person per day
• Paper, pen, pencil, and scissors
• Sunscreen
• Protein bars

Personalized Item (if applicable):

• Litter pan

To do:       

• Determine signal with family and friends to be used to communicate safety.

Additional assistance is available by contacting your local Emergency Management Coordinator or visiting Safeguard Iowa Partnership at www.safeguardiowa.org, on twitter @safeguardiowa or Facebook at www.facebook.com/safeguardiowa.

The Region 6 Homeland Security Board is comprised of fourteen counties in eastern Iowa that coordinate homeland security planning, training, exercise, response, and recovery. The counties included are Benton, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Cedar, Clayton, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, Iowa, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Scott.

The Safeguard Iowa Partnership is a voluntary coalition of the state's business and government leaders, who share a commitment to working together to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters in Iowa.

Region 6 Homeland Security Board and Safeguard Iowa Partnership Announce Week 10 of “20 Weeks to Preparedness Program” 

Release Date: April 16, 2012
Release Number: 11

Welcome to Week 10 of the 20 Weeks to Preparedness Program brought to you by the Region 6 Homeland Security Board and Safeguard Iowa Partnership.  This program will help to better prepare you and your family, a little at a time, over a 20 week period.  Each week new preparedness information will be shared including a list of items to gather or purchase for your disaster supply kit.  Sign up at www.safeguardiowa.org/subscribe-to-be-prepared to receive weekly reminders and announcements related to the 20 Weeks to Preparedness program. Use this program to gather items for your kit in small steps over a five month period.  Remember to change and replace perishable items by the expiration date. Purchasing the food suggested by this program would last approximately 3-5 days.

Place in storage bin:

• One gallon of water per person per day
• Dishwashing liquid
• Thermomotor and tweezers
• Cereal (one box for every four people)
• Collapsible shovel 

Personalized Item (if applicable):

• Water for pet

To do:

• Establish out-of-town contacts.

Establishing out-of-town contacts can be essential during a disaster if you are separated from family members. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than a call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members. Make sure everyone has correct and up-to-date numbers for those contacts stored in their phones and in their wallets.

Additional assistance is available by contacting your local Emergency Management Coordinator or visiting Safeguard Iowa Partnership at www.safeguardiowa.org, on twitter @safeguardiowa or Facebook at www.facebook.com/safeguardiowa.

The Region 6 Homeland Security Board is comprised of fourteen counties in eastern Iowa that coordinate homeland security planning, training, exercise, response, and recovery. The counties included are Benton, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Cedar, Clayton, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, Iowa, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Scott.

The Safeguard Iowa Partnership is a voluntary coalition of the state's business and government leaders, who share a commitment to working together to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters in Iowa.

Region 6 Homeland Security Board and Safeguard Iowa Partnership Announce Week 9 of “20 Weeks to Preparedness Program” 

Release Date: April 9, 2012                                                   Release Number: 10

The focus of Week 9 is Pets! For those with pets don’t forget to plan for their safety during a disaster. 20 Weeks to Preparedness Program is brought to you by the Region 6 Homeland Security Board and Safeguard Iowa Partnership.  This program will help to better prepare you and your family, a little at a time, over a 20 week period.  Each week new preparedness information will be shared including a list of items to gather or purchase for your disaster supply kit. Sign up at www.safeguardiowa.org/subscribe-to-be-prepared to receive weekly reminders and announcements related to the 20 Weeks to Preparedness program.

Use this program to gather items for your kit in small steps over a five month period.  Remember to change and replace perishable items by the expiration date. Purchasing the food suggested by this program would last approximately 3-5 days.

Place in storage bin:

•  Extra flashlight
• Whistle
•  Paper towels
• Granola and/or snack bars
•  Large, clear, empty plastic jar, such as mayonnaise, and a candle to fit inside

Personalized Item (if applicable):

• Pet leash and crate
• Make copies of pet vaccination and/or prescription information

If you are like millions of animal owners nationwide, your pet is an important member of your household. Unfortunately, animals are also affected by disasters. If you evacuate your home, do not leave your pets behind! Pets most likely cannot survive on their own and if by some remote chance they do, they may not be able to find them when you return.

If you are going to public shelter, it is important to understand that animals may not be allowed inside. It is important to plan in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for you and your pets.

To do:       

• Install smoke and carbon dioxide alarms. Test the alarms.

Additional assistance is available by contacting your local Emergency Management Coordinator or visiting the Safeguard Iowa Partnership at www.safeguardiowa.org, on twitter @safeguardiowa or Facebook at www.facebook.com/safeguardiowa.

The Region 6 Homeland Security Board is comprised of fourteen counties in eastern Iowa that coordinate homeland security planning, training, exercise, response, and recovery. The counties included are Benton, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Cedar, Clayton, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, Iowa, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Scott.

The Safeguard Iowa Partnership is a voluntary coalition of the state's business and government leaders, who share a commitment to working together to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters in Iowa.

Together.  Helping Iowans.

Region 6 Homeland Security Board and Safeguard Iowa Partnership Announce Week 8 of “20 Weeks to Preparedness Program” 

Release Date: April 2, 2012
Release Number: 9

Welcome to Week 8 of the 20 Weeks to Preparedness Program brought to you by the Region 6 Homeland Security Board and Safeguard Iowa Partnership.  This program will help to better prepare you and your family, a little at a time, over a 20 week period.  Each week new preparedness information will be shared including a list of items to gather or purchase for your disaster supply kit.  Sign up at www.safeguardiowa.org/subscribe-to-be-prepared to receive weekly reminders and announcement related to the 20 Weeks to Preparedness program.

Use this program to gather items for your kit in small steps over a five month period.  Remember to change and replace perishable items by the expiration date. Purchasing the food suggested by this program would last approximately 3-5 days.

Place in storage bin:

• Extra batteries for flashlight and radio
• Pan to use on camp-style stove
• Bleach
• Pain reliever e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen
• Canned fruit (one can for every two people)

Personalized Item (if applicable):

• Pet food

To do:

• Make a record of your personal property for insurance purposes. Take photos or video of the interior and exterior of your home. Include personal belongings in your inventory. You may want to download the free Household and Personal Property Inventory Book from the University of Illinois (http://web.aces.uiuc.edu/vista/pdf_pubs/houseinv.pdf) to help you record your possessions. Store your photos or video contents of your home on your e-mail or in an alternate location.

Additional assistance is available by contacting your local Emergency Management coordinator or visiting the Safeguard Iowa Partnership at www.safeguardiowa.org, on twitter @safeguardiowa or Facebook at www.facebook.com/safeguardiowa.

The Region 6 Homeland Security Board is comprised of fourteen counties in eastern Iowa that coordinate homeland security planning, training, exercise, response, and recovery. The counties included are Benton, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Cedar, Clayton, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, Iowa, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Scott.

The Safeguard Iowa Partnership is a voluntary coalition of the state's business and government leaders, who share a commitment to working together to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters in Iowa.

Region 6 Homeland Security Board and Safeguard Iowa Partnership Announce Week 7 of “20 Weeks to Preparedness Program” 

Release Date: March 26, 2012
Release Number: 8

Welcome to Week 7 of the 20 Weeks to Preparedness Program brought to you by the Region 6 Homeland Security Board and Safeguard Iowa Partnership.  This program will help to better prepare you and your family, a little at a time, over a 20 week period.  Each week new preparedness information will be shared in this publication including a list of items to gather or purchase for your disaster supply kit.  Sign up at www.safeguardiowa.org/subscribe-to-be-prepared to receive weekly reminders and announcements related to the 20 weeks to Preparedness program. 

Use this program to gather items for your kit in small steps over a five month period.  Remember to change and replace perishable items by the expiration date. Purchasing the food suggested by this program would last approximately 3-5 days.

Place in storage bin:

• Disposable eating utensils
• Camp-style stove, fuel, and matches in a waterproof container
• Disposable plates and heavy duty garbage bags
• Canned soup (one can per person)

Personalized Item (if applicable):

• Denture supplies

To do:

• Purchase and/or install emergency escape ladders, if necessary.

Additional assistance is available by contacting your local Emergency Management Coordinator or visiting the Safeguard Iowa Partnership website at www.safeguardiowa.org, on twitter @safeguardiowa or Facebook at www.facebook.com/safeguardiowa. 

The Region 6 Homeland Security Board is comprised of fourteen counties in eastern Iowa that coordinate homeland security planning, training, exercise, response, and recovery. The counties included are Benton, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Cedar, Clayton, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, Iowa, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Scott.

The Safeguard Iowa Partnership is a voluntary coalition of the state's business and government leaders, who share a commitment to working together to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters in Iowa.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact:

Tina Potthoff, Media Relations Manager

515.281.2585 or tpotthoff@midamerican.com

Jami Haberl, Safeguard Iowa Partnership

515.246.1707 or jhaberl@safeguardiowa.org

MidAmerican Energy Company and Safeguard Iowa Partnership Provide Information to Community Leaders about Copper Theft

DES MOINES, Iowa – March 19, 2012 – MidAmerican Energy Company employees recently caught several suspects attempting to steal copper from a company facility. The incident further highlights the need for ongoing education and awareness in local communities.

Copper theft has increased in recent years due to the rising value of copper. Copper thefts put workers and thieves at risk, inconvenience businesses and homeowners, and can disrupt services if critical infrastructure is impacted. Because copper theft impacts public and private sector partners, collaboration and coordination are beneficial to communities and businesses.

MidAmerican Energy recently sponsored and participated in a webinar to help build community leaders’ knowledge about the dangers of copper theft and the consequences criminals face when committing the crime. More than 150 law enforcement officials, city and state leaders, and utility representatives participated in the webinar, which was hosted by Safeguard Iowa Partnership.

“By bringing together public and private partners, leaders can learn the warning signs of copper theft, confirm the incidents are properly investigated, and ensure criminals are prosecuted,” said Jami Haberl, executive director, Safeguard Iowa Partnership.

“When copper thieves target electrical equipment or facilities, they put themselves and others in danger of suffering from serious electric contact,” said Barry Campbell, MidAmerican Energy’s vice president of delivery.

“MidAmerican Energy asks citizens to contact law enforcement to report any suspicious activity around power poles, substations or other MidAmerican Energy equipment, including unidentified individuals damaging poles, entering substations, or carrying coiled wire when there are no MidAmerican Energy vehicles in the vicinity,” said Campbell.

Individuals caught stealing or attempting to steal from a MidAmerican Energy facility or other utility face serious consequences, including Class D felony charges under an Iowa public utility trespassing law.

To watch a recorded version of the copper theft prevention webinar, visit Safeguard Iowa Partnership’s website at www.safeguardiowa.org/trainings-and-education.

The Safeguard Iowa Partnership is a voluntary coalition of the state’s business and government leaders, who share a commitment to work together to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from catastrophic events in Iowa. Created in 2007, the partnership helps integrate business resources, expertise, and response plans with those of government during all stages of disaster management. For more information, visit www.safeguardiowa.org.

MidAmerican Energy Company, Iowa’s largest energy company, provides electric service to 732,000 customers and natural gas service to 714,000 customers in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota. It is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. Information about MidAmerican Energy is available at www.midamerican.com.                                                                                       

Region 6 Homeland Security Board and Safeguard Iowa Partnership Announce Week 6 of “20 Weeks to Preparedness Program” 

Release Date: March 19, 2012
Release Number: 7

Welcome to Week 6 of the 20 Weeks to Preparedness Program brought to you by the Region 6 Homeland Security Board and Safeguard Iowa Partnership.  This program will help to better prepare you and your family, over a 20 week period.  Each week new preparedness information will be shared in this publication including a list of items to gather or purchase for your disaster supply kit.  Sign up at www.safeguardiowa.org/subscribe-to-be-prepared to receive weekly reminder and announcements related to the 20 Weeks to Preparedness program.  

Use this program to gather items for your kit in small steps over a five month period.  Remember to change and replace perishable items by the expiration date. Purchasing the food suggested by this program would last approximately 3-5 days.

Place in storage bin:

• Duct tape
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and hairbrush for all family members
• Unscented liquid household bleach for water purification
• Canned meat (one can for every two people)

Personalized Item (if applicable):

• Contact lens solution

To do:

• Practice alternate methods of evacuation.

Assembling and practicing at least two ways to quickly leave our home and gather outside will be essential when a disaster strikes in your community!  Take the time to come up with evacuation plans and performing those plans with your family.  Draw a floor plan of your home. Use a blank sheet of paper for each floor. Mark two escape routes from each room. Make sure children understand the drawings. Post a copy of the drawings at eye level in each child’s room. If your home is taller than ground level, plan to use an escape ladder from upper floors. Make sure everyone in your household is familiar with these products and is comfortable using them. Establish a place to meet in the event of an emergency. Record the locations.

Additional assistance is available by contacting your local Emergency Management Coordinator or visiting Safeguard Iowa Partnership website at www.safeguardiowa.org  

The Region 6 Homeland Security Board is comprised of fourteen counties in eastern Iowa that coordinate homeland security planning, training, exercise, response, and recovery. The counties included are Benton, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Cedar, Clayton, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, Iowa, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Scott.

The Safeguard Iowa Partnership is a voluntary coalition of the state's business and government leaders, who share a commitment to working together to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters in Iowa.