The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to recommend, as its first recommendation, that people in the path of a tornado find a shelter or a tornado-safe room. The safest place in the home is the interior part of a basement. If possible, get under something sturdy such as a heavy table or workbench. If outdoors, lie down in a gully or ditch.  Head injuries are common   causes of death during tornadoes, and individuals may decide to use helmets to protect their heads. However, because the time to react may be very short, people who choose to use helmets should know where they are and have them ready. Helmets should not be considered an alternative to seeking appropriate shelther considered just one part of their overall home tornado preparedness kit.

For more information:  http://bit.ly/K9KcyR [CDC Press Release, May 3, 2102]

The National Library of Medicine is now offering mobile versions of many of its most popular websites.  Some are mobile websites, available through a web browser, and some are downloadable apps. See a gallery of mobile apps and sites here: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/mobile/index.html

A sampling of NLM mobile products:

MedlinePlus: Authoritative consumer health information from MedlinePlus.gov in a mobile-optimized Web site that includes summaries for over 800 diseases, conditions and wellness topics as well as the latest health news, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, and information on prescription and over-the-counter medications. Available via the Web browser of any mobile device.

AIDSInfo: The latest federally approved HIV/AIDS medical practice guidelines, HIV treatment and prevention clinical trials, and other research information.

LactMed: Find information about maternal and infant drug levels, possible effects on lactation and on breastfed infants, and alternative drugs to consider.

WISER: Stand-alone application (or downloadable application) to assist emergency responders in hazardous materials incidents.

Drug Information Portal: A mobile interface to information for over 31,000 drugs. Names, usage, and structures are displayed, as well as search links to key NLM and government sites, using their mobile version when available.

Want even more no-cost, reliable health apps? Browse USA.gov’s Gallery of Mobile Applications: http://apps.usa.gov/

Free webinar sponsored by the Toledo-Lucas County Advanced Practice Center: Wednesday, May 9, 2012, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. CT. This webinar will provide information on the role of Risk Communication Toolkits for emergency preparedness, particularly in rural counties. The presentation will provide a better understanding of how pre-crafted messages can be utilized through non-traditional means of communication during an emergency.

For more information and to register: http://bit.ly/KeOEQP

“Continuity and Resiliency for Health IT Systems: Preparing for Unforeseen Events” – Friday, April 27, 2012 – 2pm Eastern

This webinar provides expert advice on how health information technology (IT) can help primary care and rural inpatient providers prepare for and overcome an unforeseen event.  When these events – such as a flood, data loss, power outage, snowstorm, or a public health crisis like an influenza outbreak – occurs, health IT systems can be a valuable tool to ensure continuity of patient care.  This is just one reason why it is critical to ensure that health IT systems are resilient and that staff can continue providing care under such circumstances.

Speakers will present case studies and lessons learned based on their own experiences of how their health IT systems helped them prepare for and overcome these events.  They will also focus on how safety net providers can build a resilient health IT infrastructure and system, as well as work with local and state government entities to prepare for an unforeseen event.  Presenters include:

• Staff from George C. Grape Community Hospital, Hamburg, Iowa
• Timothy Roark, Chief Information Officer, Georgia Primary Care Association
• Matthew J. Ziemer, Director, Emergency Management Program, Community Health Care Association of New York State

Click here to register:  http://bit.ly/JWBGEl

Questions for presenters are welcome ahead of the event and may be emailed to: healthit@hrsa.gov

Every year Heritage Preservation encourages libraries, museums, archives, historical societies, and preservation organizations to set aside May 1 to participate in May Day.  This year, make sure your institution is prepared!  Any cultural institution submitting a brief description of its 2012 May Day plans or accomplishments by May 31, 2012, will be entered in a drawing for disaster supplies donated by Gaylord Brothers.  Heritage Preservation will also offer its award-winning Field Guide to Emergency Response and Salvage Wheel at special May Day prices from April 1 through May 31.

For project ideas, information on prizes, and the book sale, visit Heritage Preservation’s May Day site: http://bit.ly/ICOwrY

The Epilepsy Foundation of America has developed a webpage of resources for first responders to help them recognize and respond to a person during a seizure. Be sure to see the resources under Additional Information, including the document “Important Information for First Responders”.

http://ow.ly/9FNxP [DISASTR-OUTREACH-LIB listserv]

1-800-985-5990

TEXT “TalkWithUs” to 66746

The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the nation’s first hotline dedicated to providing disaster crisis counseling.  The toll-free Helpline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  This free, confidential and multilingual crisis support service is available via telephone (1-800-985-5990) and SMS (Text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746) to U.S. residents who are experiencing psychological distress as a result of a natural or man-made disasters.  Callers are connected to trained and caring professionals from the closest crisis counseling center in the network.  The helpline staff provides confidential counseling, referrals and other needed support services.

The Disaster Distress Helpline is a project funded by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) and is operated by Link2Health Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mental Health Association of New Your City.

For more information, visit the SAMSHA web site: http://distresshelpline.org/

After a tornado, most families recover over time, particularly with the support of family, friends, and organizations. The length of recovery depends, in part, on how frightened individuals were and the extent of the damage and loss. Some families will be able to return to their normal routine rather quickly, while others will have to contend with repairing damage to their home and possessions, finding medical care, or facing financial hardship. Some families will have lost a loved one or a pet. Others will need to adjust to school closings or changes in school schedules.

Children’s functioning will be influenced by how their parents and other caregivers cope during and after the tornado. Children often turn to adults for information, comfort, and help. Children do best when parents and teachers remain (or at least appear) calm, answer children’s questions honestly, and respond as best they can to requests. http://bit.ly/wVsyiT [DIMRC]

Emergency managers and other emergency responders need to ensure that the Latino/Hispanic residents of their cities, counties, and states receive needed information and assistance to prepare for, survive, and recover from public emergencies, from hurricanes to pandemics. This tool kit is designed to facilitate that process. The text is accompanied by a CD-ROM with additional materials: http://ow.ly/9pzHy [Nat'l Council of La Raza]

My Safety, My Responsibility, My Plan is a multi-session program to train adults with intellectual disabilities to understand and to be prepared for emergencies. Information is based on the principles set by FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, the American Red Cross and the U.S. Fire Administration.

More information at: http://ow.ly/9jjnw