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SEPTEMBER 2019 | IMPACTINGOURFUTURE.COM

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DISASTER PREPAREDNESS Steve Buscemi

discusses his experience as a former NYC firefighter and how closing the door before bed could save your life during a fire

When disasters strike, firefighters and EMTs are there to protect us. But who is protecting them? Donate to the Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund to give back to those who answer the call. www.nvfc.org/nvfc-support-fund

READ ON

Feed the Children has advice for disaster preparedness Page 6

Read about Bethenny Frankel’s dedication to disaster relief Page 14

The safety precaution everyone should know in case of a fire Online

How to Help Yourself and First Responders During an Emergency September is National Preparedness Month. To limit injuries and deaths during a natural disaster, citizens can take a number of steps in advance of, during, and after the event. Taking such steps will not only help save the lives of ordinary people, but also the lives of the first responders charged with protecting them. The importance of evacuation orders The purpose of an evacuation order is to move people out of harm’s way. Such orders —which can be either mandatory or voluntary — can be issued

for hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other potentially dangerous events. Officials don’t issue evacuation orders lightly and consider many factors when determining whether to deliver such an order. According to disaster management experts, these factors include: • Weather forecasts • The relationship residents have with their local leaders • The communication networks used to disseminate information • The capacity of roads to carry increased traffic • Public resources to transport ill patients or the elderly

Tammy Franks Home and Community Program Manager, National Safety Council

• Available shelter space • The possible economic impact on a community if it does shut down for an extended period of time Preparing yourself for a natural disaster When citizens adhere to

evacuation orders and similar safety directives, it allows first responders to focus on other tasks during a natural disaster, including assisting those who were unable to evacuate on their own. Evacuated citizens can help by leaving the affected area early to avoid being trapped by severe weather; following the evacuation route and avoiding shortcuts that may be blocked; staying alert for road hazards, such as flooding, downed power lines, and washed-out roads; and making sure they have an emergency supply kit. Ready.gov also has many tips that will help

people and also first responders in a natural disaster. One of the most basic tips for emergency preparedness is learning what types of extreme events are likely in your area, as well as the local emergency, evacuation, and shelter plans for each specific disaster. Other tips should be adhered to both during and after a natural disaster, such as not driving into flooded areas. Just six inches of moving water can sweep a vehicle away, and if drivers can avoid getting stuck or carried away in flood waters, first responders can focus on other rescue efforts. n

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Mike Holmes Helps You Banish the Silent Killers Hiding at Home more serious problems that could be in your home that can do a lot more harm. Obviously we don’t want it growing in our homes, but when it comes to a small patch of mold, it’s easy to clean. Fix the source that caused it and move on.

PHOTO: THE HOLMES GROUP

What are the best practices to prevent mold in your home?

How did you get involved in home renovations and construction? When did you know you wanted to make construction your career choice? I was probably about 6 years old. I loved hanging out with my dad — he was my superman. He was a trained plumber, but a jackof-all-trades kind of guy, and I would always watch him work on our house. He was always helping out our neighbors and families with their home, too. As I got older, he let me help him, and he would start telling people to hire me. My dad was my 4 • IMPACTINGOURFUTURE.COM

biggest influence growing up. He inspired me to keep working and learning, which helped me end up where I am today. I even have one of my ears pierced in his honor. Why is mold so harmful to your home, family, and health? Mold itself isn’t fatal, but it can trigger respiratory ailments like nasal allergies and asthma. In extreme cases, mold overgrowth can lead to serious health problems. In my opinion, mold has been blown out of proportion as a health risk. There are other much

Every home will have some mold-producing germs and bacteria — this is natural, so don’t panic. Mold needs three things to grow: air, moisture, and a source of food. The best way to prevent mold from growing is to control and prevent high humidity levels and moisture intrusion. If you have moisture sneaking into your home, you need to find the source — that’s the No. 1 way to stop it in its tracks. I have mold in my house; what do I do now? If the mold in your home covers less than 10 sq. ft., you can probably handle clean up on your own using a microbial cleaner — but make sure you’re wearing gloves, goggles, and a mask. You don’t want to touch or breathe in the mold spores. You shouldn’t just clean the mold, you’ll also need to find the moisture source, so the mold doesn’t return. If the area is larger than 10 sq. ft., you’ll want to call in a professional mold abatement service. They can clean up the mold safely and also help you find the source so it doesn’t keep coming back.

What are the other silent killers in a home? Radon is the No. 1 killer; it’s responsible for an estimated 15,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States alone. Next is carbon monoxide (CO) exposure, which affects between 20,000 and 30,000 Americans per year, with around 500 of those cases being fatal. You can’t see, smell, or taste radon and CO, so you don’t know that they’re there. Radon is a radioactive gas that is caused when the uranium in our soil breaks down. When radon is released into the outdoor atmosphere it dilutes harmlessly, but when it gets into our homes it can rise to dangerous levels. Being exposed to high levels of radon for prolonged periods of time increases your risk of lung cancer. CO, on the other hand, can kill within a few days when exposed to low levels, and within a few minutes if exposed to high levels. Both of these are preventable with proper testing and monitoring. Any other advice to keep a home safe from silent killers? The key is to test. Every home should be tested for radon. Radon levels can change over time, so you should retest your home at least every two years. Install a radon alarm so that you’ll know if there are any spikes in your radon levels that require your attention. Also, every home needs smoke and CO detectors. Test your units monthly. You need to know you can count on them in an emergency. If you regularly suffer from a sore throat or nausea, the source could be in the air you’re breathing at home. An indoor air quality test can uncover pollutants in your home like radon, formaldehyde, and asbestos — all of which are dangerous carcinogens. n MEDIAPLANET

You might be prepared for the storm, but are you prepared for the cleanup? Floods, hurricanes, and other heavy storms can bring high water and moisture damage into your home. Storm water damage can leave you with surfaces that are now laden with mold & bacteria. If not treated, these molds and bacteria will continue to damage surfaces and create harmful odors after the storm. MOLD ARMOR® Mold Remover & Disinfectant is a one-step disinfectant that is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, and inhibits the growth of mold and mildew and their odors when used as directed.

Feed the Children Helps Families to Prepare and Recover from Disasters We spoke with John Ricketts, who oversees Feed the Children’s global disaster operations, for his insights on preparing for and recovering from natural disasters. What advice would you give parents to help ease their children’s fears about disasters? I would recommend creating a plan with your family. Whether it’s possible tornadoes, floods, or crippling winter weather, families need to be prepared for the worst. Every plan should include evacuation routes, emergency numbers, shelter possibilities, and a communication strategy. Practicing evacuation routes, where to go for shelter, and memorizing emergency numbers will help strengthen the family plan. After you have the plan in place, what other things should families consider? I would recommend building a disaster kit with basic items such as bottled water, non-perishable snacks, flashlights, batteries, sanitation items, important documents, and first-aid kits. For children, they may want to have extra school supplies to keep them busy, comfort items such as blankets and stuffed animals, and their favorite book. What are some of the items your organization provides to help individuals impacted by disaster? We regularly provide cleaning supplies, ready-to-eat food, shelf-stable food, bottled water, and personal care items. We also provide Kids’ Disaster Packs to children who have been affected. How does Feed the Children reach families in need during disasters? We believe that all disasters start and end locally. We have a network of more than 1,700 community partners in cities across America that we work with to help communities and families in times of disaster. 6 • IMPACTINGOURFUTURE.COM

Saving Your Feet From Workplace Dangers Depending on your industry, you may be encouraged or even required to wear safety shoes on the job. Should safety shoes be a workwear staple? And how do you find the perfect pair?

ccording to a recent study, it was discovered that 25 percent of disability applications worldwide are due to injured feet. Accidents on the job happen, but when foot injuries can leave you unable to work for months at a time, employees and employers alike suffer. The financial liability this causes is another reason why more employers are starting to view safety shoes as an absolute necessity. Safety first Of course, there are some industries that need to protect their employees’ feet more than others. People who work in construction or with heavy machinery, for example, are more prone to foot injuries. If you’re worried about dropping heavy equipment on your feet, boots and shoes with a protective toecap are a good investment. The toecap acts as a protective

barrier for the upper part of the feet. Or if you’re a first responder who relies upon speed and efficiency to get people help, having a slip-resistant shoe can keep you on your feet when someone needs it most. Specialized shoes There are also shoes that are designed to protect the ankles by providing additional support. Anti-vibration soles and slip-resistant soles are on the market right now as well. However, for a slip-resistant sole to be officially deemed “non-slip,” there are industry standards to meet. In the carwash industry, for example, slip-resistant shoes must meet an industry minimum standard value of 0.5 for wet and dry surfaces, and a low value of 0.3 for contaminated surfaces, such as oil, grease and soap. It may seem like common sense to protect your feet, but there are still

many employers out there that aren’t making safety shoes a requirement. But the proof is out there: for example, foot injuries have decreased by 60 percent in Canada since safety shoes for manual workers have become mandatory. Economic benefits If that’s not enough, safety shoes also save companies big bucks. Per a study done by the 2016 Liberty Mutual Research Workplace Safety Index, same-level falls were the second most significant cause of workplace injuries — and they cost the United States approximately $10.17 billion. Even if you don’t have a job where there’s soapy water all over the floor, investing in slip-resistant, durable, and comfortable shoes can help keep you safe from a variety of unexpected work — and life — hazards. n Lauren Hogan MEDIAPLANET

How Effective Mitigation Efforts Protect Communities Ahead of a Disaster

PHOTO: TRACEY PETERSON, TEAM RUBICON

“Every community must take a hard look at the risks it faces and then take action to mitigate them.”

Disaster mitigation can help protect communities and save them significant amounts of money in the aftermath.

ast year was a costly one in terms of damages from natural disasters in the United States. According to a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), natural disasters caused $91 billion in damages across the nation in 2018. For the eighth consecutive year, 2018 had eight or more natural disasters in the United States alone that caused $1 billion each in damages. The good news is that there are ways to lessen the negative impacts and damages caused by many of these disasters — and to 8 •

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save money in the process. This can be achieved through effective mitigation work. A 2009 study from Loyola Marymount University and Loyola School of Law found that every $1 spent on preparedness is worth $15 in terms of the future damage it mitigates. Preparing for the worst Over the last several years, Team Rubicon has become more involved in mitigation efforts to support communities at risk of natural disasters well before they happen. Founded in 2010 as a disaster response organization, Team Rubicon has pivoted

from focusing solely on immediate disaster response to now leveraging the skills of our military veteran volunteers to help communities navigate the entire disaster cycle — from preparation to response to recovery. Mitigation work When it comes to flood events, creeks and rivers that are obstructed with debris can exacerbate the effects of natural disasters, cause more water to rush into neighboring communities, and become damaging when waters rise. To help mitigate this risk, our teams use chainsaws

and hand tools to clear trees, brush, and debris from creeks, streams, and rivers. Team Rubicon volunteers also regularly conduct mitigation operations in areas at risk of wildfires. During these operations, they cut firebreaks and defensible space around communities that border the Wildland Urban Interface, which acts as a buffer zone to reduce the impact of fires on structures. Payoffs We saw the real world benefit of Team Rubicon’s wildfire mitigation efforts in Hoopa, California, in June 2019. Working in conjunction with the Hoopa Tribal Council and the Hoopa Fire Department, Team Rubicon volunteers removed hazard trees and heavy brush to clear defensible space. Several days after our teams had finished, a small wildfire tore through the area. Fortunately, thanks to the mitigation work, the community was unharmed. Natural disasters aren’t going anywhere. Every community must take a hard look at the risks it faces and then take action to mitigate them. That can be clearing defensible space, removing debris from a stream, or having sandbags prepared if a flood is forecast to hit your community. These seemingly small actions help to reduce damage and loss of life, and end up saving communities money in the aftermath of a disaster. n David Burke, VP of Programs & Field Operations, Team Rubicon MEDIAPLANET

Steve Buscemi Has a Message About Fire Safety

How have your experiences as an ex-NYFD firefighter shaped the way you share the fire safety message to others? Steve Buscemi: Having been a New York City firefighter for a few short years, I never really lost the awareness of the potential for danger, particularly as it relates to fire. So no matter how long it’s been since I’ve been on the job, I find that I do sometimes unconsciously insert a comment regarding fire safety here and there (e.g., “Where are your smoke detectors, man?”). Has your career in acting helped accentuate your message of supporting firefighters/first responders in times of need? SB: I’ve been fortunate in that I have the ability to reach a larger audience to relay a message, but I also have stayed in touch with firefighters and am often mentioning the services the Friends of Firefighters offers them. So I find that the combination of my being known both in and outside 10 • IMPACTINGOURFUTURE.COM

Can you talk about fire safety measures we can take in our homes?

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF STEVE BUSCEMI

Before he was an actor, Steve Buscemi was a New York City firefighter for Engine Company No. 55. We spoke with him and retired Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) Lt. Anthony Mussorfiti for their thoughts on fire safety and supporting your local fire department.

recognize harms and the actions to protect themselves.

“I’ve been fortunate in that I have the ability to reach a larger audience to relay a message…” of the FDNY gives me a unique platform to spread the word about mental health and first responders. Being a volunteer firefighter is a big commitment. What should people know prior to volunteering? Anthony Mussorfiti: Just like being a career firefighter, being a volunteer firefighter can be very excit-

ing and rewarding. Although, just like the career firefighter, a volunteer firefighter is exposed to the same physical and psychological harms and they need to consider the impact it will have on them and their family. That is why anyone who is considering becoming a firefighter takes all the training seriously, because it is through proper training that they are taught how to

AM: The first thing I would recommend is to have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home, which save lives by quickly giving you an early warning signal that something is wrong. Fire spreads fast and carbon monoxide is a silent killer. Working alarms are the most critical component of your escape plan. Along with proper installation and maintenance, it is essential that everyone knows what to do if an alarm sounds. If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, you and your family should get out immediately and call 911. If a smoke alarm sounds, be sure to follow your escape plan. The FDNY Foundation website provides information on how to develop an escape plan. It’s also important to keep a door closed while in bed and to close a door if you’re escaping a fire. This simple action will help stop the fire from growing and spreading and is vital to saving lives. Are there any innovations that you witnessed that can be used to better disaster-proof your home for the future? AM: The United States Fire Administration provides information on the latest innovations and technologies available to consumers for residential use, although I would recommend that we not just depend on these innovations and technologies to prepare for disasters. September is National Preparedness Month and the theme for 2019 is “Prepared, Not Scared.” I would recommend that people put together a plan with their family on what to do if a disaster strikes. Visit the FEMA Ready site for how to develop a plan. n MEDIAPLANET

Volunteer Firef ighters Needed to Answer the Call Volunteer firefighters provide critical community services in times of need. When a disaster or emergency strikes, firefighters are there to answer the call. What most people don’t realize is that 65 percent of firefighters are volunteers, donating their time and energy to be there for those in need. “It really is neighbors helping neighbors,” says National Volunteer Fire Council Chair Steve Hirsch. “There is nothing more rewarding than being a volunteer firefighter — we are there for our neighbors when they are having their worst possible day.” Get involved The need for volunteer firefighters has increased dramatically

in the last 30 years. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the number of fire department calls has skyrocketed from just under 12 million in 1986 to over 35 million in 2016. Much of the increase can be attributed to the expanding role firefighters play in emergency response. “Today’s firefighters respond to nearly every type of emergency — structure fires, wildfires, medical emergencies, natural disasters, hazardous materials spills, search and rescue, terrorist threats. The list goes on and on. We need more people to step up and serve so that we can continue to provide these critical life-saving services in our local communities,” says Hirsch.

While specific requirements vary between departments, the biggest prerequisite is a desire to serve the community. Most fire departments will provide the necessary training to new recruits. It takes commitment and dedication to become a volunteer firefighter, but the benefits are many. Making a difference, developing new skills, giving back, and being part of a close-knit team are all reasons people choose to join a volunteer fire department. Other opportunities For those who want to help but aren’t able to commit to becoming a firefighter or EMS provider, volunteers are also needed to fill critical non-operational roles. Community members can join

a department’s auxiliary or Fire Corps program to provide support services such as public education, disaster planning, fundraising, administration, public relations, and much more. n Ken Brown, Chair, Recruitment and Retention Committee, National Volunteer Fire Council

To find a local fire service volunteer opportunity, visit MakeMeAFirefighter.org

For fire departments seeking assistance in volunteer recruitment, visit https://portal.nvfc.org

90% of U.S. fire departments rely on volunteers to protect their communities from structure fires, wildfires, medical emergencies, natural disasters, and more. Your community needs you. Volunteer as a firefighter, EMS provider, or support member.

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The Insurance Risks Nonprofits Are Facing Today Pamela Davis, the founder, president, and CEO of Nonprofits Insurance Alliance discusses how nonprofits are assuming more and more risk to the detriment of performing valuable community services. What are the biggest risks nonprofits are facing today?

Nonprofits are being asked to take on a tremendous number of responsibilities once shouldered by the government. They are increasingly being asked to provide care

for the most v ulnerable, including dependent a nd fragile children and adults. They do this while government funding for these programs is declining and needs a re increasing. Despite heroic efforts made by nonprofit leaders and staff, these pressures make it extremely difficult for them to provide the level of care essential to prevent harm to these vulnerable populations.

How have you seen risk management priorities change for nonprofits?

In general, nonprofits have always been eager to do whatever they can to operate safely, in spite of funding that does not provide sufficiently for training and facilities. What has changed is the growing pressure on nonprofits to take over the care of even more complex and difficult populations from the gov-

ernment, while having access to fewer and fewer resources. What was your goal in creating the Nonprofits Insurance Alliance?

My goal in creating the Nonprofits Insurance Alliance was to give nonprofits control over an important financial service — insurance. The commercial insurance industry is inconsistent in the type of nonprofit risks it is willing to insure. Without property/ casualty insurance, nonprofits can’t operate. n

Security in the Age of the Active Shooter SPONSORED

With the rise in active shooter incidents, organizations must plan ahead to protect their members. Since 2000, there have been more than 275 active shooter incidents — 27 in 2018 alone. Almost all of these incidents occurred at organizations like a school, office, or place of worship. “Each organization has to determine the right balance between being welcoming and keeping people safe,” says Guy A. Russ, assistant vice president of risk control at Church Mutual Insurance Company.

Being prepared “We break down preparedness into threat assessment and response,” Russ says. “Threat assessment is all about understanding the environment, both physical site characteristics as well as recognizing behaviors of concern.” A site can be altered to enhance security — cameras added, lighting adjusted, and landscaping trimmed to improve visibility. Reporting suspicious behaviors can provide pieces to a larger puzzle indicating someone is considering violence. Both increase the potential of preventing that violence. As for the response, “That’s wh a t A L iC E i s a l l a b o u t ,” Russ says.

ALiCE stands for alert, lockdown, inform, counter, and evacuate. “Having a proactive response training such as ALiCE empowers the individual with multiple response options,” notes Brandon Rhone, assistant director of training at the ALiCE Training Institute, “to ultimately remove themselves from the dangerous location, or render that location no longer dangerous.” Muscle memory Drilling on the overall plan and a system like ALiCE is crucial. “Working through scenarios where people are physically performing each of the five options creates a sort of ‘muscle memory’ so that they don’t have to do a lot of thinking when something starts,” Russ advises.

Some organizations will consider using armed security, but Russ urges caution. “The organization is responsible for what that team does — putting an armed security team in place can increase liability if appropriate measures aren’t in place.” Rhone agrees. “Firearms training should be taken,” he notes. “Know what the law in your state says about the use of deadly force.” One thing is certain: Organizations must develop an armed intruder plan and then practice that plan again and again. For more information on how to do so, you can visit Church Mutual’s Armed Intruder Preparedness page at www.churchmutual.com/ 6421/Armed-Intruder. n Jeff Somers MEDIAPLANET

Bethenny Frankel Jumps Into Action to Help Disaster Victims

How did you find yourself focusing on disaster relief? I always wanted to work in philanthropy and help people in dire need with an immediate call to action. Disaster response is literally life or death. I am good in a crisis and have the ability to be a connector, very decisive and organized. I also know how to disseminate information and execute a plan. Relief involves so many moving parts and logistics, and every single mission is different. I just took action one day and never stopped. How did the bstrong program start? I was inspired by the footage of Hurricane Harvey and realized that that was an actual crisis. I raised a few hundred thousand in money and relief items in a

“Disaster response is literally life or death.” matter of days. Everyone told me not to go there. I thought to myself, if no one goes, how does anyone get help? What is the initiative currently focusing on? We are currently focused on amassing relief in our warehouse to be transported to and distributed throughout the Bahamas. We are also working on pet rescue, and funding search and rescue missions via ex-Navy SEAL

What advice do you have for people that want to be first responders in relief efforts?

PHOTO: COURTESY OF BETHENNY FRANKEL

We spoke with television personality, entrepreneur, and author Bethenny Frankel about her mission to provide disaster relief.

have to be organized, collected, communicative, and direct. Most importantly, you can only work with people you can trust and who are credible, and you have to have unilateral control over your funds.

teams. In a later phase, we will distribute cash cards to rebuild. What is the reality of the situations of people providing aid? There is an adrenaline that comes over people that I’ve never seen in traditional business. It is contagious and people have the ability to accomplish unimaginable things on no sleep. Volunteers are passionate and simply need to feel necessary in a way they may not in their everyday lives. You

Align yourself with a reputable organization and make connections. It’s a tight community and people cluster together. There are hundreds of chat rooms dedicated to different areas of the relief efforts: medical, transportation, logistics, warehouse, search and rescue, etc. This is how we all receive and disseminate information, so everyone knows who to talk to and how to help. For those who don’t have the capacity to be a first responder but still want to provide aid, what can be done? Collecting substantial donations and bringing it to our warehouse is helpful. We amass the country’s relief and get it to those in need. Information is power. I have never used my social media more effectively than when there is a crisis. People cannot underestimate how helpful their engagement, information, and spreading the word on their socials for people to donate is for this effort. n

GEAR UP. GET READY.

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