In observance of National Preparedness Month, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) have announced the distribution of 300 Emergency Go-Kits to Tennesseans who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or have low vision. The initiative aims to ensure that individuals with access and functional needs are prepared for emergencies, recognizing that disaster preparedness requires additional considerations for people with disabilities.
TEMA Director Patrick C. Sheehan emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “For hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans, preparing for, responding to, or recovering from a disaster or emergency situation can present a real challenge. TEMA is committed to ensuring that Tennesseans have the tools and resources necessary to stay safe and informed.”
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The Emergency Go-Kits will be available starting Tuesday, September 17, at 10 TDHS Vocational Rehabilitation locations. Each kit includes a Midland Weather Radio, a Midland SBNDL Bundle Kit (strobe light, pillow shaker, batteries, etc.), and a family First Aid Kit. The strobe light and pillow shaker are designed to alert individuals by vibrating and flashing a bright light when an emergency alert is activated.
TDHS Commissioner Clarence H. Carter expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “We are excited to partner with TEMA to ensure Tennesseans with disabilities are prepared in the event of a natural disaster. By providing these go-kits, we are taking a significant step toward ensuring all Tennesseans are ready and resilient in the face of emergencies by having the tools to support their disability-specific needs.”
National Preparedness Month, led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is observed every September to remind individuals and communities about the importance of disaster readiness. TEMA encourages proactive steps in readiness planning, with resources available at tn.gov/tema.
The following locations will distribute the Emergency Go-Kits:
– BridgesWEST, Memphis, TN
– Jackson Center for Independent Living, Jackson, TN
– BridgesTN, Nashville, TN
– Partnership Deaf Services, Chattanooga, TN
– disABILITY Resource Center, Knoxville, TN
– Jackson Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Jackson, TN
– Knoxville Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Knoxville, TN
– Tennessee Rehabilitation Center (Bradley Co), Cleveland, TN
– VisionLink Solutions, Nashville, TN
– TDHS Family Assistance (Kingsport VR), Kingsport, TN
Kits will be available during the location’s regular hours of operation. For inquiries, contact the respective locations directly.
For more information about TEMA and its mission to coordinate preparedness, response, and recovery from various hazards, follow TEMA on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and at tn.gov/tema.
For details on the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) and its programs designed to support Tennesseans with disabilities, visit the Tennessee Department of Human Services website.
Source: Read Original Release
Tennessee Roadway Activity Schedule: Sept 5-11, 2024
The Tennessee Department of Transportation has scheduled various roadway activities across East and Middle Tennessee from September 5 to 11, 2024, including bridge construction, utility work, resurfacing, and maintenance, which may cause temporary lane closures and delays. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and follow traffic control measures. For more information, visit the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s website.