Bloomington, IL, March 2, 2010?With the arrival of spring comes the threat of severe weather and dangerous tornadoes that can strike without warning.  Did you know:

·       More than 1000 tornadoes occur each year.  At least 20 of those will be violent.
·       Tornadoes are most likely to strike between 5-7 p-m.
·       May and June have the most tornado activity, followed by April, July and September.
(according to the National Climatic Data Center)

State Farm wants you to take the time to prepare your family and home for the possibility of a tornado or severe storm.  The best thing to do is arm yourself with information and develop a plan for when weather turns dangerous.

Tornado Preparedness
·       Learn the warning signals used in your community. If a siren sounds, that means stay inside and take cover.
·       Consider setting up a neighborhood information program through a club, church group or community group. Hold briefings on safety procedures. Set up a system to make sure senior citizens and shut-ins are alerted if there is a tornado warning.
·       Put together an emergency storm kit including a portable radio, flashlight, batteries, bottled water and simple first-aid items.
·       Conduct drills with your family in the home; make sure each member knows the correct procedures if they are at work or school when a tornado hits.
·       Make a complete inventory of your possessions for insurance purposes.

Tornado Watch simply means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. In this case you should be alert to changes in the weather and take precautions to protect your family and property.
·       Move cars inside a garage or carport. Keep your car keys, house keys and cell phone with you.
·       Move lawn furniture and yard equipment such as lawnmowers inside if time permits.
·       Account for family members at home.
·       Have your emergency storm kit ready.
·       Keep your radio or TV tuned into the weather reports.

Tornado Warning means that a tornado has actually been sighted. Tornadoes can be deadly and devastating storms, with winds up to 260 miles per hour. If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, seek shelter immediately!  During a tornado the safest place to be is a basement, preferably under something sturdy like a work bench.  If there's no basement or cellar in your home, a small room in the middle of house -- like a bathroom or a closet -- is best. The more walls between you and the outside, the better.

For more information about tornado and severe weather preparation, and a link to a free home inventory check list, visit www.statefarm.com.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today said President Barack Obama declared a major disaster declaration for Iowa, triggering the release of FEMA funds to help Iowa recover from the severe winter storm and snowstorm that occurred on December 23 - 27.  Additional designations may be made at a later date after further evaluation.

"Winter weather hit Iowa extremely hard and caused an enormous amount of damage," Grassley said.  "It's good to see this disaster being addressed by President Obama so Iowans can continue cleaning up the damage."

FEMA will provide assistance to Adair, Audubon, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Cherokee, Clay, Crawford, Emmet, Franklin, Fremont, Guthrie, Harrison, Ida, Monona, Page, Pottawattamie, Sac, Shelby, Sioux and Woodbury counties through the Public Assistance program.  The Public Assistance program assists state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

FEMA will also provide snow assistance for emergency protective measures for a 48-hour period for Cherokee, Clay, Emmet, Fremont, Harrison, Ida, Page, Pottawattamie, Sioux and Woodbury counties.

All Iowa counties are also eligible to apply for assistance through the Hazard Mitigation Grant program.  The Hazard Mitigation Grant program assists state and local governments and certain private non-profit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.

Grassley sent a letter to Obama asking him to grant Governor Chet Culver's request to declare Iowa a major disaster area as a result of the severe winter storm and snowstorm that occurred on December 23 - 27.

A copy of the text of Grassley's letter can be found by clicking here.

On Saturday, February 27 at 10:00 am, the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will host a Winter tree identification program. Families and individuals are invited to be Winter tree detectives!  Participants will learn how to identify trees by looking at the bark, buds and seeds.  Please call to register (563) 328-3286.

Also on Saturday, February 27 at 1:00 pm, the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will host a maple syruping demonstration. Join Tom Greene as he discusses the history and procedure of tapping trees for syrup.  Handouts and where to find tapping equipment wil be provided to participants.  Please call (563) 328-3286 to register.

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center can be found 6 miles south of Wheatland or 1 mile northwest of Dixon, Iowa, by taking County Road Y4E. then turn north at 52nd Avenue and follow the signs for about 1 mile.

LIHEAP- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Project NOW, Inc would like to remind the public that appointments are still available for those needing assistance with their utility bills through the LIHEAP Program.  If you have not yet received LIHEAP assistance since September 1, 2009, please call the below numbers.  LIHEAP assistance is available to all low-income households throughout Rock Island, Henry, and Mercer counties. Please call your local project now office to make an appointment. Assistance will be available through May 31, 2010 or until funding is exhausted. Eligibility requirements apply, you must be at or below 150% of poverty, and income guidelines are as follows:

Project Now Office Locations:

Rock Island Office- 309-793-6391

Moline Office- 309-764-8092

Henry County- 309-852-4565

Mercer County- 309-582-2644

*Whether you have received LIHEAP Assistance or not since September 1, 2009, if you have a disconnect notice or are disconnected, please call any of the above offices as soon as possible.

Project NOW Community Action Agency provides a wide range of social services in Rock Island, Henry and Mercer Counties.  Programs include Head Start, Outreach, Housing, Utility Assistance, Homeless Services, Apartment and Commercial Property Rentals, Senior Services, Weatherization, Good Things NOW Clothing Stores, Business Start-Up Assistance and Revolving Loan Funds. Services are designed to help families with low income and senior citizens meet basic needs and achieve self sufficiency.  Project NOW was incorporated on May 15, 1968 and has been working to help low-income individuals improve their lives ever since.

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