National Preparedness Community
If you’ve gotten this far into September without realizing it’s National Preparedness Month, never fear. A quick visit to the National Preparedness Community website will have you up to speed in no time. Start by checking out the 2013 toolkit, which is full of banners, logos, outreach resources, and social media plans. When you’re done there, you can post event notices, start a discussion, or join a community of practice. Whether you’re a member of the public, a faith-based or volunteer organization, or a government group, there’s plenty of preparedness to go around.
30 Days, 30 Ways
While we’re on the topic of preparedness, don’t miss this great initiative that makes getting prepared as easy as 1-2-3 (and, well, on up to 30). The Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency has created a step-by-step method for getting prepared one day at a time—with prizes. Each day players tackle a task that brings home an important preparedness lesson. Those that meet the challenge can take home great prizes, but of course, the greatest prize of all is being prepared.
Climate Week NYC
Climate Week NYC will kick off September 23 with a week’s worth of climate-centered events, summits, meetings, and activities. This year’s emphasis is on a low carbon future and topics such as Hurricane Sandy, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change fifth assessment, and much more will be front and center. Check out the website for a full view of the many ways you can contribute to the discussion.
Weathermob
With all the crowdsourcing going on these days, you might expect to see more weather-related reporting from the masses. Weathermob makes it happen in the simplest of ways. Users worldwide simply report their weather (along with pics and video and fun emoticons) and then stream the result directly to their phone. With the ability to comment and share via social media, this app makes talking about the weather a whole lot more fun than it used to be.
Lego’s Nature’s Fury Challenge
Each year Lego issues a challenge to kids ages 9-16 to solve a scientific problem using Lego. This year, kids around the world will take on problems surrounding natural hazards by identifying a problem, developing a solution, and using robotics that will compete on a disaster-strewn course. Whether you sponsor a team or just stop by to watch the competition, it’s bound to be the most fun you’ve had with hazards in a long time.
Wretched Fate Game
Want know how you might have died if you lived in 1769? 1890? 1960, even? Spin the wheel of wretchedness and find out—consumption, pleurisy, quinsy, or maybe just good old-fashioned influenza. They’re all options in this fun little time waster created by Slate. But even while your speculating on probable past demises, this game will give you perspective and an appreciation for the great strides that have been made in public health.