Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Cupcake Wars and FRG Bake Sale
We are still in need of some volunteers for Friday, September 9, 2011. The FRG is participating in the NEX Cupcake Wars and is holding a bake sale at the same time. We need volunteers to help set up and man the table during the bake sale and judging. Setup for the bake sale starts at 10am with the bake sale starting at 11am. Judging for the Cupcake Wars starts at 12 and ends at 2 pm. We also need some donated baked goods to sell for the bake sale. We are getting together tomorrow night at 6:30p at Michelle Huff's to make and decorate the cupcakes to be judged. The theme we have decided on is a 9/11 Tribute. This will be truly spectacular!! If you have questions or want to help please email me at D_Wilke@comcast.net..
Monday, August 22, 2011
Hurricane Preparedness
Be Prepared in Advance
Before a Hurricane Is Out There
- Create a written emergency preparedness and action plan for your family and business.
- Visit your insurance agent now. Review insurance coverage for your home and business, and the contents. Determine your flood insurance eligibility - homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage.
- Buy plywood or shutters for protecting windows. Trim trees to lessen flying debris.
- Find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone by contacting your local emergency management office. Make an evacuation plan if you live in an area vulnerable to storm surge or fresh water flooding, if you live in a mobile home, or if you live in a high-rise building.
- Identify the evacuation route you will use if told to evacuate. Determine the nearest substantial, low-rise building outside of flood zones to which you can evacuate ”“ an official public shelter, a hotel, or a friend’s or relative’s home. Find out if where you’re going will accept any pets.
- Agree upon two places family members can meet if separated: one outside your home for an emergency while there, and one out of the neighborhood if you cannot return home.
- Test emergency equipment such as generators and flashlights.
- Decide where you will store your boat during a tropical storm or hurricane, and factor into your action plan the time to move it to storage.
- Assemble a hurricane survival kit. Obtain emergency supplies now to be self-sufficient during the storm and its potentially lengthy aftermath. If you wait until a hurricane is on your doorstep to buy these items, they will be in very short supply or even completely unavailable.
Hurricane Survival Kit
Essential Items
During a hurricane, and possibly for days or even weeks afterward, electricity and other utilities might not be available. Debris and/or water might block the roads, preventing vehicles from getting in our out of your neighborhood. Help might not reach you for days after the hurricane, so you’ll need to be completely self-sufficient during that period.
Here are some of the most critical supplies to have on hand, well before a hurricane threatens:
During a hurricane, and possibly for days or even weeks afterward, electricity and other utilities might not be available. Debris and/or water might block the roads, preventing vehicles from getting in our out of your neighborhood. Help might not reach you for days after the hurricane, so you’ll need to be completely self-sufficient during that period.
Here are some of the most critical supplies to have on hand, well before a hurricane threatens:
- At least a 3-day and preferably a 7-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food
- Formula, diapers, and other baby supplies
- Manual can opener
- First aid kit
- Prescription and non-prescription medicines
- Toiletries
- Cell phones and battery-powered cell phone chargers
- Battery-powered radios and flashlights
- Plenty of batteries
- Extra cash
- Blankets, sleeping bags, books, and games (especially if evacuating)
How Will You Be Warned?
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
The National Hurricane Center issues the following coastal watches and warnings for tropical
storms and hurricanes:
Tropical Storm Watch ”“ tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are
possible somewhere within the specified coastal area within 48 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning - tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are
expected somewhere within the specified coastal area within 36 hours.
Hurricane Watch ”“ hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are possible
somewhere within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become
difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance
of the anticipated onset of winds of tropical storm force.
Hurricane Warning ”“ hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are expected
somewhere within the specified coastal area. The hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in
advance of the anticipated onset of winds of tropical storm force.
Local National Weather Service forecast offices issue tropical storm and hurricane watches and
warnings for inland areas, using the same wind criteria and lead times described above.
In addition, these local National Weather Service offices will issue an Extreme Wind Warning
when sustained surface winds of 115 mph or stronger are occurring or are expected to occur in
the specified area within one hour, as a result of a hurricane of Category 3, 4, or 5 on the Saffir-
Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. This warning conveys the need to take immediate shelter in an
interior portion of a well-built structure (but not necessarily the lowest floor, if the area is
vulnerable to flooding).
The National Hurricane Center issues the following coastal watches and warnings for tropical
storms and hurricanes:
Tropical Storm Watch ”“ tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are
possible somewhere within the specified coastal area within 48 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning - tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are
expected somewhere within the specified coastal area within 36 hours.
Hurricane Watch ”“ hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are possible
somewhere within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become
difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance
of the anticipated onset of winds of tropical storm force.
Hurricane Warning ”“ hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are expected
somewhere within the specified coastal area. The hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in
advance of the anticipated onset of winds of tropical storm force.
Local National Weather Service forecast offices issue tropical storm and hurricane watches and
warnings for inland areas, using the same wind criteria and lead times described above.
In addition, these local National Weather Service offices will issue an Extreme Wind Warning
when sustained surface winds of 115 mph or stronger are occurring or are expected to occur in
the specified area within one hour, as a result of a hurricane of Category 3, 4, or 5 on the Saffir-
Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. This warning conveys the need to take immediate shelter in an
interior portion of a well-built structure (but not necessarily the lowest floor, if the area is
vulnerable to flooding).
Sunday, July 17, 2011
FRG Meeting Cancelled
Due to homecomings this past week the FRG meeting scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled. The meetings will pick up again next month.. The FRG coffee night will still happen on July 27th at Sarah Denton's home..
Sunday, June 19, 2011
FRG Meeting
A friendly reminder that the monthly FRG meeting is tommorrw night (6/20/11) at the USO.. The theme for this meeting is your husband's favorite food..
Welcome to our new ombudsmen!!!
I would like to take a moment to welcome our new HSL-48 Ombudsmen!!! Mandy Dunn and Michelle Huff took over the position as Jenni Bitor was transferred with her husband to HSL-46.. While they will be greatly missed we look forward to moving forward with our new Ombudsmen team!!
Friday, April 8, 2011
FYI
Just FYI -- hopefully we won't need it, but good to know:
Financial Difficulties Caused by the Disruption of Pay Due to the Federal Government Shutdown
"Under section 523 of title 50 App, United States Code (The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act), if a Servicemember on active duty is unable to perform an obligation arising under a contract (for example, cannot make an automobile, rent, or mortgage payment), and is charged a late fee or other similar penalty as a result, then a court may reduce or waive that fee if the ability to pay was materially affected by such military service.
"If a Servicemember misses a payment because of pay disruptions caused by the shutdown of the federal government, then this section should provide relief. Servicemembers should contact their lenders or the other party to their contract or obligation and request relief under this section.
"See your local legal assistance attorney if you cannot get the matter resolved. You can find the closest legal assistance office at http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/content/locator.php ."
Armed Forces Legal Assistance (AFLA)
legalassistance.law.af.mil
Financial Difficulties Caused by the Disruption of Pay Due to the Federal Government Shutdown
"Under section 523 of title 50 App, United States Code (The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act), if a Servicemember on active duty is unable to perform an obligation arising under a contract (for example, cannot make an automobile, rent, or mortgage payment), and is charged a late fee or other similar penalty as a result, then a court may reduce or waive that fee if the ability to pay was materially affected by such military service.
"If a Servicemember misses a payment because of pay disruptions caused by the shutdown of the federal government, then this section should provide relief. Servicemembers should contact their lenders or the other party to their contract or obligation and request relief under this section.
"See your local legal assistance attorney if you cannot get the matter resolved. You can find the closest legal assistance office at http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/content/locator.php ."
Armed Forces Legal Assistance (AFLA)
legalassistance.law.af.mil
legalassistance.law.af.mil
Government Shutdown – What Military Families Need to Know
We are hours away from a possible government shutdown which has created worry and stress for military families. Fiscal Year 2011 started on October 1, 2010, but Congress has yet to approve the needed funding bills to keep most of the government, including the Department of Defense running. Temporary spending bills—Continuing Resolutions—have provided short-term funding since October, but the latest expires this Friday, April 8. Some in Congress are trying to ensure service members get paid even if an agreement is not reached on a temporary measure or on the larger Omnibus Appropriations Act needed to fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year. Military service members and their families are concerned about whether they will get paid on time and also whether essential services will be available.
The number one question we have heard from families is – will my service member be paid on the 15? Service members are exempt from furloughs, meaning they still have to work. Their work will be paid for, the question is when? Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said on Wednesday:
Aid organizations will remain open and are ready and willing to help service members and their families.
If you are not located to near an aid organization, you may seek financial assistance from the Red Cross or call 866-563-1376. Each aid organization has an agreement with the Red Cross to provide the same type of financial assistance to military families.
Our Association has contacted a sampling of military banks and credit unions. In the event of a government shutdown, some military banks and credit unions may waive fees associated with the possible shutdown. Others have stated they will consider permitting families to skip a loan or credit card payment. We urge military families to contact their bank to review their individual situation and the guidance established by their financial entity.
Military families who use automatic payments are encouraged to contact their bank and make alternative arrangements. For example, families may transfer money from a savings account to a checking account to cover the automatic payment.
Open
Congress is working to provide funding for commissaries overseas to remain open during the shutdown. Overseas families are encouraged to contact their local commissary.
Even those services that will remain open may operate with reduced personnel. We encourage families to call ahead to determine if the service is open.
Health Care
If you normally get your health care in a military hospital or military clinic, you may find appointments may be cancelled or some medical, lab, or pharmacy services will not be available during a government shutdown. Depending on each military hospital or military clinic’s staffing, there will probably be a different mix of available services. So, we advise families to call whatever phone number you would normally call for information or to make an appointment before you travel to your military hospital or military clinic for any reason.
As always, if you or a family member has an emergency medical situation, immediately go to the closest emergency room or dial 911. If the need is not an emergency, but you need urgent care and cannot get in touch with anyone at your military hospital or military clinic, we recommend that you call your TRICARE Regional contractor for information and instructions. Here is their contact information:
North: Health Net at 1.888.874.2273 www.healthnetfederalservices.com
South: Humana at 1.800.444.5445 www.humana-military.com
West: TriWest at 1.888.874.9378 www.triwest.com
If you normally get your care from civilian health care providers, you should not notice a disruption in service due to the shutdown. TRICARE contractors will continue to provide all of their services and their call centers will be operational. They will still pay claims and their mental health services will be operational.
Want to ensure a steady supply of your medications during unexpected situations, like any future government shutdowns or environmental disaster, consider home delivery! Click here for more information.
We will continue to update this page as information becomes available.
The number one question we have heard from families is – will my service member be paid on the 15? Service members are exempt from furloughs, meaning they still have to work. Their work will be paid for, the question is when? Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said on Wednesday:
- if the government shuts down on April 8 and goes for a week, service members would get half of a check on April 15 (pay from the April 1 – 8)
- if the shutdown runs past April 15, service members would receive pay after the budget or a Continuing Resolution is passed.
Where to go for Financial Help
Do not turn to payday lenders – your military community has the resources to provide assistance. If your family experiences a hardship due to a reduced paycheck, we urge you to seek assistance from a military aid organization or military bank or military credit union. Aid organizations and military banks and credit unions have short term loans available to help in this situation.Aid organizations will remain open and are ready and willing to help service members and their families.
Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) www.afas.org
Army Emergency Relief (AER) www.aerhq.org
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) www.cgmahq.org
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) www.nmcrs.org
Reserve Aid www.reserveaid.org
If you are not located to near an aid organization, you may seek financial assistance from the Red Cross or call 866-563-1376. Each aid organization has an agreement with the Red Cross to provide the same type of financial assistance to military families.
Our Association has contacted a sampling of military banks and credit unions. In the event of a government shutdown, some military banks and credit unions may waive fees associated with the possible shutdown. Others have stated they will consider permitting families to skip a loan or credit card payment. We urge military families to contact their bank to review their individual situation and the guidance established by their financial entity.
Military families who use automatic payments are encouraged to contact their bank and make alternative arrangements. For example, families may transfer money from a savings account to a checking account to cover the automatic payment.
What services will remain open during a potential shutdown?
The Department of Defense and Services are currently evaluating their essential personnel and support services. Service members are expected to report to work. However, Reserve component personnel should refer to their chain of command for specific information.Open
- Dining facilities, child care centers and other non-appropriated funds activities that do not operate on tax payer funds
- Department of Defense Education Activity schools (DoDEA)
- Military Exchanges
- Military Treatment Facilities will be open, but may have limited services. See below.
- Commissaries
- Nonessential services
Congress is working to provide funding for commissaries overseas to remain open during the shutdown. Overseas families are encouraged to contact their local commissary.
Even those services that will remain open may operate with reduced personnel. We encourage families to call ahead to determine if the service is open.
Health Care
If you normally get your health care in a military hospital or military clinic, you may find appointments may be cancelled or some medical, lab, or pharmacy services will not be available during a government shutdown. Depending on each military hospital or military clinic’s staffing, there will probably be a different mix of available services. So, we advise families to call whatever phone number you would normally call for information or to make an appointment before you travel to your military hospital or military clinic for any reason.
As always, if you or a family member has an emergency medical situation, immediately go to the closest emergency room or dial 911. If the need is not an emergency, but you need urgent care and cannot get in touch with anyone at your military hospital or military clinic, we recommend that you call your TRICARE Regional contractor for information and instructions. Here is their contact information:
North: Health Net at 1.888.874.2273 www.healthnetfederalservices.com
South: Humana at 1.800.444.5445 www.humana-military.com
West: TriWest at 1.888.874.9378 www.triwest.com
If you normally get your care from civilian health care providers, you should not notice a disruption in service due to the shutdown. TRICARE contractors will continue to provide all of their services and their call centers will be operational. They will still pay claims and their mental health services will be operational.
Want to ensure a steady supply of your medications during unexpected situations, like any future government shutdowns or environmental disaster, consider home delivery! Click here for more information.
We will continue to update this page as information becomes available.
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