Information Assurance / Homeland Security

A & O can help you determine your business/government Threats and Vulerabilities.

We can help you establish Disaster Response Plans and Processes.

Please contact us with any questions or concerns: contacts@a-o-consultants.com

We have extensive experience working with Federal Government, Military, Police Department, Customs, and Individuals.

TEST YOURSELF

(Information From FEMA site) (Also see resource links below)

1. Is it safe to cross (walk or drive) an area that is six inches deep in water during a flash flood?

2. What do you do in a Thunderstorm to get to safety?

In a forest

In an open area

On open water

3. If you are in a Thunderstorm and you feel your hair stand on end - what does this mean?

4. What should you do during a Tornado?

In a structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building)

In a vehicle, trailer or mobile home

Outside with no shelter

ANSWERS (from FEMA):

1. Is it safe to cross (walk or drive) an area that is six inches deep in water during a flash flood?

Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.

2. What do you do in a Thunderstorm to get to safety?

In a forest Seek shelter in a LOW area under a thick growth of SMALL trees

In an open area Go to a low place such as a ravine or valley. Be alert for flash floods

On open water Get to land and find shelter immediately

3. If you are in a Thunderstorm and you feel your hair stand on end - what does this mean?

It indicates that lightning is about to strike. Squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Make yourself the SMALLEST target possible and MINIMIZE YOUR CONTACT with the ground. DO NOT LIE FLAT ON THE GROUND.

4. What should you do during a Tornado?

In a structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building) Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the LOWEST building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an INTERIOR room on the LOWEST level (closet, interior hallway), away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do NOT open windows.

In a vehicle, trailer or mobile home Get out IMMEDIATELY and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornados.

Outside with no shelter Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do NOT get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. NEVER try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter. Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES - This site is NOT responsible for the information found at the following links. These links are being provided as an additional resource for disaster preparedness.

http://www.fema.gov/ Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) web site has information for INDIVIDUALS, KIDS, emergency personnel, Businesses, and more. (800) 621-FEMA (3362) or TTY (800) 462-7585

http://training.fema.gov/ Emergency Management Institute with Training and Education Information from FEMA. There are FREE online courses available.

http://www.domesticpreparedness.com/ Domesticc Preparedness has information for the First Responder (Police, Fire Fighters, Security Guards, Medical Response, Military, Borders, and more) (410) 518-6900

https://www.redcrossstore.org/ Red Cross Store org, sells Emergency Preparedness and First Aid Kits

For those in Maryland:

http://www.mema.state.md.us/MEMA/index.jsp Maryland Emergency Management Agency (410) 517-3600 (Between hours of 8am and 5pm EST)

For those in Carroll County, Maryland - your first stop should be:

http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/emerserv/default.asp Carroll County Emergency Services, Citizen Guide to Emergency Preparedness, Fire Departments, Police Departments, Carroll Hospital Center, Red Cross, and more (410) 386-2455, (410) 386-2877, (410) 386-2296

Emergency EMail Notifications from Private Organization:

http://www.emergencyemail.org/default.asp The Emergency Email & Wireless Network. Their mission is to "Provide notification to citizens of local, regional, national, and international emergencies utilizing the Internet and electronic mail (email) in a secure and expedient manner. This organization has some advertisement with funding used to support its mission. They notify residents (type in your County and State) of problems such as flash floods, heat index, pollution index, tornados, severe storm warnings, and more.