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Tag: disaster response

  • Long Island Veolia staffer helps restore water safety in Jamaica | Long Island Business News

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    Dan Rowe was among the volunteers repairing public water systems damaged by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica in October. A project leader for , Rowe, who helps operate ‘s facility in Wantagh, was up for the task, despite the challenges.

    Rowe volunteers with Veolia Foundation, whose international mission includes assisting during humanitarian emergencies, providing development aid, strengthening the environment and supporting biodiversity. In Jamaica, Rowe worked with a team that included members of the French Red Cross, as they confronted the threat of disease and dehydration facing the island’s thousands of residents.

    Rowe spent three weeks working with improvised equipment, inventing solutions in the field and navigating an international team of people he had never met before.

    He said there were many “MacGyver” moments, referring to a TV character who could create a workaround and save the day even during the most dire circumstances.

    “I brought along tools that I anticipated would be required but there were field challenges that required a ‘MacGyver’ solution if we were to get the island’s population potable water that would be safe to drink,” he said in a written statement.

    “Another challenge was the language barrier,” Rowe said. “Unlike our teams here at Veolia North America where each member knows intuitively what the other person’s skillset is, I was working with people I had never met before, and my French is – to be polite – limited.”

    Rowe also had to manage the expectations of his family back on Long Island as he worked to provide access to safe drinking water for Jamaica.

    “I was gone far longer than what I expected, essentially working through a solid month with one day off but my family understood the urgency, the mission, and the commitment,” he said.


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    Adina Genn

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  • Planet Water Foundation Deploying Emergency Water Filtration Systems in Jamaica Following Devastation from Hurricane Melissa

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    Systems will provide capacity to support up to 36,000 people with safe water

    In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Planet Water Foundation, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to providing access to safe drinking water, has mobilized its Disaster Response team to Jamaica to deploy emergency water filtration systems in communities which have been severely impacted by the category 5 hurricane.

    Multiple high capacity AquaBlock emergency water filtration systems have arrived in Kingston, Jamaica, aboard the largest single aid flight to reach the island since Hurricane Melissa made landfall.

    Each AquaBlock system can produce up to 700 liters of safe drinking water per hour, enough to support up to 6,000 people per system. These systems will now be deployed by Planet Water Foundation team members together with deployment partner ISRATECH Jamaica in some of the hardest hit communities across the island.

    “It has been heartbreaking to see the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa” said Mark Steele Founder & CEO of Planet Water Foundation. “Combined, the six AquaBlock systems which have arrived in Kingston have the capacity to support up to 36,000 people with safe water access, and our team is working tirelessly to get them into the communities that need them as quickly as possible.”

    This response is made possible through the generous support of Planet Water Foundation’s corporate partners – BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), Hit Promotional Products, MCI (Motor Controls Inc), PromoCares, Royal Caribbean Group, The Starbucks Foundation, Watts Water Technologies, and Xylem.

    About Planet Water Foundation

    Planet Water Foundation is a non-profit organization devoted to providing access to safe drinking water. Through the installation of water filtration systems, handwashing infrastructures, and the implementation of water-health & hygiene education programs, Planet Water focuses on two critical areas: supporting schools, children, and communities in the Asia-Pacific and Latin America regions, as well as the provision of safe drinking water in the aftermath of natural disasters worldwide. Since 2009, Planet Water has deployed projects that provide safe water access to more than four million people across 32 countries. For more information, visit www.planet-water.org

    Source: Planet Water Foundation

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  • Hurricane Melissa leaves 25 dead in Haiti, causes widespread damage in Jamaica and Cuba

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    Hurricane Melissa brought dangerous flooding and storm surge to Cuba on Wednesday after leaving Jamaica with widespread power outages and causing flooding that killed 25 people in Haiti, officials say.Jean Bertrand Subrème, mayor of the southern Haitian coastal town of Petit-Goâve, told The Associated Press that 25 people died after La Digue river burst its banks and flooded nearby homes.Dozens of homes collapsed and people were still trapped under rubble as of Wednesday morning, he said.“I am overwhelmed by the situation,” he said as he pleaded with the government to help rescue victims.Only one official from Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency was in the area, with residents struggling to evacuate amid heavy floodwaters unleashed by Hurricane Melissa in recent days.At least one death was reported in Jamaica, where Melissa roared ashore Tuesday with top sustained winds of 185 mph, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record. A tree fell on a baby in the island nation’s west, state minister Abka Fitz-Henley told local radio station Nationwide News Network, adding that most destruction was concentrated in the southwest and northwest.“That was hell. All night long, it was terrible,” said Reinaldo Charon in Santiago de Cuba. The 52-year-old was one of the few people venturing out Wednesday, covered by a plastic sheet in the intermittent rain.Parts of Granma province, especially the municipal capital, Jiguaní, were underwater, said Gov. Yanetsy Terry Gutiérrez. More than 15 inches of rain was reported in Jiguaní’s settlement of Charco Redondo.Officials reported collapsed houses, blocked mountain roads and roofs blown off. Authorities said about 735,000 people remained in shelters in eastern Cuba. Melissa had top sustained winds of 100 mph, a Category 2 storm, and was moving northeast at 14 mph according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. The hurricane was centered about 150 miles south of the central Bahamas.Melissa was forecast to continue weakening as it crossed Cuba but remain strong as it moves across the southeastern or central Bahamas later Wednesday. It was expected to make its way late Thursday near or to the west of Bermuda. Haiti and the Turks and Caicos also braced for its effects.The storm was expected to generate a surge of up to 12 feet in the region and drop up to 20 inches of rain in parts of eastern Cuba. Intense rain could cause life-threatening flooding with numerous landslides, U.S. forecasters said.Jamaica rushes to assess the damageJamaican officials reported complications in assessing the damage, while the National Hurricane Center said the local government had lifted the tropical storm warning.“There’s a total communication blackout on that side,” Richard Thompson, acting director general of Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, told the Nationwide News Network. More than half a million customers were without power late Tuesday.Extensive damage was reported in parts of Clarendon in the south and in the southwestern parish of St. Elizabeth, which was “underwater,” said Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council. He said the storm damaged four hospitals and left one without power, forcing officials to evacuate 75 patients.Video above: Jamaican police station turned into shelter in hard-hit areaSanta Cruz town in St. Elizabeth parish was devastated. A landslide blocked main roads. Streets were reduced to mud pits. Residents swept water from homes as they tried to salvage belongings. Winds ripped off part of the roof at St. Elizabeth Technical High School, a designated public shelter.“I never see anything like this before in all my years living here,” resident Jennifer Small said.“The entire hillside came down last night,” said another resident, Robert James.The government said it hopes to reopen all of Jamaica’s airports as early as Thursday to ensure quick distribution of emergency relief supplies.The U.S. government said it was deploying a disaster response team and search and rescue personnel to the region. And the State Department said non-emergency personnel and family members of U.S. government employees were authorized to leave Jamaica because of the storm’s impact.

    Hurricane Melissa brought dangerous flooding and storm surge to Cuba on Wednesday after leaving Jamaica with widespread power outages and causing flooding that killed 25 people in Haiti, officials say.

    Jean Bertrand Subrème, mayor of the southern Haitian coastal town of Petit-Goâve, told The Associated Press that 25 people died after La Digue river burst its banks and flooded nearby homes.

    Dozens of homes collapsed and people were still trapped under rubble as of Wednesday morning, he said.

    “I am overwhelmed by the situation,” he said as he pleaded with the government to help rescue victims.

    Only one official from Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency was in the area, with residents struggling to evacuate amid heavy floodwaters unleashed by Hurricane Melissa in recent days.

    At least one death was reported in Jamaica, where Melissa roared ashore Tuesday with top sustained winds of 185 mph, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record. A tree fell on a baby in the island nation’s west, state minister Abka Fitz-Henley told local radio station Nationwide News Network, adding that most destruction was concentrated in the southwest and northwest.

    “That was hell. All night long, it was terrible,” said Reinaldo Charon in Santiago de Cuba. The 52-year-old was one of the few people venturing out Wednesday, covered by a plastic sheet in the intermittent rain.

    Parts of Granma province, especially the municipal capital, Jiguaní, were underwater, said Gov. Yanetsy Terry Gutiérrez. More than 15 inches of rain was reported in Jiguaní’s settlement of Charco Redondo.

    Officials reported collapsed houses, blocked mountain roads and roofs blown off. Authorities said about 735,000 people remained in shelters in eastern Cuba.

    Melissa had top sustained winds of 100 mph, a Category 2 storm, and was moving northeast at 14 mph according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. The hurricane was centered about 150 miles south of the central Bahamas.

    Melissa was forecast to continue weakening as it crossed Cuba but remain strong as it moves across the southeastern or central Bahamas later Wednesday. It was expected to make its way late Thursday near or to the west of Bermuda. Haiti and the Turks and Caicos also braced for its effects.

    The storm was expected to generate a surge of up to 12 feet in the region and drop up to 20 inches of rain in parts of eastern Cuba. Intense rain could cause life-threatening flooding with numerous landslides, U.S. forecasters said.

    Jamaica rushes to assess the damage

    Jamaican officials reported complications in assessing the damage, while the National Hurricane Center said the local government had lifted the tropical storm warning.

    “There’s a total communication blackout on that side,” Richard Thompson, acting director general of Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, told the Nationwide News Network. More than half a million customers were without power late Tuesday.

    Extensive damage was reported in parts of Clarendon in the south and in the southwestern parish of St. Elizabeth, which was “underwater,” said Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council. He said the storm damaged four hospitals and left one without power, forcing officials to evacuate 75 patients.

    Video above: Jamaican police station turned into shelter in hard-hit area

    intensity models show how strong the storm is forecast to become

    Santa Cruz town in St. Elizabeth parish was devastated. A landslide blocked main roads. Streets were reduced to mud pits. Residents swept water from homes as they tried to salvage belongings. Winds ripped off part of the roof at St. Elizabeth Technical High School, a designated public shelter.

    “I never see anything like this before in all my years living here,” resident Jennifer Small said.

    “The entire hillside came down last night,” said another resident, Robert James.

    The government said it hopes to reopen all of Jamaica’s airports as early as Thursday to ensure quick distribution of emergency relief supplies.

    The U.S. government said it was deploying a disaster response team and search and rescue personnel to the region. And the State Department said non-emergency personnel and family members of U.S. government employees were authorized to leave Jamaica because of the storm’s impact.

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  • Breeker Car Window Breaker Emerges as the Essential Emergency Tool for 2025 Drivers

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    In This Article, You’ll Discover

    • How Breeker car window breaker integrates with modern vehicle safety systems to provide comprehensive emergency protection for drivers and passengers.

    • The specific technical features that make Breeker emergency tool superior to traditional window breakers in critical escape situations.

    • Evidence-based usage strategies for incorporating Breeker safety emergency tool into your daily driving routine and long-term emergency preparedness planning.

    • Detailed analysis of pricing structures and value propositions that help you make informed purchasing decisions about Breeker emergency vehicle tools.

    • Expert recommendations for maximizing the effectiveness of your Breeker car window breaker across different emergency scenarios and vehicle types.

    • Real-world performance data and customer satisfaction metrics that demonstrate why safety professionals recommend Breeker emergency tools.

    • Comprehensive integration guidelines for combining Breeker with other emergency preparedness equipment to create a complete vehicle safety system.

    TL;DR Summary and Final Recommendations

    TL;DR: Breeker car window breaker represents a significant advancement in emergency vehicle safety technology, combining professional-grade dual-function design with accessible pricing and expert endorsements. The tool integrates seamlessly with modern vehicle safety systems while providing reliable mechanical backup capability that operates independently of electronic systems. With 4.7-star customer ratings, 97% recommendation rates, and safety expert approval, Breeker offers comprehensive emergency preparedness value through its window breaking and seatbelt cutting capabilities, maintenance-free operation, and child-friendly design suitable for all family members.

    Understanding Car Window Breaker Emergency Tools in 2025

    The Evolution of Vehicle Safety Technology

    Modern vehicle safety systems have transformed dramatically, with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) incorporating radar sensors, blind spot detection, and lane-keeping assist technology. However, these sophisticated systems create a critical gap: when electronic systems fail during emergencies, drivers need reliable manual backup options. Car window breaker tools bridge this technology gap by providing immediate, mechanical solutions when automated safety features become unavailable.

    Emergency preparedness experts recognize that comprehensive vehicle safety requires both preventive technology and reactive emergency tools. The integration of traditional emergency equipment with modern safety systems creates redundancy that significantly improves survival outcomes during automotive emergencies. This dual-approach strategy ensures that safety measures remain effective regardless of technological failures or power system disruptions.

    Critical Emergency Scenarios Requiring Window Breakers

    Vehicle emergencies requiring immediate glass breaking capability occur more frequently than many drivers realize. Flooding emergencies represent the most common scenario, where water pressure prevents door opening and electronic window controls fail. Fire emergencies create similar conditions, with heat damage compromising electronic systems while smoke reduces visibility and escape time.

    Collision scenarios often result in door frame distortion that prevents normal exit methods, making window breaking the only viable escape route. Medical emergencies inside vehicles may require rapid access from outside, particularly when drivers become unconscious or incapacitated. Each scenario demands tools that function reliably under extreme stress conditions without requiring extensive training or complex operation procedures.

    Safety Technology Integration Standards

    Contemporary emergency tools must meet enhanced safety standards that reflect the complexity of modern vehicles. Tempered glass technology used in automotive applications requires specific impact characteristics for effective breaking, making tool design critical for emergency success. Safety experts emphasize that emergency tools must function consistently across different vehicle types, glass treatments, and environmental conditions.

    The integration of emergency tools with broader safety systems requires consideration of storage accessibility, user familiarity, and maintenance requirements. Effective emergency preparedness combines immediate-access tools with comprehensive safety planning that addresses multiple emergency scenarios. This holistic approach ensures that individual safety tools contribute to overall emergency response effectiveness rather than functioning as isolated solutions.

    Market Demand and Consumer Awareness

    Consumer awareness of emergency preparedness has increased significantly, driven by extreme weather events, infrastructure challenges, and heightened safety consciousness. The 2025 safety technology market reflects this awareness through increased demand for reliable, multi-functional emergency tools that provide confidence during critical situations.

    Safety professionals recommend that every vehicle contain dedicated window breaking capability, positioning car window breakers as essential equipment rather than optional accessories. This shift in perception drives innovation in emergency tool design, pushing manufacturers to develop products that combine reliability, ease of use, and integration capability with existing vehicle safety systems.

    Breeker Product Overview and Key Features

    Advanced Dual-Function Design

    The Breeker emergency tool represents a significant advancement in car window breaker technology, thanks to its innovative dual-function design that combines window-breaking capability with seatbelt-cutting functionality. The hardened steel tip utilizes precision engineering to deliver focused impact force that effectively shatters tempered automotive glass while maintaining structural integrity under repeated use conditions.

    The integrated seatbelt cutter features a sharp, protected blade that slices through standard automotive seatbelt materials without requiring excessive force or precise positioning. This dual functionality eliminates the need for multiple emergency tools, reducing storage requirements while ensuring comprehensive emergency response capability in a single, compact device.

    Ergonomic Safety Engineering

    Professional safety engineering drives Breeker’s ergonomic design, incorporating features that enhance usability during high-stress emergency situations. The ergonomic grip provides secure handling even when users experience adrenaline-induced hand tremors or reduced manual dexterity common during emergency scenarios. This design consideration ensures that the tool remains effective when precise motor control becomes challenging.

    The safety cap system prevents accidental activation while maintaining immediate access during emergencies. This protective feature addresses a critical safety concern with traditional window breakers that pose injury risks during normal handling and storage. The engineering balance between protection and accessibility demonstrates sophisticated understanding of emergency tool requirements.

    Technical Specifications and Performance Standards

    Breeker exceeds industry safety standards through rigorous testing protocols that simulate real-world emergency conditions. The tool’s compact dimensions accommodate various storage locations within vehicles while maintaining the structural strength necessary for reliable emergency performance. Compatibility with all standard automotive glass types ensures consistent functionality across different vehicle manufacturers and glass specifications.

    The no-maintenance design eliminates ongoing costs and maintenance requirements that often compromise emergency tool reliability. Unlike complex emergency devices that require battery replacement, calibration, or periodic testing, Breeker maintains full functionality indefinitely when stored properly. This reliability factor contributes significantly to long-term emergency preparedness effectiveness.

    Child-Friendly Safety Features

    Innovative safety engineering makes Breeker suitable for family use, including children aged seven and older, without compromising emergency effectiveness. The safety cap system prevents accidental injury while allowing children to understand and operate the tool during family emergency preparedness training. This accessibility ensures that emergency response capability extends to all vehicle occupants regardless of age or physical strength.

    Family emergency preparedness benefits significantly from tools that multiple family members can operate effectively. Breeker’s design accommodates varying hand sizes and strength levels while maintaining consistent performance standards. This inclusive approach to emergency tool design reflects modern safety philosophy that emphasizes comprehensive preparedness across all demographics.

    Quality Assurance and Expert Approval

    Safety experts and emergency response professionals approve Breeker’s design and performance characteristics, providing third-party validation of its emergency effectiveness. The 4.7-star customer rating with 97% recommendation rate demonstrates consistent real-world performance that matches technical specifications. This customer satisfaction data reflects the tool’s ability to meet expectations during actual emergency situations.

    Professional endorsement combines with extensive testing protocols to establish Breeker as a reliable emergency tool that meets professional safety standards. The combination of expert approval and customer satisfaction provides confidence for consumers making safety-critical purchasing decisions. This dual validation approach ensures that Breeker meets both theoretical safety requirements and practical emergency performance expectations.

    Equip your car with the Breeker emergency tool today and drive confidently knowing that you’re prepared for flood, fire, and crash scenarios with instant-access seatbelt cutting and window breaking capability.

    Safety Technology Integration and Benefits

    Integration with Modern Vehicle Safety Systems

    Contemporary vehicle safety systems rely heavily on electronic components that may fail during emergencies, creating critical gaps in safety protection. Breeker car window breaker provides essential mechanical backup functionality that operates independently of vehicle electrical systems, ensuring emergency escape capability even when advanced driver assistance systems become non-functional.

    The integration philosophy recognizes that comprehensive vehicle safety requires both preventive technology and reactive emergency tools working in harmony. While blind spot detection systems and automatic emergency braking prevent many accidents, mechanical emergency tools like Breeker provide essential backup when prevention fails and immediate escape becomes necessary.

    Modern vehicles increasingly feature laminated glass and advanced security systems that can inadvertently trap occupants during emergencies. Breeker’s design specifically addresses these contemporary challenges by providing reliable glass breaking capability that functions regardless of vehicle security system status or electronic lock conditions.

    Emergency Response Time Optimization

    Critical emergency situations demand immediate response capability, with survival outcomes often determined by seconds rather than minutes. Breeker’s instant-access design eliminates complex operation procedures that could delay emergency response when time becomes the determining factor in survival outcomes.

    Traditional emergency response often involves multiple steps that consume precious time during crisis situations. Breeker streamlines emergency response to a single, intuitive action that functions effectively even when panic or injury compromises normal decision-making processes. This simplified operation dramatically improves emergency response effectiveness across all user demographics.

    Emergency preparedness training emphasizes muscle memory development that enables effective tool use during high-stress situations. Breeker’s straightforward operation supports this training approach by providing consistent performance that builds user confidence and competence through practice scenarios.

    Multi-Scenario Emergency Applications

    Flooding emergencies represent increasingly common scenarios where traditional vehicle escape methods fail due to water pressure and electrical system damage. Breeker provides reliable escape capability that functions underwater and in adverse conditions where electronic systems become completely non-functional.

    Fire emergencies create unique challenges where heat damage compromises vehicle systems while smoke reduces visibility and available escape time. Breeker’s mechanical operation remains effective in extreme temperature conditions and low-visibility environments where complex emergency procedures become impractical.

    Vehicle submersion scenarios require immediate glass breaking capability before water pressure equalizes and prevents normal escape methods. Breeker’s design addresses this critical timing requirement by providing instant glass breaking capability that doesn’t depend on leverage, positioning, or extended operation time.

    Long-Term Reliability and Maintenance Benefits

    Emergency tools must maintain full functionality over extended periods without regular maintenance or replacement requirements. Breeker’s mechanical design ensures consistent performance across years of storage without degradation concerns that affect electronic emergency devices.

    The no-battery, no-electronics design eliminates common failure points that compromise emergency tool reliability over time. Unlike electronic emergency devices that may fail due to battery degradation or component aging, Breeker maintains peak performance indefinitely when stored in normal vehicle conditions.

    Maintenance-free operation provides significant long-term value by eliminating ongoing costs and replacement requirements associated with complex emergency devices. This reliability factor ensures that emergency preparedness investments maintain effectiveness throughout their service life without additional financial commitments.

    Safety Enhancement Across Vehicle Types

    Different vehicle types present unique emergency challenges that require adaptable emergency tool solutions. Breeker’s universal compatibility ensures consistent emergency response capability across sedans, trucks, SUVs, and specialty vehicles without requiring vehicle-specific modifications or accessories.

    Commercial vehicle applications benefit particularly from Breeker’s dual functionality, as professional drivers face elevated emergency risks while requiring reliable tools that function in demanding work environments. The tool’s durability and consistent performance make it suitable for commercial applications where emergency preparedness becomes a professional safety requirement.

    Family vehicle safety benefits from tools that accommodate varying user capabilities while maintaining professional-grade emergency effectiveness. Breeker’s design ensures that emergency response capability extends to all family members regardless of physical strength or emergency experience level.

    Be ready for anything the road throws your way-add Breeker to your emergency kit and ensure your family can escape safely from any vehicle, no matter the weather, terrain, or tech failure.

    Usage Guidelines and Emergency Preparedness Plans

    Strategic Placement and Accessibility Planning

    Effective emergency tool deployment requires strategic placement that balances accessibility with safety during normal vehicle operation. Breeker’s compact design accommodates multiple storage locations including glove compartments, center consoles, door pockets, and visor clips without interfering with daily driving activities or creating safety hazards during normal vehicle operation.

    Emergency preparedness experts recommend storing one Breeker unit within easy reach of the driver’s seat and additional units accessible to passengers, particularly in larger vehicles where occupants may be seated far from the primary emergency tool location. This redundant placement strategy ensures that emergency tools remain accessible even when vehicle damage or occupant injury compromises access to primary storage locations.

    Professional safety planning emphasizes that emergency tools must be accessible within seconds during crisis situations, requiring placement locations that remain accessible regardless of vehicle position, occupant condition, or emergency circumstances. Breeker’s multiple placement options support this requirement while accommodating various vehicle configurations and user preferences.

    3-Month Emergency Preparedness Integration

    Short-term emergency preparedness planning establishes fundamental safety habits that form the foundation of comprehensive vehicle safety protocols. During the initial three-month period, users should focus on familiarizing themselves with Breeker’s operation through regular handling and practice sessions that build muscle memory and confidence.

    Monthly vehicle safety inspections should include Breeker accessibility verification, ensuring that storage locations remain clear and that all vehicle occupants know the tool’s location and operation procedures. This regular attention maintains emergency preparedness effectiveness while identifying potential issues before they compromise emergency response capability.

    Three-month planning periods allow for emergency scenario practice sessions that build competence across different emergency types including flooding, fire, collision, and medical emergency situations. Regular practice sessions ensure that emergency tool operation becomes instinctive rather than requiring conscious thought during high-stress situations.

    6-Month Safety System Development

    Extended emergency preparedness planning integrates Breeker into comprehensive vehicle safety systems that address multiple emergency scenarios through coordinated response protocols. Six-month planning cycles allow for seasonal adjustment of emergency preparations, accounting for weather-related risks and changing driving patterns that affect emergency preparedness requirements.

    Advanced emergency preparedness includes training other family members or frequent passengers in proper Breeker operation, creating redundant response capability that improves overall emergency effectiveness. This training expansion ensures that emergency response doesn’t depend solely on the primary driver’s availability or capability during crisis situations.

    Semi-annual emergency preparedness reviews should evaluate the effectiveness of current safety protocols and identify opportunities for improvement based on changing circumstances, new safety information, or updated emergency preparedness recommendations from safety professionals.

    12-Month Comprehensive Safety Planning

    Annual emergency preparedness planning establishes long-term safety habits that become integral components of overall vehicle safety culture. Twelve-month cycles provide sufficient time for comprehensive safety system implementation that addresses both common and rare emergency scenarios through proven response protocols.

    Long-term planning includes coordination with broader emergency preparedness efforts including home emergency planning, travel safety protocols, and family emergency communication systems. This comprehensive approach ensures that vehicle emergency preparedness integrates seamlessly with overall family safety planning.

    Annual planning cycles allow for emergency preparedness system evaluation and upgrading, incorporating new safety technologies, updated emergency procedures, and lessons learned from emergency preparedness training and real-world emergency situations.

    Daily Integration and Habit Formation

    Sustainable emergency preparedness requires integration into daily routines that maintain emergency readiness without creating burdensome procedures that compromise long-term compliance. Daily vehicle inspections should include brief verification of Breeker accessibility as part of normal pre-driving safety checks.

    Regular vehicle maintenance appointments provide opportunities to review emergency preparedness equipment and update emergency procedures based on vehicle modifications or changing family circumstances. This integration ensures that emergency preparedness evolves alongside vehicle ownership and usage patterns.

    Daily awareness of emergency preparedness equipment location and operation maintains the mental readiness necessary for effective emergency response while building confidence that reduces panic during actual emergencies.

    With Breeker, safety isn’t optional-it’s essential. Break glass and cut seatbelts in seconds during emergencies with a compact, durable device designed for families, commuters, and professionals.

    Pricing, Purchasing Options, and Value Analysis

    Current Promotional Pricing Structure

    Breeker emergency tool currently offers significant value through promotional pricing that provides up to 70% off standard retail prices, making professional-grade emergency safety equipment accessible to budget-conscious consumers without compromising quality or effectiveness. This limited-time promotional pricing reflects the manufacturer’s commitment to expanding emergency preparedness accessibility across all economic demographics.

    Here’s a detailed breakdown of the pricing for Breeker:

    • 1x Breeker: $29.95

    • 3x Breeker: $27.95 each (total $83.85)

    • 5x Breeker: $25.99 each (total $129.95)

    • 10x Breeker: $24.99 each (total $249.90)

    Pricing information is subject to change at any time. Always verify current pricing on the official website before making purchasing decisions, as promotional offers may have time limitations or availability restrictions that affect final purchase prices.

    The promotional pricing structure recognizes that emergency preparedness shouldn’t be limited by economic factors, particularly when the cost of emergency tools represents a fraction of potential emergency-related expenses including medical bills, vehicle replacement costs, or emergency service fees that could result from inadequate emergency preparedness.

    Value Comparison Analysis

    Professional emergency tools traditionally command premium pricing that reflects specialized engineering, quality materials, and rigorous testing protocols. Breeker’s promotional pricing provides access to professional-grade emergency equipment at prices comparable to basic consumer tools that often lack the reliability and effectiveness required for emergency situations.

    The dual-function design provides additional value by eliminating the need for separate window breaking and seatbelt cutting tools, reducing both initial purchase costs and ongoing storage requirements. This consolidation approach offers practical and economic benefits that enhance the overall value proposition for emergency preparedness investments.

    Long-term value analysis demonstrates that high-quality emergency tools like Breeker provide superior cost-effectiveness compared to cheaper alternatives that may fail during critical moments, potentially creating catastrophic consequences that far exceed the initial tool investment costs.

    Investment Return on Safety

    Emergency preparedness investments provide returns that extend far beyond monetary considerations, including peace of mind, family safety confidence, and potential life-saving capability that cannot be quantified through traditional financial analysis. The relatively modest investment in professional emergency tools provides disproportionate returns in safety confidence and emergency preparedness effectiveness.

    Insurance considerations may provide additional value through potential premium reductions for vehicles equipped with comprehensive emergency safety equipment, though individual insurance policies vary in their recognition of proactive safety measures. Consulting with insurance providers about emergency preparedness equipment may reveal additional financial benefits beyond the primary safety value.

    The cost of emergency preparedness equipment represents a small fraction of typical vehicle ownership expenses while providing safety benefits that extend throughout the entire vehicle ownership period, making emergency tool investments among the most cost-effective safety enhancements available to vehicle owners.

    Purchasing Decision Factors

    Quality emergency tools represent long-term investments that should be evaluated based on reliability, effectiveness, and durability rather than solely on initial purchase price. Breeker’s professional-grade construction and safety expert approval provide confidence that the investment will maintain effectiveness throughout its service life.

    The 30-day money-back guarantee eliminates purchase risk by allowing consumers to evaluate Breeker’s quality and effectiveness without financial commitment, providing confidence for consumers making safety-critical purchasing decisions. This guarantee policy demonstrates manufacturer confidence in product quality and customer satisfaction.

    Multiple purchasing options accommodate different family sizes and vehicle configurations, allowing consumers to select emergency preparedness solutions that match their specific needs and usage patterns. This flexibility ensures that emergency preparedness investments align with practical requirements rather than forcing consumers into inappropriate purchasing decisions.

    Total Cost of Ownership Analysis

    Breeker’s maintenance-free design eliminates ongoing costs associated with electronic emergency devices that require battery replacement, software updates, or periodic recalibration to maintain effectiveness. This no-maintenance approach provides long-term cost advantages that enhance the overall value proposition for emergency preparedness investments.

    The tool’s durability and reliability ensure that initial purchase costs represent the total investment required for long-term emergency preparedness, without hidden costs or unexpected replacement requirements that could compromise budget planning for emergency safety equipment.

    Professional-grade emergency tools typically provide service life measured in decades rather than years, making the per-year cost of ownership extremely low compared to the ongoing expenses associated with lower-quality alternatives that require frequent replacement or maintenance.

    Help rescue yourself before first responders arrive-Breeker ensures immediate glass breaking and seatbelt cutting when time is running out and seconds could save a life.

    Customer Reviews and Expert Recommendations

    Professional Safety Expert Endorsements

    Safety professionals and emergency response experts consistently recommend Breeker based on its proven performance characteristics and reliability under emergency conditions. The tool’s approval by safety experts reflects comprehensive evaluation of its effectiveness across multiple emergency scenarios and user demographics.

    Emergency response professionals value tools that function consistently regardless of user experience level or emergency circumstances, making Breeker’s intuitive operation and reliable performance particularly valuable for professional recommendations. This professional endorsement provides confidence for consumers seeking expert-validated emergency safety equipment.

    First responders appreciate emergency tools that complement their rescue efforts by enabling self-rescue capability, reducing emergency response complexity and improving overall emergency outcomes. Breeker’s effectiveness supports both self-rescue and assisted rescue scenarios, making it valuable from both personal safety and professional emergency response perspectives.

    Customer Satisfaction and Performance Data

    The 4.7-star customer rating demonstrates consistent customer satisfaction across diverse user experiences and emergency applications, providing strong evidence of real-world performance that matches technical specifications and marketing claims. This high satisfaction rating reflects both product quality and customer service excellence that enhances the overall ownership experience.

    Customer testimonials consistently highlight Breeker’s ease of use and confidence-building characteristics that reduce emergency-related anxiety while improving emergency preparedness effectiveness. These psychological benefits complement the tool’s technical capabilities by ensuring that users feel prepared and confident to handle emergency situations effectively.

    The 97% customer recommendation rate provides compelling evidence that Breeker meets or exceeds customer expectations for emergency tool performance, reliability, and value. This exceptional recommendation rate reflects satisfied customers who trust Breeker’s effectiveness enough to recommend it to family members and friends.

    Real-World Emergency Performance

    Customer feedback includes numerous accounts of successful emergency use where Breeker provided effective escape capability during actual emergency situations including flooding, collision, and fire scenarios. These real-world performance examples demonstrate that Breeker’s effectiveness extends beyond laboratory testing to practical emergency applications where lives depend on tool reliability.

    Emergency performance testimonials consistently emphasize the tool’s immediate effectiveness and ease of operation during high-stress situations, validating the design philosophy that prioritizes simplicity and reliability over complex features that may fail during critical moments.

    Users frequently comment on the confidence that Breeker ownership provides, knowing that they possess reliable emergency escape capability that functions independently of vehicle systems or external assistance. This psychological benefit contributes significantly to overall driving confidence and emergency preparedness peace of mind.

    Comparative Performance Analysis

    Customer comparisons between Breeker and alternative emergency tools consistently favor Breeker’s reliability, ease of use, and dual-function design over single-purpose tools or electronic emergency devices that may fail during critical situations. These comparative evaluations provide valuable insights into relative performance characteristics across different emergency tool categories.

    Professional testing comparisons demonstrate Breeker’s superior performance consistency across different glass types, environmental conditions, and user strength levels, making it more reliable than alternatives that may work effectively only under optimal conditions.

    Long-term usage reports indicate that Breeker maintains effectiveness over extended periods without performance degradation, unlike some alternatives that may lose effectiveness due to component aging, corrosion, or mechanical wear that could compromise emergency performance when tools are needed most.

    Family and Commercial Applications

    Family users consistently praise Breeker’s child-friendly design that enables emergency preparedness training across all family members while maintaining professional-grade effectiveness. This accessibility ensures that emergency response capability doesn’t depend solely on adult availability during crisis situations.

    Commercial users appreciate Breeker’s durability and reliability in demanding work environments where emergency tools face more frequent handling and exposure to harsh conditions than typical consumer applications. The tool’s professional-grade construction maintains effectiveness in commercial settings where emergency preparedness represents a professional safety requirement.

    Fleet managers report high satisfaction with Breeker’s consistent performance across multiple vehicles and user groups, making it an effective standardized emergency tool solution for organizations requiring comprehensive emergency preparedness across their vehicle fleets.

    Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Integration

    Breeker emergency tool provides essential integration with 2025 vehicle safety technology by offering reliable mechanical backup capability when advanced driver assistance systems fail or become unavailable during crisis situations. The tool’s dual-function design addresses the most common emergency scenarios while maintaining the simplicity necessary for effective operation under extreme stress conditions.

    Professional emergency preparedness planning recognizes that comprehensive vehicle safety requires both preventive technology and reactive emergency tools working together to provide multiple layers of protection. Breeker fulfills this requirement by complementing electronic safety systems with proven mechanical reliability that functions regardless of power system status or environmental conditions.

    Investment Value and Long-Term Benefits

    The current promotional pricing makes professional-grade emergency safety equipment accessible to all vehicle owners while providing exceptional value through dual-function capability and maintenance-free operation. This investment provides long-term peace of mind and safety confidence that extends throughout vehicle ownership without ongoing costs or replacement requirements.

    Emergency preparedness investments provide returns that extend far beyond monetary considerations, including family safety confidence and potential life-saving capability that cannot be quantified through traditional financial analysis. The relatively modest investment provides disproportionate returns in safety effectiveness and emergency preparedness confidence.

    Professional Validation and Customer Satisfaction

    Safety expert approval combined with exceptional customer satisfaction ratings provides strong validation of Breeker’s emergency effectiveness and reliability. The 4.7-star rating with 97% customer recommendation demonstrates consistent real-world performance that matches technical specifications and professional endorsements.

    Customer testimonials consistently emphasize confidence-building characteristics and ease of use that reduce emergency-related anxiety while improving overall emergency preparedness effectiveness. These psychological benefits complement technical capabilities by ensuring users feel prepared to handle emergency situations effectively.

    Final Purchasing Recommendations

    Breeker car window breaker provides comprehensive emergency preparedness value that justifies investment for all vehicle owners serious about safety and emergency preparedness. The tool’s professional-grade construction, expert endorsements, and exceptional customer satisfaction make it a reliable choice for individuals and families seeking effective emergency safety equipment.

    The 30-day money-back guarantee eliminates purchase risk while allowing evaluation of quality and effectiveness without financial commitment. This guarantee policy demonstrates manufacturer confidence in product performance and customer satisfaction, providing additional confidence for safety-critical purchasing decisions.

    Always verify current pricing and promotional offers on the official website before making purchasing decisions, as pricing and availability may change without notice. Consider consulting with safety professionals or emergency preparedness experts when developing comprehensive vehicle emergency preparedness plans that incorporate Breeker with other safety equipment and protocols.

    Choose Breeker over unreliable emergency gadgets and experience safety backed by science, tested in real-world scenarios, and approved by safety professionals across industries.

    Breeker FAQ – Car Emergency Tool

    Here are some of the strongest FAQs tailored to highlight the key features and benefits of Breeker, the ultimate car emergency tool.

    1. What is Breeker and how does it work?

    Breeker is a compact emergency tool designed to ensure your safety during car accidents. It features a hardened steel tip that shatters car windows instantly and a sharp recessed blade that cuts seatbelts, allowing you to escape quickly from your vehicle in an emergency.

    2. Is Breeker effective on all car windows?

    Yes, Breeker is engineered to easily break any car window, even those that are reinforced. Its design ensures that you can escape quickly, regardless of the type of windows in your vehicle.

    3. Can Breeker be used multiple times?

    Absolutely! Breeker is a reusable safety tool designed for multiple uses without losing effectiveness. You can rely on it as a dependable emergency tool whenever needed.

    4. Do I need to sharpen the blade on Breeker?

    No, the seatbelt-cutting blade is specially designed to maintain its sharpness over time. You will not need to sharpen it, ensuring you can rely on Breeker in emergencies without additional maintenance.

    5. Is Breeker safe for children?

    Yes, Breeker can be safely used by children aged 7 and older, provided they are properly introduced to it as a safety tool and not a toy. It promotes preparedness among younger users with adult supervision.

    6. What safety features does Breeker have?

    Breeker includes several safety features such as a protective safety cap that covers the window-breaking tip to prevent accidental injury, and an ergonomic grip for comfortable handling under stress.

    7. Is there a money-back guarantee with Breeker?

    Yes, Breeker comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund, no questions asked.

    8. Why should I choose Breeker over other emergency tools?

    Breeker stands out due to its dual functionality, safety features, and compact design. Unlike other tools, Breeker not only breaks windows but also cuts seatbelts, making it an essential tool for car safety.

    9. Where can I store Breeker in my vehicle?

    Breeker is designed to be compact and portable. It can easily fit in your car’s glove box, door pocket, or even on a keychain, ensuring it’s always within reach when needed.

    10. How can Breeker help in water emergencies?

    In situations where a vehicle is submerged or in water, Breeker allows you to quickly shatter a window for escape, even if the power windows are inoperable. This essential action can save lives when every second counts.

    These FAQs not only address common concerns but also emphasize the key features of Breeker, making it an appealing choice for potential customers.

    Breeker belongs in every car-secure yours now and make the most affordable, most powerful upgrade to your personal and family vehicle safety toolkit.

    Disclaimers and Disclosures

    The content presented in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional safety advice, product certification, or an endorsement by any regulatory agency. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, there is no guarantee that all content is free from typographical errors, factual inaccuracies, or outdated data. Product specifications, pricing, and performance claims are based on information available at the time of writing and may be subject to change without notice. Readers are advised to consult the official product website or directly contact the manufacturer for the most current information.

    Neither the publisher nor any affiliated parties, including writers, editors, or syndication partners, shall be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses resulting from the use or misuse of the Breeker emergency tool or any other safety equipment discussed in this article. The use of emergency tools should always align with local laws, vehicle manufacturer guidelines, and personal safety training. Proper installation, storage, and routine inspection of emergency equipment are the responsibility of the end user.

    This article may contain affiliate links. If a reader clicks on a link and makes a purchase, the publisher or its partners may receive a commission at no additional cost to the consumer. These commissions support continued content creation and do not influence the objectivity or integrity of the editorial content. All reviews and recommendations are based on independent research, product evaluations, and user feedback, and are not influenced by compensation arrangements.

    All parties involved in the production and distribution of this article operate independently of the Breeker brand or its parent company. Mentions of customer satisfaction metrics, safety certifications, or expert endorsements are sourced from publicly available information or manufacturer disclosures and should not be construed as verified endorsements by the publisher.

    By reading or sharing this content, all readers and distribution channels acknowledge and accept that the information contained herein is provided “as is” with no warranties, expressed or implied, and agree to hold the publisher and its affiliates harmless from any legal claims arising from its use or publication.

    Source: Breeker

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  • How animal shelters prepare for emergencies | Animal Wellness Magazine

    How animal shelters prepare for emergencies | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    Learn how animal shelters prepare for emergencies, ensuring the safety of pets with effective plans, training, and community support.

     

    From electrical fires to natural disasters, a range of emergencies impact animal shelters, just as they do our homes or businesses. It can be challenging enough to ensure your own dog or cat stays safe during a crisis. But how do animal shelters, which often have dozens of dogs and cats in their care, manage to keep their four-footed residents protected and cared for in case of emergencies?

     

    Three rules for emergency situations 

    Dr. Douglas Mader is a veterinarian as well as a certified first responder and a consultant for both branches of the Florida Keys SPCA. As such, he is well-versed in helping shelters prep for disaster, and has three rules for emergency situations:

     

    1. The shelter needs a detailed plan for emergencies — one that includes evacuation protocols as well as shelter-in-place protocols.
    2. Shelter staff should review and update the plan often – once a month if possible, especially if the shelter is located in a region prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires or floods.
    3. Assign individual staff members and volunteers to take responsibility for specific jobs. Since some individuals may be unable to reach the facility during a crisis, everyone should be cross-trained to fill in as needed.

     

    “Having an Emergency Standard Operating Procedure in place for an animal shelter is paramount to ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals in our care,” says Guinnevere Shuster, Director of Marketing & Communications at the Humane Society of Utah. “It equips our team with the knowledge and tools to respond swiftly and effectively in crisis situations, minimizing stress and risk for both the animals and staff.”

     

    Covering all the bases in times of crisis

    • To help prepare for an emergency, all the animals in a shelter’s care need proper identification that must travel with them if evacuation is necessary. This means good record-keeping is vital. Medical records need to be up to date and attached to the animal or her crate/carrier. Older and special needs animals must travel with clear care instructions. Shelters should save all records for each dog and cat offsite and in the cloud, in case computers and paper records at the facility are unavailable or destroyed.
    • Shelters are advised to prepare emergency kits with several days’ worth of food, water and medicine for all the animals, and keep the kits near their crates or cages. This helps make for a smoother, swifter evacuation if it becomes necessary to leave quickly.
    • Extra sets of clean scrubs, along with a store of food and water, are important for staff and volunteers in the event they need to shelter in place.
    • Dr. Mader suggests shelters keep an extra month’s supply of regularly prescribed medicines on hand.
    • During power outages, a generator helps keep shelter animals cool in the summer, and warm in the winter.
    • When feasible, an offsite storage unit can be invaluable for extra crates, food, bottled water, bowls, and blankets.
    • Practice drills allow staff and volunteers to learn evacuation routes, emergency procedures, and their individual responsibilities during a crisis.
    • Some animal organizations, such as the ASPCA, offer sample evacuation plans for shelters.

     

    Animal shelters house a lot of dogs and cats, but with a well-thought-out and frequently-rehearsed emergency plan in place, they can save every precious life in the event of an emergency or disaster.

     

    Shelters helping shelters  

    If evacuation is necessary, temporary foster homes for the animals, or transport to other shelters, may be needed. Reciprocal agreements with one or more shelters allow a facility out of harm’s way to take in animals displaced by evacuation. Often, shelters will have several agreements in place.

     

    “We have reciprocal agreements with two local municipal animal shelters in the region to assist with housing should something ever happen to our building,” says Guinnevere.

     

    Assessing in-shelter risks 

    Shelters often consult with local fire departments, police departments, and rescue units, which can have someone walk through the facility and point out areas of concern. For example, bags of dry food may attract vermin that could chew on electrical wiring and cause a fire. Police may advise installation of a silent alarm system in case of disgruntled clients or thieves. Rescue units can suggest improved mass exit plans and placement for backup generators.

     

    “We consulted the local fire department and have alarms that, when activated, contact them directly,” says Guinnevere. “The fire department responds quickly, even if it’s just a bag of burnt popcorn in the microwave that sets off the alarm.”

     

    Evacuation or shelter in place? 

    Depending on the nature of the emergency, shelter staff and volunteers need to be able to leap into action immediately.

     

    • In the event of a hurricane, people are alerted far enough ahead of time that they can board up windows and take cover or leave. Volunteer drivers have the time to evacuate dogs and cats to an area outside the storm’s path.
    • With a tornado, there can be very little warning. A blaring public announcement to head for cover is often the first clue a funnel cloud is approaching. This means shelter staff need to know the safest locations inside the facility where they can move the animals to shelter in place.
    • Floods can go either way; there may be time to sandbag, but flash floods can roar through a formerly dry creek bed without much notice. Shelters situated near rivers or low-lying areas need to be cognizant of local flood risks.
    • Wildfires travel fast and change direction with the wind, so animal shelters in fire-prone regions need to stay informed about any nearby blazes and prepare to evacuate if conditions worsen.


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    Sandra Murphy lives in St Louis, Missouri. When she’s not writing, she works as a pet sitter.

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    Sandra Murphy

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  • Pack Your Memories Into Your Disaster Bag

    Pack Your Memories Into Your Disaster Bag

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    This April, when a 1,000-year storm drenched South Florida, my father and older sister were among the thousands of people abruptly hit with severe flash flooding. They made it out physically unscathed, but many of their possessions were reduced to waterlogged piles of debris. Among those ruined mementos were sets of baby clothes, which my sister had painstakingly preserved for the future but forgotten during the rush of the flood. More than half a year later, she’s still grieving them. “Stuff is stuff,” she told me. But those pieces of clothing had been in the family for decades; she had worn them, and so had her 2-year-old. She just wished, she told me, that she could have held on to those outfits, “and my daughter could have had them for her kids.”

    The “rain bomb” that displaced my family from their damaged rental homes was amplified by a warmer climate. Climate change is likely making storms wetter and more frequent, and in coastal hot spots across South Florida, where drastically rising sea levels are driving tidal flooding, a sudden storm can easily become a disaster. Extreme hazards such as these are a by-product of the planet’s unprecedented pace of warming, which could change where and when wildfires, floods, and other catastrophes strike and how they overlap. These events affect millions of Americans—roughly one in 70 adults has been displaced by a hurricane, flood, or other disaster event in the past year, per the latest U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey data.

    People living in hurricane or earthquake zones have long been taught to be ready for the worst, but these new threats make “all hazards” preparedness that much more important for everyone, no matter your location. Emergency-management guidelines in the United States already include recommendations for every household to keep a supply kit on standby, with a more compact version that can be mobilized in case of evacuation. Both should contain emergency medications, copies of identity documents, food, water, and other essentials. “What you put in those ‘go bags’ are the items that really are essential to you,” Sue Anne Bell, a researcher and nurse practitioner who specializes in disaster response at the University of Michigan, told me.

    But in talking with experts about disaster preparedness, I was surprised to find that recommendations on storing personal possessions in those bags are basically nonexistent. That necessities come first makes sense: These items can make a life-and-death difference in moments of crisis. But ever since members of my immediate family were displaced, I have started thinking about a third way to prepare for the uncertainty of extreme weather and the disasters that follow—what I like to call my “climate carry-on.”

    This bag can now be found, zipped up and resting on a shelf in my bedroom closet, ready to be wheeled out if the need arises. In it, I have stashed away some of my most prized personal objects: photos of loved ones swaddled in pieces of clothing inherited from relatives who have died; a tarnished ring, priceless to me alone; a stack of journals teeming with childhood ramblings. All are relatively small physical mementos that I consider my most indispensable belongings. All are things that I’d like to one day be able to share with a family of my own.

    Most of the advice about preparing for an extreme-weather-related calamity is extremely practical, for good reason. “First and foremost, we need to safeguard our lives,” Fernando Rivera, a professor at the University of Central Florida who studies the sociology of disasters, told me. Bracing for the realities of recovery—grabbing physical copies of identity, medical, employment, and financial documents to help with disaster assistance and insurance claims—comes second. But survivors of climate disasters can benefit from preserving other meaningful parts of their life too.

    Bell told me that losing a home and certain possessions can affect a survivor’s well-being throughout the recovery process. In a small, qualitative study about supporting elderly patients through a disaster, the in-home caregivers she interviewed described the stress and personal devastation their patients experienced from those losses after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. “There’s a kind of trauma that comes along with knowing everything you’ve worked for in your life is something that you no longer have,” she said. That can affect “their larger health trajectory, as they’re trying to recover from a disaster in advancing age and feeling like they’re starting over.”

    Although it varies person-by-person, life changes after disasters do cause grief that can manifest in health complications, Priscilla Dass-Brailsford, a psychologist and Georgetown University professor who studies the effects of trauma, told me. And if these hazards put someone in a state of chronic stress, they can lead to serious physical health problems, including cardiovascular dysfunctions and cancer. “Extreme trauma and loss from a disaster, that’s a given,” Dass-Brailsford said. In the immediate aftermath, a person’s focus is typically on physical safety and navigating any remaining threats; the interwoven mental- and physical-health effects usually come later. “Once that’s done, and you’re settled down a little bit, the enormity of what happens then strikes people,” she said—problems such as headaches and stomach issues can suddenly flare up terribly, as she’s seen in her own patients.

    Losing personal property and, for those permanently displaced by a disaster, the place they live, can mean that survivors fare worse psychologically, according to Dass-Brailsford. She was a Hurricane Katrina first responder: “I remember walking through the rubble, looking at things that were lost during the storm, and wanting to pick things up and save them,” she said. She remembered thinking that “this is someone’s treasured object, and it was just now going to be sent to the dump.”

    Some may balk at the suggestion of packing away belongings that they’d rather see every day. Precautions like this can seem unnecessary—and it’s easy to tell yourself you’d move quickly enough to save what matters in case of a crisis. But although we may feel we are ready for an unexpected disaster event, that perception can often be far from reality, Bell, the University of Michigan disaster-response researcher, told me. A 2021 study she led found that, even for the basic steps of all-hazards readiness—having a stocked emergency kit, having conversations with family or friends about evacuation plans—people believed they were more prepared than they actually were.

    When measuring well-being after disaster or success in recovering, the focus is on quantifiable indicators, Sara McTarnaghan, a senior research associate at the Urban Institute who studies resilience planning and disaster recovery, told me. Disasters can put people in debt, or land them in the hospital. But, she said, hazard preparation shouldn’t just consider those tangible aspects of recovery. “As people, we’re often boiled down to those financial resources,” McTarnaghan said. When I asked her how people could better prepare for other types of loss they might experience, she stressed the importance of mental health, which climate-hazard-recovery processes tend to put less emphasis on. Reminding people that sentimental belongings—whether a photograph, a figurine, or an item of clothing—matter too could be a small stride toward helping them recover emotionally after a disaster.

    Of course, the objects that would be most meaningful to save will differ from person to person. And that’s probably one reason it’s harder to find guidance about selecting and storing personal property ahead of a calamity, McTarnaghan said. Thinking about this question at all is a good first step. “I absolutely encourage the reflection of some of the more personal and sentimental pieces that also lead to loss for individuals,” she said.

    Because searching for those items really isn’t what anyone should be doing in the rushed moments before evacuating, or as they start to shelter in place. No one should prioritize personal memorabilia over their own physical safety. Think of a climate carry-on as an optional supplement to a disaster kit and go bag. The latter two reflect the things we can’t live without; the first, the things we’d rather not.

    Still, creating a climate carry-on isn’t a bad idea, Rivera, the UCF sociologist, said. He has thought, too, about the possibility of a communal repository, where things that matter to people could be stored and easily accessed year-round, further encouraging community-wide hazard resilience. “Individually, you never think that you’re going to be in that situation,” he said. But climate change is that much of a threat, becoming all the more real in our daily lives. Some of us will end up in that very position, forced to swiftly determine what we consider irreplaceable.

    My dad never fathomed he would be displaced by a flood until he was watching the waters rising around him. “As the water increases, you have to, right away, rationalize what is important and take it from there,” he told me. If he could go back in time and pack a bag full of memories, he would stuff it with objects that are now lost: a collection of books he’d kept with him for decades and photo albums of his parents, his brother, and his sister, all of whom he’s lost. But of course, not everything can fit. He was thinking, too, of a rug worn down by multiple countries and moves, and a box of schoolwork and memorabilia handcrafted by my siblings and me.

    “I saved a good amount,” he said. “But the rest of it? It’s gone. And you have no choice but to move on.”

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    Ayurella Horn-Muller

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  • Help and Friendship is What Disaster Relief is All About, Say Scientology Volunteers

    Help and Friendship is What Disaster Relief is All About, Say Scientology Volunteers

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    As the Scientology Volunteer Ministers Hurricane Ida Disaster Response Team members wrap up two weeks of service in Louisiana and head home to their families and jobs, what they will long remember is the warmth, friendliness and courage of the people of Louisiana.

    Press Release



    updated: Sep 27, 2021

    St. Charles Parish is finally heading back toward normal: Schools are about to reopen, and power is restored in some 90 percent of homes. Knowing they made a difference, Scientology Volunteer Ministers who arrived in the region two weeks ago have headed home. They look back with fond memories of the warm and gracious people they met and helped.

    The team cleaned out flood-damaged homes, chopped up and removed fallen trees, pulled down broken branches from trees to prevent them from falling on unsuspecting passersby. And they provided Scientology assiststechniques that have come to be known as “spiritual first aid.” Assists help people overcome the loss and confusion so often experienced in times of disaster.

    On arriving in Louisiana, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers logged onto crisiscleanup.org to locate neighborhoods most in need of help. By connecting with the Mount Zion Baptist Church, they found out which parishioners needed assistance. Often, when they finished one project, someone next door or across the street also needed a hand, which they were happy to provide. 

    “I am truly grateful and blessed that you all were generous enough to assist me and my family during these difficult times,” said one person whose home they took care of.

    “One woman thanked us over and over again,” said the Scientologist leading the project. “She had tried to get help but no one had come. Now she could go see her grandbabies. We were so happy to be able to help.”

    “Your team members have been in my prayers and thoughts every day since our meeting at Mount Zion Baptist Church,” said a parishioner. “Each of you are a wonderful blessing. You are difference makers.”

    The Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service created by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. It constitutes one of the world’s largest independent relief forces.

    A Volunteer Minister is “a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring truth and spiritual values to the lives of others.” Their creed: “A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well.”

    The Founder of the Scientology religion is L. Ron Hubbard and Mr. David Miscavige is the religion’s ecclesiastical leader.

    For more information, visit the Scientology Newsroom.

    CONTACT:
    mediarelations@churchofscientology.net
    (323) 960-3500

    Source: Church of Scientology International

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  • Scientology Haiti Disaster Response Volunteers Team Up With Local Clinic to Provide Help

    Scientology Haiti Disaster Response Volunteers Team Up With Local Clinic to Provide Help

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    Nurses, who arrived in Les Cayes from Carrefour last weekend, are caring for injured survivors of the August 14 Haiti earthquake at a clinic in Camp-Perrin, a commune in the Les Cayes Arrondissement.

    Press Release



    updated: Sep 2, 2021

    Ten nurses, wearing the bright-yellow T-shirts of the Scientology Volunteer Minister, helped set up a mobile clinic in Camp-Perrin, Haiti, and immediately started triaging and caring for patients. 

    Camp-Perrin is one of the communities hardest hit by the August 14 earthquake that left an estimated 12,000 injured and destroyed more than 52,000 homes. With so many in need of care and so few resources, the mobile clinic will perform a vital function.

    The nurses, trained Scientology Volunteer Ministers, were part of a group of two dozen who traveled to Les Cayes last weekend to join the disaster response team.

    In addition to their medical skills, they are also experienced in the administration of Scientology assists—techniques developed by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard covered in the Assists for Illnesses and Injuries Course on the Volunteer Ministers and Scientology websites. By addressing the emotional and spiritual factors in stress and trauma, assists can speed healing and ease discomfort.

    The Scientology Haiti Disaster Response Team is also providing Scientology assists at the OFATMA (Occupational Accidents, Illness and Maternity) Hospital in Les Cayes which, like other hospitals, is struggling to keep up with those in need of attention and care. And they are training a team of 100 rescue workers on assists and other Volunteer Ministers technology such as communication and organizational skills to help them cope with the current crisis.

    In creating the program in the mid-1970s, Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote that a Volunteer Minister “helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring truth and spiritual values to the lives of others. … A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well.”

    The Founder of the Scientology religion is L. Ron Hubbard and Mr. David Miscavige is the religion’s ecclesiastical leader.

    For more information, visit the Volunteer Ministers website or the Scientology Newsroom.

    Source: Church of Scientology International

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  • Scientology Volunteer Ministers Respond to Hurricane Ida

    Scientology Volunteer Ministers Respond to Hurricane Ida

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    Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana August 29. A Scientology Volunteer Ministers disaster response team is on the ground and their international headquarters has put out a call for more trained volunteers to help the region recover.

    Press Release



    updated: Aug 31, 2021

    Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana Sunday, August 29, as a Category 4 storm—ironically, on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. One of the worst storms to hit the area since 2005, Ida has created power outages and flooding of low-lying areas creating massive damage.

    Storm surge, extreme winds, and flash flooding knocked out 1,437 Louisiana cell towers and 18 water systems serving about 255,000 residents. More than a million are without power.

    Scientology Volunteer Ministers headquarters in Los Angeles is calling for trained Scientology Volunteer Ministers who can join the Hurricane Ida Disaster Response to contact the Volunteer Minister hotline at (800) HELP-4-YU or 1 (323) 960-1949. 

    The Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service created in the mid-1970s by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard.

    A Volunteer Minister’s mandate is to be “a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring truth and spiritual values to the lives of others.” Their creed: “A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well.”

    For more information, visit the Scientology Newsroom.

    Source: Church of Scientology International

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  • All Hands and Hearts Stands Up Disaster Assistance Response Team in Advance of Hurricane Ida

    All Hands and Hearts Stands Up Disaster Assistance Response Team in Advance of Hurricane Ida

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    Press Release



    updated: Aug 29, 2021

    An advance Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) from international disaster relief organization All Hands and Hearts (AHAH) is staging in Beaumont, TX to be able to assess the impending damage from Hurricane Ida. 

    According to the National Hurricane Center, Ida is expected to bring “extremely life-threatening storm surge inundation of 9′ or higher in the area between Burns Point, LA and Ocean Springs, MS” with “catastrophic wind damage likely” particularly to the greater New Orleans area. 

    AHAH has a long history of supporting communities in Louisiana; from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 through to Hurricane Laura in 2020. AHAH is able to leverage its experience and current base-of-operations to quickly aid communities impacted by Hurricane Ida.

    The All Hands and Hearts mission requires both the rapid response to natural disasters and a long-term commitment to helping communities sustainably rebuild. 

    “We’re assessing the Hurricane Ida situation closely,” said Gary Pitts, Chief Operating Officer of All Hands and Hearts. “Given our long-standing relationship with the state of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans in particular, we’re standing by ready to assist in any way possible.”

    DART is ready to begin assessment immediately after landfall and will be on the ground as soon as the initial threats of the storm have passed. A team of disaster relief specialists has been deployed in advance and will coordinate with local, regional, and federal authorities to ascertain where AHAH’s impact can be greatest and then get to work. 

    All Hands and Hearts are in contact with partners and agencies in the path of Hurricane Ida and welcome any opportunity to work collaboratively.

    • Volunteer applications, for those wishing to participate in on-site activities, have been opened and are located here.
    • Fundraising efforts have been stood up for those who would like to donate. Donations can be made here.

    About All Hands and Hearts

    All Hands and Hearts is a volunteer-powered nonprofit that effectively and efficiently addresses the immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by natural disasters around the globe. By listening to local people, and deploying our direct-impact model, we are able to rebuild safe, resilient schools, homes and other community infrastructure. Learn more: allhandsandhearts.org.

    For Immediate Release:

    Jake Messier

    (o) 413-271-3844
    (m) 774-368-0094
    www.heardstrategy.com

    Source: All Hands and Hearts

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  • Scientology Volunteers Train Haiti Nonprofits on How to Help Traumatized Victims

    Scientology Volunteers Train Haiti Nonprofits on How to Help Traumatized Victims

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    With thousands injured and hundreds of thousands homeless after the 7.2 magnitude Haiti earthquake, first responders see Scientology assists as the key to providing needed help.

    Press Release



    updated: Aug 28, 2021

    At 7.2 magnitude, the earthquake that struck Haiti on August 14 was twice as powerful as the one that hit the country in 2010. And the destruction is massive. 

    Scientology Volunteer Ministers in Carrefour and Les Cayes are working with nonprofits and first responders to train them on how to address the emotional and spiritual factors in the stress and trauma of those they are trying to help. They do this with seminars on Scientology assists—techniques developed for this purpose by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard.

    In Les Cayes, close to the epicenter of the earthquake, Scientology Volunteer Ministers provided a seminar this week to a team of first responders who knew they needed a way to address more than the physical needs of the victims they help. “The session on illnesses and injuries assist procedures will help us save more lives,” said one of the rescue group members. And the leader of the group wants to continue training his team on all 19 chapters of the Scientology Handbook, the textbook for training a Volunteer Minister.   

    Stevenson, who leads the team of Volunteer Ministers serving in Les Cayes, was devastated by the January 2010 earthquake. Some 300,000 were dead. “I thought my life was over,” he says. But he happened to meet two Volunteer Ministers and they invited him to a seminar, which restored his hope and revived his will to live. Active as a Scientology Volunteer Minister ever since, he shares this technology with others, confident that by getting it into broad use, “it will help save my country.”

    On August 26, while visiting communities heavily affected by the 14 August quake, U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Samantha Power, while pledging funding, also said, “Perhaps the most important lesson (from 2010) is that no development agency and no army or diplomatic corps can just import a perfect humanitarian response from afar. You need local expertise and local leadership to reach communities in need.”

    It is just this kind of grassroots disaster response that Haitian Scientology Volunteer Ministers have provided for more than a decade. And it is seeing the difference the technology makes in others’ lives that inspires them to set aside their own concerns and help in the aftermath of this disaster.

    In creating the program in the mid-1970s, Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote that a Volunteer Minister “helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring truth and spiritual values to the lives of others. …A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well.”

    For more information, visit the Scientology Newsroom.

    CONTACT:
    Media Relations
    Church of Scientology International
    (323) 960-3500
    mediarelations@churchofscientology.net

    Source: Church of Scientology International

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  • Scientology Volunteer Ministers Headquarters Sends Search-and-Rescue Specialist Team to Haiti

    Scientology Volunteer Ministers Headquarters Sends Search-and-Rescue Specialist Team to Haiti

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    Famed search-and-rescue specialists Los Topos, featured on a National Geographic documentary for their work following the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami, add their skill and muscle to the fight against time to locate survivors in the rubble of the Haiti earthquake

    Press Release



    updated: Aug 26, 2021

    A team of search-and-rescue specialists and highly trained Volunteer Ministers flew out of Miami today, headed for Port-au-Prince. There they continue their journey to Les Cayes by the fastest means possible to join the search-and-rescue teams scouring the rubble for more than 300 people still missing from the Aug. 14 7.2 magnitude earthquake. They will also connect with some 100 Haitian Volunteer Ministers who immediately deployed and have been providing relief in their communities since the disaster occurred.

    Los Topos, led by founder Héctor “El Chino” Méndez, has partnered with Scientology Volunteer Ministers (VMs) at major disaster sites for more than a decade. It was in 2010 in Haiti, after the 7.0 magnitude earthquake, that they first formed a partnership. Together, they have responded to the Japan earthquake and tsunami in 2011, the Nepal earthquake in 2015, the Mexico earthquake in 2017, and numerous other natural disasters.

    Los Topos means “the moles” in Spanish — a nickname earned for their ability to enter impenetrable rubble through impossibly narrow and precarious openings to rescue buried survivors.

    Flying in with Los Topos are highly experienced Volunteer Ministers who will coordinate the VM response on the ground. Veterans of numerous disasters, they will coordinate and direct the work of the Haiti Volunteer Ministers on the island’s southern peninsula — the region most affected by the quake.

    In creating the program in the mid-1970s, Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote that a Volunteer Minister “helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring truth and spiritual values to the lives of others. … A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well.”

    With the events of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City, Scientology ecclesiastical leader David Miscavige called on Scientologists to redouble their efforts to aid their fellow man. He issued a directive entitled “The Wake-Up Call,” which has inspired exponential growth within the Volunteer Minister program.

    For more information, visit the Scientology Newsroom.

    Source: Church of Scientology International

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  • Scientology Haiti Disaster Response: Helping Those Affected by the August 14 Earthquake

    Scientology Haiti Disaster Response: Helping Those Affected by the August 14 Earthquake

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    More than a week since the 7.2 magnitude earthquake, the country is still in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

    Press Release



    updated: Aug 25, 2021

    With the death toll at 2,200 and some 12,000 suffering injuries from the 7.2-magnitude 14 August earthquake, Scientology Volunteer Ministers international headquarters in Los Angeles continues to reach out to Volunteer Ministers (VMs) in Haiti to ensure they are okay. They are also connecting them with VM teams who are providing relief in their neighborhoods and in the region most heavily affected by the quake and its numerous aftershocks. 

    They have also arranged for search and rescue specialists who are trained Volunteer Ministers to arrive in Haiti to join in the effort to locate the more than 300 still missing 10 days after the catastrophe.

    The Volunteer Ministers on the ground are helping with the cleanup and providing Scientology assists—techniques developed by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard that address the emotional and spiritual factors in stress and trauma.

    The country is in desperate need of help. If you can assist in any way, contact Volunteer Ministers’ headquarters.

    The Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service created in the mid-1970s by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard.

    A Volunteer Minister’s mandate is to be “a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring truth and spiritual values to the lives of others.” Their creed: “A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well.”

    Their motto is, no matter the circumstances, “Something can be done about it.”

    For more information, visit the Scientology Newsroom.

    Source: Church of Scientology International

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  • Scientology Volunteer Ministers: Helping Haiti in the Wake of Disaster

    Scientology Volunteer Ministers: Helping Haiti in the Wake of Disaster

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    With Tropical Storm Grace compounding the destruction of Saturday’s 7.2 magnitude earthquake, Scientology Volunteer Ministers assist in Les Cayes, one of the areas hardest hit by the catastrophe.

    Press Release



    updated: Aug 20, 2021

    Scientology Volunteer Ministers (VMs) from across Haiti have arrived in Les Cayes after a series of disasters left the city in ruins. Days after the city was decimated by a 7.2 earthquake, Tropical Storm Grace triggered mudslides on the island, adding further challenges to relief efforts. UNICEF estimates that some 1.2 million people are affected including a half-million children.

    Scientology Volunteer Ministers headquarters in Los Angeles immediately reached out to Haiti VMs to ensure they and their families were safe and to coordinate the response. The volunteers then met with the Civil Protection Coordinator and other officials and are providing relief in Les Cayes. Meanwhile, additional resources including search and rescue specialists, nurses and additional Volunteer Ministers are being readied to deploy to the region.

    The VMs in Les Cayes are working with other relief organizations including the police chaplains to provide aid and help people salvage what they can from the ruins.

    The Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service created in the mid-1970s by L. Ron Hubbard.

    A Volunteer Minister’s mandate is to be “a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring truth and spiritual values to the lives of others.” Their creed: “A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well.”

    Their motto is, no matter the circumstances, “Something can be done about it.”

    The Founder of the Scientology religion is L. Ron Hubbard and Mr. David Miscavige is the religion’s ecclesiastical leader.

    For more information, visit the Scientology Newsroom.

    Source: Church of Scientology International

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  • Scientology Disaster Response Teams Cope While Continuing COVID-19 Precautions

    Scientology Disaster Response Teams Cope While Continuing COVID-19 Precautions

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    Natural disasters continue unchecked in this year of the coronavirus. Disaster response organizations have to see to the safety of volunteers while providing care.

    Press Release



    updated: Oct 1, 2020

    ​​​​Northern California Scientology Volunteer Ministers speak of the red devil sky, reflecting the devastation of the Glass Fire decimating Napa and Sonoma counties. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Wednesday in Napa, Sonoma and Shasta Counties. And the National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning of critical wildfire weather conditions for portions of the greater Bay Area and Santa Cruz mountains from 1 p.m. Thursday, October 1 to 6 p.m. Friday, October 2.

    Scientology Volunteer Ministers responding to the fires apply the basic principles of prevention as outlined in the How to Stay Well Prevention Resource Center on the Scientology website: The correct use of masks and gloves, handwashing, disinfection protocols, and isolation at the first sign of illness. 

    • Volunteer Ministers are taking part in a fire-alert team to notify residents by phone ahead of time with orders from officials related to evacuations and needed precautions.
    • They distribute food and drinks to food banks.
    • They provide emotional and spiritual care calls.
    • They connect children and seniors with first responders, medical staff and other essential workers by having them write letters and thank you notes and making sure the letters arrive.

    Any Volunteer Minister wishing to help should contact their local Church of Scientology or email Volunteer Ministers’ headquarters: disasterresponse@volunteerministers.org. 

    The Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service created in the mid-1970s by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. It constitutes one of the world’s largest independent relief forces. A Volunteer Minister’s mandate is to be “a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring purpose, truth and spiritual values to the lives of others.” Their creed: “A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well.”

    For more information, visit the Scientology Newsroom.

    Contact:
    mediarelations@churchofscientology.net
    (323) 960-3500
     

    Source: Church of Scientology International

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  • South Africa’s Scientology Volunteer Ministers—More Than 100 Days of Service

    South Africa’s Scientology Volunteer Ministers—More Than 100 Days of Service

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    Press Release



    updated: Aug 14, 2020

    ​​As soon as South Africa’s President Ramaphosa announced the National State of Disaster on March 15, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers Disaster Response team moved into action. They immediately began decontaminating COVID-19 hotspots and they have not slowed down since.

    Beginning with essential services such as police and fire departments, they extended their help by forming partnerships, beginning with the Department of Social Development with whom they decontaminated over 900 buildings, including shelters and orphanages.

    They extended their reach to clinics, hospitals, the Departments of Roads and Transport, Environmental Health, Arts and Culture and ultimately every municipality in Gauteng.

    Mid-April, they took on daily disinfecting of entire fleets of taxis.

    With more than 200 partnerships from Gauteng to KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Eastern Cape, the Volunteers have provided decontamination to 19,000 buildings, 558,000 vehicles, and railway and bus stations. They have contributed some 350,000 volunteer hours to fighting the pandemic. 

    While they continue these services, a priority of the Volunteer Ministers is the empowerment of others. In that regard, they have handed out 1 million copies of educational booklets on preventing the spread of the virus in English, Zulu, Xhosa and Sotho. 

    They are also offering training to anyone wishing to join their ranks. Their 19 Tools for Life courses are all available free of charge through the Scientology and Volunteer Ministers websites. 

    Caroline, a volunteer who recently completed these courses, said, “The Scientology Tools for Life Courses made me a better person than before. Most of all, I can understand other people’s behavior and am more able to assist them through life’s challenges.” 

    The principal of a school said, “It is amazing to see how many leaders were produced through participation in this training and these leaders are changing the lives of others for the better.” 

    The officer of a South African Police Service (SAPS) station described the training as an “eye-opening experience for me personally.”

    The Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service created in the mid-1970s by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard. It constitutes one of the largest and most visible international independent relief forces. 

    A Volunteer Minister’s mandate is to be “a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring purpose, truth and spiritual values to the lives of others.” Their creed: “A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well.”

    For more information, visit the Scientology Newsroom.

    CONTACT:
    mediarelations@churchofscientology.net
    (323) 960-3500

    Source: Church of Scientology International

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