October 2020

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National Cyber Security Awareness Month 2020

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

Did you know there are an estimated 4.8 billion internet users or 62% of the world’s population?

This year’s theme is: Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart. The idea is for each of us to take ownership of the role we play in making cyberspace safer and more secure. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility.

Is there anyone that is safe from a cyberattack?
No! Computer systems and mobile technologies are vulnerable regardless of whether they are part of a large corporation, small business, or belong to a home user.

There are things you can do to lessen your risk.

National Fire Prevention Week 2020

Fire Prevention Week was celebrated during the week of October 4 – 10, focusing on ways to “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen.” Even though Fire Prevention Week has passed, it is important to have safe practices in the kitchen year round! Did you know that in the past 4 years, there have been more than 9,000 fires starting in the kitchen in Pennsylvania? These fires alone caused more than $24 Million in damages and resulted in over a dozen civilian fire fatalities.

When you think of fire safety in the kitchen, think of more than just around your oven or stove. Think about the various appliances and cookware you may use to prepare a meal, such as a toaster, frying pan, kettle and microwave oven.

Fire safety in the kitchen is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic since many continue to avoid restaurants and choose to cook and entertain at home. Three ingredients to avoid recipe for disaster include:

Keeping a close eye on what you’re cooking; never leave cooking unattended.
Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — at least three feet away from your stovetop.
Be on alert. If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.

Here are more fire safety tips from Pennsylvania's Office of the State Fire Commissioner for working in the kitchen:

Avoid wearing loose clothing while cooking
Have a 3 foot “safe zone” around cooking appliances for kids to avoid while cooking
NEVER put water on a grease fire
Use oven mitts to touch hot objects
Never leave food that is cooking unattended
Avoid using alcohol or medication that makes you drowsy while cooking
Set a timer to remind you that you have food cooking or baking
Identify at least two exits out of your kitchen should a fire occur
Test your smoke alarms monthly

For more information on ways to “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen,” visit the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) website.

Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Ready Campaign, will be promoting Earthquake Preparedness this October and encouraging the whole community to take part in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills occurring across the county on October 15th at 10:15 a.m.

The Great ShakeOut is the world’s largest earthquake drill with over 11.7 million participants registered so far this year. Participation spans the United States and territories, and 40 other countries. While COVID-19 has brought many uncertainties and challenges, one thing's for sure: ShakeOut is still happening this year! It's actually a good idea to practice earthquake safety in different situations each year, and ShakeOut organizers and FEMA Region 3 are here to support you.

The primary purpose of the ShakeOut is to encourage people and organizations to be prepared to survive and recover quickly before the next earthquake happens. Earthquakes cannot be predicted and ground shaking during an earthquake typically lasts for 10 to 30 seconds – being prepared can make you a survivor!

It only takes a matter of seconds to change your life and community. Earthquakes can happen at any time; you could be at work, school, in a car or at home and they can occur with no notice. Since the early 1900s, there have been about 378 earthquakes in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. The 5.8 magnitude earthquake in 2011, that occurred in Mineral, VA, illustrated the fact that it is impossible to predict when or where an earthquake will occur, so it’s important that you and your family are prepared ahead of time.

Register to be counted in the largest-ever earthquake drill in the world with over 11.7 million participants registered so far! Residents in Pennsylvania can join the Great Northeast ShakeOut. Participation is FREE and typically takes only a few minutes.

Remember to follow these seven steps to earthquake safety:

Secure your space by identifying potential hazards in your home and securing moveable items.
Plan to be safe by creating a family disaster preparedness plan and knowing how you’ll communicate in an emergency.
Organize disaster supplies in emergency kits.
Be financially prepared by organizing important documents, strengthening your property and considering insurance.
Drop, Cover and Hold On when the earth shakes.
Improve safety after earthquakes by evacuating if necessary, helping the injured and preventing further injuries or damage.
Reconnect and restore daily life by reconnecting with others, repairing damage and rebuilding communites.

For further information, you can check out the following websites:

OCTOBER TIP SHEET: CYBER SECURITY FOR KIDS

OCTOBER TIP SHEET: CYBER SECURITY FOR OLDER ADULTS

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