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Hurricane Sandy — Be prepared

From “Newark N.J. Patch”  — comes this advice for hurricane preparation: [To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

 

Updated 10/29/12 from PSE&G:

  • If your fuses or breakers are in a flooded area, do NOT go near them until the water recedes or is removed.
  • Always stay away from fallen power lines. Always assume they are energized.
  • Know how to open your garage door without the electric opener.
  • Remember, electric well and sump pumps will NOT operate.
  • Unplug all motor-driven appliances like refrigerators and freezers and electric equipment (like TVs, microwaves and computers) to prevent a possible overload (surge) when power is restored.
  • The most recent [prediction from the National (and local) Weather Service calls for sustained winds of 35 to 50 mph, with gusts at times reaching as high as 75 mph.
  • Have a battery-operated radio and flashlight handy.
This one from Larry…
Keep your smartphone charged to watch TV news programs LIVE…
Now to “Patch.com”
  • Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
  • Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
  • Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
  • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
  • Consider building a safe room.
  • Prepare a basic emergency supply kit which contains one gallon of water per person and food for at least three days, prescription medication for three days, a non-electric can opener, moist towelettes, garbage bags, flashlights and extra batteries, a battery-powered to receive weather reports, local maps, a first aid kit and a whistle to signal for help.

In addition, you should:

  • Listen to the radio or TV for information.
  • Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
  • Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
  • Turn off propane tanks.
  • Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
  • Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water. (The city will provide drinking water quality updates to residents.)

You should evacuate under the following conditions:

  • If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.
  • If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure—such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened to the ground.
  • If you live in a high-rise building—hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
  • If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.
  • If you feel you are in danger.
  • If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:
  • Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
  • Close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors.
  • Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again.
  • Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
  • Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

Have Disaster Supplies on Hand

  • Flashlight and extra batteries.
  • Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
  • First aid kit and manual.
  • Emergency food and water.
  • Nonelectric can opener.
  • Essential medicines.
  • Cash and credit cards.
  • Sturdy shoes.

Develop an Emergency Communication Plan

  • Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the “family contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

Related Topics: Hurricane Sandy

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

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Al Neuharth: Can ‘old’ newspapers remain relevant?

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

USA TODAY celebrates its 30th birthday anniversary this weekend (Sept. 15, 2012). The Nation’s Newspaper first was published on Sept. 15, 1982, in the Washington, D.C., market.

Most media critics brushed us off quickly. Linda Ellerbee, then a popular late-night news commentator on NBC, paraphrased our “non-smudge” ink promotion with this sarcastic comment: “USA TODAY doesn’t rub off on your hands or your mind.” Many critics compared us to McDonald’s, as the “fast food of journalism.”

But the farther west of the Hudson and west of the Potomac we went, the more popular we became. When our certified circulation topped more than 1 million in just six months, most observers decided the guessing game was over. Some critics began adopting some of our news features. As Taylor Buckley, then editor of USA TODAY’s Money section, told a California editors’ conference in the spring of 1983: “The same newspaper editors who called us McPaper now are stealing some of our McNuggets.”

Just as there was widespread conjecture about USA TODAY 30 years ago, there is rampant speculation about newspapers in general today. The daily circulation for the top three:

• The Wall Street Journal 2,118,315 (1,566,027 print and 552,288 digital)

• USA TODAY 1,817,446 (1,701,777 print and 115,669 digital)

• The New York Times 1,586,757 (779,731 print and 807,026 digital)

The fact is more people across the USA and around the world want more news and information today than ever before. They also want it in different ways — in print, on the air, on the Web.

As long as news providers give it to them when they want it, where they want it and how they want it, they not only will survive but also thrive. That includes newspapers, if they also adapt to new ways of distributing the news, which they generally gather more professionally than any other media.

Feedback

“Al is right. No other media equal newspapers in gathering news, professionally and fulsomely. That has always been the industry’s main strength, and always will be.”
John Morton, newspaper analyst“Al has a right to crow. His baby was much ridiculed, but it not only thrived; it had wide influence. It will be fascinating to watch USA TODAY evolve under digitally savvy leadership.”
Rem Rieder, editor, American Journalism Review

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

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From EZ Texting dot com

To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com

http://www.eztexting.com offers these statistics on SMS (texting). Contact info is: SMS Marketing Specialist: (800) 753-5732.

  • 95 – 98% of text messages are read within minutes of receipt.*
  • 86% of consumers send or receive a text message every week.
  • 30% of consumers interact with a brand via text message.
  • 2.12 Trillion text messages are sent every year! (Summer 2011)
  • There are over 320 Million wireless subscribers in the US (Summer 2011).
  • Nearly 30% of US households no longer own a landline (Summer 2011).
  • Only 40% of consumers own smartphones (Fall 2011).
  • Text messaging is still the largest mobile marketing channel by revenue (2011).
  • Mobile coupons are ten times more likely to be redeemed than traditional coupons.
  • 72% of consumers say they have seen a QR code, but nearly 30% do not know what it is.
  • Only 5% of American adults actively scan QR Codes (this number rises to double digits for younger groups).

It wasn’t too long ago that Ball State University reported:

  • nearly 100 percent of all college students text.
  • fewer than 30 percent email
  • far fewer than 25 percent i.m.

To comment: larry@larrylitwn.com

 

 

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From “The Philadelphia Inquirer” — Voters sum up the issues in just six simple words

[To comment: larrylitwin.com]

The following appeared on the “Opinion” page of the Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012  “The Philadelphia Inquirer.” It is worth repeating.

A sample of the six-word stump speeches, part of an exhibit sponsored by Smith Magazine and the National Constitution Center (in Philadelphia).

1. It’s all about the Supreme Court.

2. Change begins in our local communities.

3. Education is key to our future.

4. Believing isn’t the problem. Take action.

5. Preserve benefits for our wounded warriors.

6. Fight for jobs and middle class.

7. Stop making it difficult to vote.

8. Paging Dr.Drew, government needs rehab.

9. Take care of our senior citizens.

10. Regulate the Second Amendment for everyone.

11. Youth need to be more aware.

12. Equality. Equal pay for equal work.

13. Constitutional voting rights are under attack.

14. We the people need more jobs.

15. Great leaders come from great moms.

16. To the world, America is hope.

17. The world is changing. Respect everybody.

18. Let’s try competence for a change.

19. Stop blaming others. Let’s solve problems.

20. Respect the religious beliefs of others.

21. Every child deserves a quality education.

22. Abortion takes away a constitutional right.

23. Americans are equal, homosexual or straight.

24. We did build that, Mr. President.

25. Get out and see your country.

26. A new president equals new jobs.

27. American “Idle” – cast a real vote.

28. Let’s bring our old values back.

29. Can’t we all just get along?

30. Let’s take care of our homeless.

31. Freedom comes with a great responsibility.

32. Change the economy. Equal rights now.

33. Let’s get rid of the litter.

34. Politicians should go far, far away.

35. Everyday Americans can be heroes, too.

36. America needs a broader world perspective.

37. Just chill, America. We got this.

[To comment: larrylitwin.com]