Modifications for People Who Have Disabilities

In the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park and the Counties of Prince William and Fauquier

I. Livable Home Tax Credit

This tax credit is for people who purchase a new home that is accessible or retrofit a home to make it accessible. For 2011, the credit limit has been increased to $5,000 for new residences, and 50% of the amount spent retrofitting an existing residence, not to exceed $5,000. Contractors are also eligible for the tax credit.  Any tax credit that exceeds the eligible individual’s tax liability may be carried forward for five years. If the total amount of tax credits issued under this program exceeds $1million in a fiscal year, DHCD will pro-rate the amount of credits among the eligible applicants. Applications are to be filed with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development by February 28 of the year following the year in which the purchase or retro-fitting was completed. For additional information see http://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/HousingPreservationRehabilitation/PDFs/TAX_Credit_FinalGuidelines.pdf or contact Violet Peyton, 804-371-7124.

The cost of a permanent home modification may also be tax deductible on federal income tax returns. The Internal Revenue Service provides detailed information on this deduction in Publication 502-Medical and Dental Expenses. The publication is available online or by calling 1-800-829-3676.

II. City or County Tax Relief

City of Manassas residents may qualify for relief from real estate tax, personal property tax, and decal fee if they are citizens who are either 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled, and meet the income and asset requirements. Qualified taxpayers may also be eligible for rent relief. For more information, see http://www.manassascity.org/index.aspx?nid=274

Manassas Park residents may also get relief from real estate taxes if their family income is less than $40,000 and assets less than $100,000. Partial relief is available from families whose incomes are between $40,001 and $50,000. Applications must be filed by April 1. For more information, see http://www.cityofmanassaspark.us/Public_Documents/ManassasParkVA_Revenue/taxrelief

Prince William residents who meet certain criteria may be granted relief from all or part of real estate taxes, the solid waste fee, annual license fee and personal property tax. Qualifying limits may change from year to year. Tax Relief is granted on an annual basis and a renewal application must be filed each year. Applications should be filed by April 15, 2011. For more information, see http://www.pwcgov.org/docLibrary/PDF/13374.pdf

Fauquier County residents may qualify for real estate tax relief by meeting certain criteria and filing a form to request exemption. New applicants must file between January 1 and June 30. For more information, see http://www.fauquiercounty.gov/government/departments/commrev/index.cfm?action=elderly

III. Weatherization Assistance Program

The Weatherization Assistance program provides funds to reduce the heating and cooling costs for low-income families and to ensure their health and safety.  Assistance is available for low-income households, particularly for the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and families with children. Income limits are as follows: for a family of one, $$24,465, a family of two, $31,993; three, $39,520; four, $47,048.  

The program is available for homeowners and renters at no cost. First, staff from the weatherization provider will call to schedule a time to meet you and to perform an audit of your home.  The audit will help them to help identify the best energy-saving measures that are cost effective, healthy, and safe. 

Typical weatherization services include:

• Sealing air leaks with insulation, caulking, and weather-stripping;
• Installing ventilation fans;
• Repairing drafty duct systems;
• Repairing and replacing inefficient or unsafe heating and cooling systems;
• Installing carbon monoxide and smoke detectors; and
• Installing energy efficient lighting

The Weatherization Assistance program also checks for health and safety risks, including testing for carbon monoxide levels and installing fire alarms where necessary.  Recipients are also educated about proper use and maintenance of all installed systems.

For more information, contact Michelle Cannon, (540) 955-5630, at Community Housing Partners/, 448 Depot Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073. E-mail: mcannan@chpc2.org

IV. Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Emergency Home Repair/Accessibility Rehabilitation Program (Fauquier County)

This program provides funding for improved living conditions for low-income disabled and elderly persons by removing barriers to habitability and accessibility in their homes. Funds are only for accessibility improvements, adaptations, and/or repairs to housing that is occupied by low-income handicapped or elderly individuals. If you own your own home, total gross household income from all sources must be less than 80% of HUD’s area median income—in Fauquier County, this is $45,100 for one person, $51,550 for a two person family, $58,000 for three and $64,400 for four.  If you rent, your total household must be less than shown above, AND:

·         The rental property owner must agree in writing not to increase the current rent as a result of the accessibility modification(s) for a minimum of one year from the date of the executed ARP agreement, and;

·         The rental property owner must provide at least 15% of the total costs of repairs and accessibility improvements. If the property owner meets the income requirements listed above, no match is required.  If the property owner refuses to provide the required match, you may still apply, but your application will be given the lowest priority.

Funds are limited, and they are made available on a first come-first served basis. Funds are provided on a reimbursement basis.  If the funds available are not enough to cover the modification, the agency may get additional funds from other sources. All home modifications must meet or exceed the standards prescribed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act.

Applications are accepted by agents in nonprofit organizations. Individuals are not eligible to apply.  In Fauquier County, apply to Fauquier Community Action Committee, 540-347-7000. They will provide you with eligibility requirements and information on how to apply.

V. Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) Rental Accessibility Program

Up to $1,800 per rental unit is available to tenants with disabilities who earn 80% or less of the area median income (AMI). In Fauquier County, this is $45,100 for one person, $51,550 for a two person family, $58,000 for three and $64,400 for four.  You must have been rejected by other funding sources before applying to VHDA.

All applications must be made through accepted agents. These agents include but are not limited to:

·         Centers for Independent Living (CILs).

·         Local housing authorities.

·         Rehab hospitals (for patients who require modification work to their living quarters before discharge).

·         Landlords in need of accessibility modifications for a specific tenant.

You will need contractors’ estimates, before and after photos, and some specific documents to apply for this grant. The list of requirements is shown at http://www.vhda.com/Renters/Documents/Rental%20Unit%20Modification%20Grant%20Program.pdf

VI. Project Mend-A-House (Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park)

For over 25 years, this volunteer-based organization has provided free home repair and home modification services to seniors, disabled and low-income residents of Prince William County, Manassas City and Manassas Park. Project Mend-A-House offers a wide range of minor home maintenance and repair services to owners and renters. They have built dozens of wheelchair accessible ramps, modified doorways, secured flooring, repaired leaky faucets, restored electricity and made numerous basic home repairs.

There is a simple, one-page application form available online at http://pmahweb.org/Assistance%20Application%20Form-%205-21-08.pdf . Clients can apply directly or be referred by local area agencies and organizations operating in Prince William County, Manassas, or Manassas Park. All applications are reviewed to determine which services or repairs are needed. In the case of repairs, a volunteer visits the resident's home to assess the size and scope of the job. While Project mend-A-House attempts to accommodate as many requests as possible, some jobs—such as a full roof replacement or installation of a heating and central air-conditioning system—are beyond their resources.

7987 Ashton Avenue Suite 231, Manassas, VA 20109
Phone: 703-792-7663
Fax: 703-792-4094
Email: director@pmahweb.org

Hours: 9 AM to 2 PM

VII. City of Manassas Home Repair Program (Manassas)

Homeowners who meet income requirements and reside in their properties may receive up to $5,000 in interior repairs in the form of a deferred deed of trust that is to be paid off when the property is sold, and up to $5,000 in exterior repairs in the form of a grant.  Interested persons must fill out a survey, which can be obtained either online at http://www.pwcgov.org/housing, by e-mail to kbeard@pwcgov.org, or by calling 703-792-5927. Eligible homeowners will be placed on a waiting list.

VIII. Neighborhood Housing Rehabilitation Program (Prince William County and Manassas Park)

This program’s purpose is to correct health and safety violations and increase energy conservation. It is for low- to moderate-income homeowners who live in their properties. The amount of money put into the housing rehabilitation is secured by a deferred deed of trust that is to be paid off when the property is sold. Interested persons must fill out a survey, which can be obtained either online at http://www.pwcgov.org/housing, by e-mail to kbeard@pwcgov.org, or by calling 703-792-5927. Eligible homeowners will be placed on a waiting list.

IX. Granting Freedom Veterans Grants

VHDA, in conjunction with DHCD and Community Housing Partners, has grant funds available to pay for modifications needed on homes or apartments to make them accessible for servicemen or women who sustained injury during service in a combat theatre of operations. The home or apartment must be within Virginia and can be owned or rented. Examples of modifications include ramps, widened doorways, grab bars, higher toilets, lowered countertops, tub cuts, visual smoke detectors, shower chairs and handheld shower fixtures, as well as other housing modifications. A recommendation for the housing modification is required from a VA hospital Rehabilitation Officer, VA attending physician, or a VA physical therapist. Up to $4,000 is available to pay for the housing modification once the work is completed. Due to the limited amount of funding available, this is a first come, first serve opportunity.

Applicants need to submit an application and W-9, available online at http://www.vhda.com/Programs/Documents/Granting-Freedom-Grant-Application.pdf . The Granting Freedom application package includes detailed instructions and outlines program specifics.

If you receive a Veteran’s Pension, other grants may be available to you. If you are over 65, you will not have to prove disability. To find out more about VA programs, call 1-800-827-1000.

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release April 1, 2011
WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY, 2011
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

With autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) affecting nearly one percent of children in the United States, autism is an
urgent public health issue with a profound impact on millions of Americans. World Autism Awareness Day is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of individuals with ASDs and rededicate ourselves to the cause of understanding and responding to autism.

With each breakthrough in research and each innovative treatment, we open endless possibilities for the many American families who have been touched by autism. As we mark World Autism Awareness Day, let us recommit to improving the lives of individuals and families impacted by ASDs and creating a world free from discrimination where all can achieve their fullest potential.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2 of each year as World Autism Awareness Day. I call upon the people of the United States to learn more about autism and what they can do to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
BARACK OBAMA
# # #

PLEASE TAKE NATIONAL SURVEY

TO LEARN ABOUT EMERGENCY CALLING PREFERENCES BY INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Need emergency help? How are you going to call 9-1-1?  Let the FCC know!

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched an on-line national survey of individuals with disabilities.  The purpose is to gather information to plan for the most effective and efficient technologies and methods to access to emergency services.

An advisory committee will be using the survey results to develop recommendations for the FCC. The recommendations would implement technologies and methods in a Next Generation 9-1-1 system such as the ability to receive emergency calls via video, text, and voice.

We encourage everyone with a disability who is age 13 or older, and any senior, to complete this survey.

The deadline is April 24, 2011.

The survey is provided in American English, Spanish and video clips in American Sign Language (ASL) at: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/EAAC/.

The survey is a project of the Emergency Access Advisory Committee, which was established by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski on December 7, 2010, in compliance with the Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010.

chemical, biological or radiological emergency

What Shelter-in-Place Means

In an emergency where hazardous chemical, biological or radiological contaminants are accidentally or intentionally released into the atmosphere, you may be told by local police, fire officials, emergency coordinators or elected officials to shelter-in-place. Information will be provided on TV and the radio, or on the emergency broadcast system.

Shelter-in-place is a precaution aimed to keep you safe while remaining indoors. (This is not the same as going to a shelter in case of a storm.) It means selecting a small, interior room with no or few windows, and taking refuge there. It does not mean sealing off your entire home or office building.

Why You May Need to Shelter-in-Place

A chemical emergency may occur anywhere hazardous materials are manufactured, stored or transported. Chemical plants are obvious sources of potential accidents. Less obvious are highways, railways and storage containers at places such as swimming pools (chlorine).

A hazardous material can be a solid, liquid or gas. You may not be able to see or smell anything but your safety could be at risk. How can you tell if there is a hazardous chemical emergency? Most often, you will be notified by the local authorities. You should take action if you notice any of the following:

·         An unusual smell or sound, such as an explosion,

·         Visible smoke, fire or a vapor cloud,

·         Skin or eye irritation,

·         Breathing difficulty.

If you are told to shelter-in-place, take your children and pets indoors immediately and follow the instructions provided below. (If your children are at school, they will be sheltered there.)  Stay tuned to TV or radio until the "all clear” message is broadcast.

Prepare a Shelter-in-Place Kit

Prepare a kit appropriate for the type(s) of emergencies that could occur near you. The kit should contain:

·         Duct tape for sealing cracks around doors and windows

·         Plastic (preferably precut to size) to cover windows

·         Towels

·         Battery or crank-operated AM/FM radio and flashlight and fresh batteries

·         Bottled water

·         Nonperishable food

·         Toys for young children

·         First-aid kit and medicine

Check the kit every six months to ensure that all the supplies are still there and that they are fresh. The room should have a telephone, although you should use it only for emergency calls. Otherwise, you may be taking up a line needed by emergency response officials.

Also, make sure all family members know what to do in a chemical emergency, whether they are at home, school, work or outdoors.

How to Shelter-in-Place

At Home: 

·         Go inside as quickly as possible.

·         Close and lock all windows and exterior doors. Locking makes a better seal.

·         Close the window shades, blinds or curtains if you are told there is danger of explosion.

·         Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems.

·         Close the fireplace damper and any other place that air can come in from outside.

·         Get your family disaster supplies kit and make sure the radio or TV is working.

·         Go to an interior room without windows that's above ground level. An above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air, and may seep into basements even if the windows are              closed.

·         Bring your pets with you, along with additional food and water for them.

·         Have a hard-wired telephone in the room you select if possible. Call your emergency contact and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition. Cellular telephone equipment may be         overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency.

·         Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room.

·         Keep listening to your radio or TV until you hear the "all-clear” or are told to evacuate. Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community.

At Work:

·         Provide for the safety of any customers, clients, or visitors in the building by asking them to stay - not leave. When authorities direct residents to shelter-in-place, they want everyone to take those steps now, where              they are, and not drive or walk outdoors.

·         Unless there is an imminent threat, have employees, customers, clients and visitors call their emergency contact to let them know where they are and that they are safe.

·         Close window shades, blinds or curtains if you are told there is danger of explosion.

·         Have employees familiar with your building's mechanical systems turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Some systems automatically provide for exchange of inside air with outside air—these         systems in particular need to be turned off, sealed or disabled.

·         Gather essential disaster supplies such as nonperishable food, bottled water, battery-powered radios, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, duct tape, plastic sheeting and plastic garbage bags.

·         Select interior room(s) above the ground floor with the fewest windows or vents. The room(s) should have adequate space for everyone to be able to sit. Avoid overcrowding by selecting several rooms if necessary.              Large storage closets, utility rooms, pantries, copy rooms and conference rooms without exterior windows will work well. Avoid selecting rooms with mechanical equipment like ventilation blowers or pipes, because          this equipment may not be able to be sealed from the outdoors.

·         Have a hard-wired telephone in the room(s) you select if possible. Call emergency contacts and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition. Cellular telephone equipment may be         overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency.

·         Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door(s) and any vents into the room.

·         Bring everyone into the room(s). Shut and lock the door(s).

·         Write down the name of everyone in the room, and call your designated emergency contact to report who is in the room with you, and their affiliation with your business (employee, visitor, client, customer).

·         Keep listening to the radio or TV until you hear the “all clear” or are told to evacuate. Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community.

In Your Vehicle:

If you are driving and hear advice to “shelter-in-place” on the radio, take these steps:

·         If you are very close to home, your office, or a public building, go there immediately and go inside. Follow the shelter-in-place recommendations described above for the place you pick.

·         If you are unable to get to a home or building quickly and safely, pull over to the side of the road. Do not attempt to drive through smoke or fumes. Stop your vehicle in the safest place possible. If it is sunny, it is        preferable to stop under a bridge or in a shady spot, to avoid being overheated.

·         Turn off the engine.   

·         Close all doors, windows and vents.

·         Seal the heating/air conditioning vents with duct tape if possible.

·         Listen to the radio for updated advice and instructions.

·         Stay where you are until you are told it is safe to get back on the road. Be aware that some roads may be closed or traffic detoured. Follow the directions of law enforcement officials.

Local officials on the scene are the best source of information for your particular situation. Following their instructions during and after emergencies regarding sheltering, food, water and clean up methods is your safest choice.

Remember that instructions to shelter-in-place are usually provided for durations of a few hours, not days or weeks. There is little danger that the room in which you are taking shelter will run out of oxygen.

Highlights of the Final Rule to Amend the Department of Justice's Regulation Implementing Title II of the ADA  
The Department of Justice (the Department) has amended its regulation implementing title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which applies to public entities. The ADA requires the Department to publish ADA design standards that are consistent with the guidelines published by the U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board). Therefore, the title II rule adopts new Standards for Accessible Design that are consistent with the ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines developed by the Access Board. The final rule also amends the existing title II regulation to make it consistent with current policies and published guidance, to reflect the Department's experience since the regulation was first published in 1991, and to address and respond to comments received from the public in response to the Department's 2008 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). These revisions take effect on March 15, 2011.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES:

1. Adoption of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. The Department has adopted revised ADA design standards that include the relevant chapters of the Access Board´s 2004 ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines as modified by specific provisions of this rule. To minimize compliance burdens on entities subject to more than one legal standard, these design standards have been harmonized with the Federal standards implementing the Architectural Barriers Act and with the private sector model codes that are adopted by most States.
   
   
2. Effective Date. The rule will become effective on March 15, 2011. On March 15, 2012, compliance with the 2010 Standards will be required for new construction and alterations. In the period between September 15, 2010 and March 15, 2012, covered entities may choose between the 1991 Standards, the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS), and the 2010 Standards. Covered entities that should have complied with the 1991 Standards or the UFAS during any new construction or alteration of facilities or elements, but have not done so by March 15, 2012, must comply with the 2010 Standards. 
   
   
3. Element by Element Safe Harbor. The rule includes a general "safe harbor" under which elements in covered facilities that were built or altered in compliance with the 1991 Standards or the UFAS would not be required to be brought into compliance with the 2010 Standards until the elements were subject to a planned alteration. Similar safe harbors were adopted for elements associated with the "path of travel" to an altered area.
   
   
4. Ticketing. The rule provides guidance on the sale of tickets for accessible seating, the sale of season tickets, the hold and release of accessible seating to persons other that those who need accessible seating, ticket pricing, prevention of the fraudulent purchase of accessible seating, and the ability to purchase multiple tickets when buying accessible seating. It requires a venue operator to accommodate an individual with a disability who acquired inaccessible seating on the secondary ticket market only when there is unsold accessible seating for that event.
   
   
5. Service Animals. The rule defines "service animal" as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. The rule states that other animals, whether wild or domestic, do not qualify as service animals. Dogs that are not trained to perform tasks that mitigate the effects of a disability, including dogs that are used purely for emotional support, are not service animals. The final rule also clarifies that individuals with mental disabilities who use service animals that are trained to perform a specific task are protected by the ADA. The rule permits the use of trained miniature horses as alternatives to dogs, subject to certain limitations. To allow flexibility in situations where using a horse would not be appropriate, the final rule does not include miniature horses in the definition of "service animal." 
   
   
6. Wheelchairs and Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices. The rule adopts a two-tiered approach to mobility devices, drawing distinctions between wheelchairs and "other power-driven mobility devices." "Other power-driven mobility devices" include a range of devices not designed for individuals with mobility impairments, such as the Segway® PT, but which are often used by individuals with disabilities as their mobility device of choice. Wheelchairs (and other devices designed for use by people with mobility impairments) must be permitted in all areas open to pedestrian use. "Other power-driven mobility devices" must be permitted to be used unless the covered entity can demonstrate that such use would fundamentally alter its programs, services, or activities, create a direct threat, or create a safety hazard. The rule also lists factors to consider in making this determination. This approach accommodates both the legitimate business interests in the safe operation of a facility and the growing use of the Segway® PT as a mobility device by returning veterans and others who are using the Segway® PT as their mobility aid of choice. 
   
   
7. Effective Communication. The rule includes video remote interpreting (VRI) services as a kind of auxiliary aid that may be used to provide effective communication. VRI is an interpreting service that uses video conference technology over dedicated lines or wireless technology offering a high-speed, wide-bandwidth video connection that delivers high-quality video images. To ensure that VRI is effective, the Department has established performance standards for VRI and requires training for users of the technology and other involved individuals so that they may quickly and efficiently set up and operate the VRI system. 
   
   
8. Residential Housing Offered for Sale to Individual Owners. Residential housing programs provided by title II entities are covered by the ADA. For the first time, however, the final rule establishes design requirements for residential dwelling units built by or on behalf of public entities with the intent that the finished units will be sold to individual owners. These design requirements are set forth in the 2010 Standards. 
   
   
9. Detention and Correctional Facilities. The final rule clarifies the requirements that apply to correctional facilities. It requires three percent of newly constructed or altered cells to be accessible.

For more information: Copies of this rule, the 2010 Standards, and this fact sheet are available in an accessible electronic format on the Internet at http://www.ada.gov/. For additional information or to order copies of any documents, call the ADA Information Line (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY). Copies of this notice will be available in accessible formats.

Housing for the 21st Century - How to Build for Boomers and Other Markets with Special Housing Needs 

A free Seminar by Dr. Bill Fuller, Virginia Housing Development Authority

October 7, 2010

1:00-5:00 pm.

Warrenton-Fauquier Visitor Center

33 N. Calhoun Street

Warrenton, VA 20186 

Of special interest to builders, planners, architects, housing specialists, and real estate agents as well as consumers, this seminar will cover such critical topics as

• Kitchens and baths that work for everyone,
• Universal Design and Easy Living Homes,
• Seven strategies for building a zero-step entrance,
• ANSI A117.1,
• UFAS, and
• Financing options for building accessible housing in your community

The seminar is co-hosted by the Fauquier County Disability Services Board and Independence Empowerment Center. It offers tax credits from Virginia’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit program to Architects of Record. 

Dr. Fuller is Senior Community Housing Officer with the Virginia Housing Development Authority. He has over 25 years of experience in the field of housing development and serving people with disabilities. Dr. Fuller has worked on over 115 projects designed to serve people with all levels of abilities. Dr. Fuller travels the entire state of Virginia and can share some best practices being employed by developers as well as some of the worst outcomes of well meant builders.

PREPARE TODAY, WHILE YOU ARE THINKING OF THIS

Disaster Planning Preparations

It’s not pleasant to think about, but disasters like Katrina, and now storms like Gustav and Fay, and 9-11 remind us that we should be prepared for disasters.  Do you have a plan? Click the “more” button at the end of this paragraph for a list that can help you be better prepared. The list really is very practical and we encourage you to gather the recommended items so you, too, can be prepared.

• Emergency Preparedness Begins with You.
• Here are some steps you can take:
• Meet with your family and discuss your designated meeting and check-in locations after a disaster.
• Discuss the types of hazards that could affect your family.
• Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
• Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hazard.  In certain circumstances, the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.
• Advocate for yourself. Practice how to quickly explain either orally or in writing to people the best way to guide or move you and your adaptive equipment, safely and rapidly.
• If you have a communication disability, make sure your emergency information list notes the best way to communicate with you.
• This may be by writing notes, pointing to letters, words or pictures, or finding a quiet place.
• Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact so all your family members have a single point of contact.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
• Check your insurance coverage—flood damage is not usually covered by home owners’ insurance.
• Use a weather radio.  Remember to replace its battery every six months as you do with your smoke detectors.
• Get cash—preferably in small bills, credit cards, checkbook and ATM card.
• Take pictures or video of your home for insurance purposes.
• Fill up your vehicle with gasoline.
• Make copies of important documents and keep them in a waterproof container (birth certificate, passport, license, insurance information, and proof of address.)
• Install at least one smoke detector on each level of your home outside sleeping areas.  If you are deaf or have hearing loss, install a system that has flashing strobe lights to get your attention.
• If possible, purchase a generator and fuel to run it.  Place it outside in a well-ventilated area.
• Consider purchasing a carbon monoxide detector too.
• Determine an alternate place to stay during a disaster—an emergency shelter, hotel, neighbor’s house, friend’s home or a relative’s home.
• STOCK A DISASTER SUPPLY KIT.

Telemarketers will be given cell phone numbers on Friday, August 1, 2008.  Please call the number set up by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 888-382-1222, to place your cell phone on the DO NOT Call Registry.