Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Wednesday Quote of the Day
“When we accept tough jobs as a challenge and wade through them with joy and enthusiasm, miracles can happen.” ~Arland Gilbert
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Learn About the History of Labor Day
We know Labor Day as an opportunity to take a day off from work or school, but how much do you know about the history of this official holiday? This year, use the first Monday in September as a chance to learn about the history of U.S. workers. Read on for a snapshot look at the story behind this hard-won holiday.
Standing up to the status quo
At the end of the 19th century during the height of the industrial revolution, working conditions for many were dismal. As manufacturing surpassed agriculture as the nation’s largest employer, the average American worker endured twelve-hour days, seven days a week, to make a basic living. And though some states did restrict child labor, often children as young as 5 or 6 suffered through shifts in mills, mines and factories, earning a tiny portion of an adult wage. All workers — especially immigrants — faced unsafe working conditions. Fresh air, breaks and sanitary facilities were the exception, rather than the rule.
As a result, workers began to organize strikes and rallies against bad conditions, long hours and low pay. The history of this period is at times a violent one, with incidents such as the Haymarket Riot of 1886, in which several Chicago policemen and workers were killed.
The first holiday
The very first “Labor Day” event in this country was observed on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, when 10,000 workers took unpaid time off and marched from City Hall to Union Square to demand an 8-hour work day.
Two years later, the Central Labor Union adopted the first Monday in September as the official day for the holiday. It encouraged other labor organizations in cities across the country to celebrate a “workingmen’s holiday.” The idea took root in other industrial areas and, by 1885, Labor Day was celebrated in cities across the U.S. On February 21, 1887, Oregon became the first state to make the holiday law.
The federal decision to make Labor Day a holiday came a month after the American Railroad Union, led by Eugene V. Debs, led a boycott of all Pullman railway cars to support striking employees in Chicago who were protesting wage cuts and the firing of union representatives. The boycott crippled the nation’s railroad traffic, triggering the use of federal troops to break the strike. A wave of riots ended in the death of more than a dozen workers.
In part as a conciliatory gesture toward American workers after this tragedy, Congress quickly passed the act that declared Labor Day a federal holiday on June 28, 1894.
Today’s gains
The environment for most modern American workers is a paradise compared to their 19th century counterparts. Now many enjoy a set work week, compulsory breaks, workers’ compensation, and paid time off as a given. But the struggle for those conditions took many years and a lot of lives. This is the history lesson of the holiday that represents a hard-won day off.
Standing up to the status quo
At the end of the 19th century during the height of the industrial revolution, working conditions for many were dismal. As manufacturing surpassed agriculture as the nation’s largest employer, the average American worker endured twelve-hour days, seven days a week, to make a basic living. And though some states did restrict child labor, often children as young as 5 or 6 suffered through shifts in mills, mines and factories, earning a tiny portion of an adult wage. All workers — especially immigrants — faced unsafe working conditions. Fresh air, breaks and sanitary facilities were the exception, rather than the rule.
As a result, workers began to organize strikes and rallies against bad conditions, long hours and low pay. The history of this period is at times a violent one, with incidents such as the Haymarket Riot of 1886, in which several Chicago policemen and workers were killed.
The first holiday
The very first “Labor Day” event in this country was observed on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, when 10,000 workers took unpaid time off and marched from City Hall to Union Square to demand an 8-hour work day.
Two years later, the Central Labor Union adopted the first Monday in September as the official day for the holiday. It encouraged other labor organizations in cities across the country to celebrate a “workingmen’s holiday.” The idea took root in other industrial areas and, by 1885, Labor Day was celebrated in cities across the U.S. On February 21, 1887, Oregon became the first state to make the holiday law.
The federal decision to make Labor Day a holiday came a month after the American Railroad Union, led by Eugene V. Debs, led a boycott of all Pullman railway cars to support striking employees in Chicago who were protesting wage cuts and the firing of union representatives. The boycott crippled the nation’s railroad traffic, triggering the use of federal troops to break the strike. A wave of riots ended in the death of more than a dozen workers.
In part as a conciliatory gesture toward American workers after this tragedy, Congress quickly passed the act that declared Labor Day a federal holiday on June 28, 1894.
Today’s gains
The environment for most modern American workers is a paradise compared to their 19th century counterparts. Now many enjoy a set work week, compulsory breaks, workers’ compensation, and paid time off as a given. But the struggle for those conditions took many years and a lot of lives. This is the history lesson of the holiday that represents a hard-won day off.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Hurricane Irene Major East Coast Threat
Hurricane Irene is likely to be the most impactful hurricane to hit the East Coast in at least several decades! The latest computer model guidance confirms this extraordinary threat and the first hurricane warnings and hurricane watches have been issued for the East Coast.
It all starts with Hurricane Irene's incredible wind field. As of Thursday evening, tropical storm-force winds were up to 430 miles wide! This is the distance from Baltimore to Portland, Maine!
Let's lay out all the potential threats and timing involved with Hurricane Irene.
High winds
Hurricane Irene's tropical storm-force wind field is larger than both Hurricane Ike (2008) and Hurricane Katrina (2005) at maximum size!
Reason again not to focus solely on the path of the center of circulation, although it is around and especially east of the eye where the strongest winds will be.
Our graphic below highlights the general area of wind damage threat from Hurricane Irene. As you can see, a large swath of the Northeast may see widespread power outages and downed trees.
High winds
Hurricane Irene's tropical storm-force wind field is larger than both Hurricane Ike (2008) and Hurricane Katrina (2005) at maximum size!
Reason again not to focus solely on the path of the center of circulation, although it is around and especially east of the eye where the strongest winds will be.
Our graphic below highlights the general area of wind damage threat from Hurricane Irene. As you can see, a large swath of the Northeast may see widespread power outages and downed trees.
Heavy rain/flood threat
It's already been a wet August in the Northeast.
Philadelphia already had its wettest single month on record, breaking a record from Sep. 1999, which included heavy rain from Hurricane Floyd passing to the east.
New York City may also break their previous wettest month record dating back to 1882!
Hurricane Irene (latest forecast) will produce a strip of heavy rainfall along and just to the west of the path of the center of circulation from eastern North Carolina to New England.
It's already been a wet August in the Northeast.
Philadelphia already had its wettest single month on record, breaking a record from Sep. 1999, which included heavy rain from Hurricane Floyd passing to the east.
New York City may also break their previous wettest month record dating back to 1882!
Hurricane Irene (latest forecast) will produce a strip of heavy rainfall along and just to the west of the path of the center of circulation from eastern North Carolina to New England.
Hurricane Irene's center is now expected to track close or even a little inland of the Jersey Shore into southern New England, that places New York City and southern New England on the eastern semicircle of the circulation, meaning significant storm surge flooding is expected in these vulnerable locations! Coastal flooding would also begin well ahead of the arrival of the center of Irene from North Carolina to New England.
You can see that on the computer model image below. Note: the image below is not an official forecast, and the forecast is subject to change.
You can see that on the computer model image below. Note: the image below is not an official forecast, and the forecast is subject to change.
The Bottom Line: Storm surge threat timing
- Saturday: Outer Banks
- Late Saturday: Virginia Tidewater, Delmarva Peninsula
- Saturday night/Sunday: N.J. shore, NYC/Long Island
- Sunday/Sunday night: Coastal New England
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Congrats Courtney Station Team!
We would like to congratulate Courtney Station's Brittany Clark for being promoted to Leasing & Marketing Director & Jessica Ramos promoted to Assistant Property Manager @ our sister property. Congrats ladies!!
Emergency Numbers to Have on Hand
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
COASTAL GEORGIA
• American Red Cross: 912-651-5300 (main number) or 912-651-5310 (disaster services)
• Emergency Help: 211 (area police, fire and medical)
• Office of Homeland Security Georgia Emergency Management Agency: 800-TRY-GEMA
(800-879-4362)
• Federal Emergency Management Agency:
770-220-5200 (Atlanta Regional Office)
• Livestock: 404-656-3667 (Department of Agriculture number for emergency planning for barnyard animals)
• Animal Protection: 404-656-4914 (Department of Agriculture number for which shelters for small animals are open)
• National Weather Service: 843-744-0303. Press 3 for tropical conditions.
• Salvation Army: 912-651-7420
• Georgia’s Insurance Commissioner’s Office:
800-656-2298
CHATHAM COUNTY
• AGL (natural gas): 800-GAS-LINE, 877-427-2464 (for repairs, if you smell gas)
• Candler Hospital: 912-819-6000 (general),
912-819-6037 (emergency room)
• Chatham County Emergency Management Agency: 912-201-4500; during severe weather, you can call the CEMA hotline: 912-644-8811
• Humane Society for Greater Savannah:
912-354-9515
• Memorial University Medical Center: 912-350-8000 (general), 912-350-9616 (emergency room)
• Public works, Chatham County: 912-652-6840; 912-652-6844 (water and sewer; county only); 912-652-6780 (recreation)
• Georgia Power: 800-390-2834 (for repairs and to report outages)
• St. Joseph’s Hospital: 912-819-4100 (general)
• Water Department, city of Savannah: 912-651-6460 or 311
LIBERTY COUNTY
• Red Cross: 912-876-3975 (civilian); 912-767-2197 (Fort Stewart station)
• Electric Services: Georgia Power, 888-660-5890; Canoochee Electric Co., 800-342-0134; Coastal Electric Cooperative, 912-884-3311 and
800-421-2343
• Water Services: Hinesville, 912-876-3564; Midway, 912-884-3344 or 912-332-4098 (emergency)
• Century Link (telephone): 912-369-9000
• Liberty Regional Medical Center: 912-369-9400
• Liberty County Emergency Management Agency: 912-368-2201; emergency hotline: 912-877-5362
BRYAN COUNTY
• Bryan County Emergency Services: 912-858-2799
• Health Department: 912-653-4331 Pembroke,
912-756-2611 Richmond Hill
• Evans Memorial Hospital: 912-739-2611
• Bryan County Sheriff’s Department: 912-653-3800
• Richmond Hill police: 912-756-5645
• Pembroke police: 912-653-4414
• Utilities: Georgia Power Co., 888-660-5890; Pembroke Telephone, 912-653-4389; Century Link, 912-369-9000
• Coastal Electric Cooperative: 912-884-3311 and 800-421-2343
EFFINGHAM COUNTY
• Effingham Sheriff’s Dept. non-emergency:
912-754-3449
• City of Guyton: 912-772-3353; public safety:
912-772-8745
• City of Springfield: 912-754-6666; public safety: 912-754-3061
• City of Rincon: 912-826-5745; after hours emergency: 912-210-6237
• County public works: 912-754-2141
BEAUFORT & JASPER, S.C., COUNTIES
• Hurricane Hot Line & Re-entry information for Beaufort County: 800-963-5023
• Storm threat and evacuation number:
866-706-8223
• Beaufort County Emergency Management:
843-255-4000
• Hilton Head Hospital: 843-681-6122
• Coastal Carolina Hospital: 843-784-8000
• Beaufort Memorial Hospital: 877-532-6472
• American Red Cross: 843-757-7437
• Beaufort County Animal Control: 843-255-5010
• Jasper County Emergency Management:
843-726-7606
• Jasper County Animal Shelter: 843-726-7799
• Palmetto Electric: 843-726-5551
• South Carolina Electric & Gas: 800-251-7234
• Beaufort-Jasper Water Sewer Authority:
843-987-9292
• Hispanic Outreach of S.C.: 803-419-5112
• S.C. Insurance News Service: 803-252-3455
INSURANCE NUMBERS
The following insurance claims numbers will be activated only after an emergency:
• 21st Century Insurance: 866-732-6139
• ALFA Insurance: 334-288-3900
• Allstate Insurance: 800-547-8676
• Assurance America: 888-223-8409
• Infinity Insurance: 800-334-1661
• Cotton States Insurance: 800-457-1658
• Farmers Insurance: 888-344-4343
• Georgia Farm Bureau: Contact your local agent
• GEICO Insurance: 800-841-3000
• GMAC Insurance: 800-468-3466
• Grange Insurance: 800-445-3030
• Liberty Mutual Companies Personal Market Customers: 800-225-2467
• Mercury Insurance: 800-987-6000
• Progressive Insurance: 800-274-4499
• Safeco Insurance: 888-723-3265
• Southern Mutual Insurance: 800-226-1919
• State Farm Insurance: 800-732-5246
• Travelers: 800-CLAIM33
• Unitrin Specialty Insurance: 888-253-7834
• USAA Insurance: 800-531-8222
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Hurricane Irene's Latest Track Brushes Near Coast
A powerful hurricane is on a collision course with the Outer Banks of North Carolina and is expected to continue on a path less than 100 miles from Atlantic City.
On Wednesday morning (Aug. 24), Hurricane Irene is a Category 3 (sustained winds of 111 to 130 mph) hurricane just north of Cuba. The National Hurricane Center predicts a track that will slam the Bahamas tonight and reach the North Carolina coast Saturday afternoon or evening.
After moving directly over North Carolina's Outer Banks, the storm is expected to move back out over the Atlantic Ocean until it hits land again—likely on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. With the storm still three or four days away, the exact track is uncertain. But the latest National Hurricane Center models show it passing within 100 miles of Atlantic City on Sunday.
As of Wednesday morning, hurricane force winds of 115 mph extended 40 miles from the center of the hurricane and tropical force winds (39 to 73 mph) reached 205 miles.
"The eye wall of Irene will pass just offshore Sunday," Alex Sosnowski, Accuweather senior meteorologist said in a Wednesday morning update. "Weather conditions will deteriorate Saturday into Saturday evening with wind and rain increasing. Periods of heavy rain, damaging sustained tropical storm force winds with hurricane-force wind gusts and coastal flooding are possible Saturday night and Sunday."
Depending on the track of the storm, Atlantic City could see building surf from the storm as early as Thursday. The waves would peak in size Friday and Saturday as the storm approaches New Jersey
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Hurricane Preparation Checklist
Hurricane Preparation Checklist
Make sure you have Renter's Insurance!!! Be sure you have your policy numbers and claims dept. phone number handy. Remember…the apartment community's insurance covers our buildings…not your belongings.
Listen to a NOAAWeather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).
Check your disaster supplies and replace or restock as needed.
Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture on balconies, etc.)
Close windows and doors.
Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.
Fill your car's gas tank.
Talk with members of your household and create an evacuation plan. Planning and practicing your evacuation plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event.
Learn about your community's hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required and make plans for your pets to be cared for.
Evacuate if advised by authorities. Be careful to avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.
What supplies do I need?
Water—at east a 3 day supply; one gallon per person per day.
Food—at least a 3 day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food.
Flashlight.
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAAWeather Radio, if possible).
Extra batteries.
First aid kit.
Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids w/extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane).
Multi-purpose tool.
Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, lease to residence, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies).
Cell phone with chargers.
Family and emergency contract information.
Extra cash.
Emergency blanket.
Map(s) of the area.
Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers).
Pet supplies (collar, lease, ID, food, carrier, and bowl).
Tools/supplies for securing your home.
Extra set of car keys and house keys.
Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes.
Rain gear.
Insect repellent and sunscreen.
Camera for photos of damage.
What do I do after a hurricane?
Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
Stay out of any building that has water around it.
Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
Use flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles.
Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it's not contaminated.
Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
Emergency Numbers:
FEMA : 800-621-3362
Red Cross: 866-438-4636
Make sure you have Renter's Insurance!!! Be sure you have your policy numbers and claims dept. phone number handy. Remember…the apartment community's insurance covers our buildings…not your belongings.
Listen to a NOAAWeather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).
Check your disaster supplies and replace or restock as needed.
Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture on balconies, etc.)
Close windows and doors.
Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.
Fill your car's gas tank.
Talk with members of your household and create an evacuation plan. Planning and practicing your evacuation plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event.
Learn about your community's hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required and make plans for your pets to be cared for.
Evacuate if advised by authorities. Be careful to avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.
What supplies do I need?
Water—at east a 3 day supply; one gallon per person per day.
Food—at least a 3 day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food.
Flashlight.
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAAWeather Radio, if possible).
Extra batteries.
First aid kit.
Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids w/extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane).
Multi-purpose tool.
Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, lease to residence, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies).
Cell phone with chargers.
Family and emergency contract information.
Extra cash.
Emergency blanket.
Map(s) of the area.
Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers).
Pet supplies (collar, lease, ID, food, carrier, and bowl).
Tools/supplies for securing your home.
Extra set of car keys and house keys.
Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes.
Rain gear.
Insect repellent and sunscreen.
Camera for photos of damage.
What do I do after a hurricane?
Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
Stay out of any building that has water around it.
Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
Use flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles.
Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it's not contaminated.
Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
Emergency Numbers:
FEMA : 800-621-3362
Red Cross: 866-438-4636
Monday, August 22, 2011
Hurricane Irene Update!
NEWS
The Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) are closely monitoring Hurricane Irene, and coordinating preparation and response activities.
Due to the current forecast of Hurricane Irene, CEMA is entering into the Monitoring Phase (Operating Condition 4). The Monitoring Phase serves as the advanced stage of readiness from an initial threat by a tropical cyclone. A threat refers to both direct or indirect impacts by a tropical cyclone to Chatham County - indirect impact typically involves the influx of evacuees from a threatened area and direct impact refers to the arrival of tropical cyclone-related hazards: storm surge, winds, tornadoes, and torrential rain leading to inland flooding.
Operations include a Level 3 activation of the Emergency Operations Center as well.
Minor changes with each advisory could result in major changes in the forecast track and storm dynamics. Still residents should use this as a time to review their plans and preparations. Residents should create an emergency supply kit, know where they will go if an evacuation is ordered and stay informed on the latest storm information.
Sign up to receive free email alerts from CEMA on our homepage. You can receive text alerts directly on your cell phone by texting 40404; in the subject type follow ChathamEMA. You are also encouraged to follow CEMA on Facebook and Twitter.
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