Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 10 October 2024

These updates are shared to help raise the situational awareness of Faith-Based organizations to best defend against and mitigate the impacts from all-hazards threats including physical security, cybersecurity, and natural disasters.

Hurricane Milton

At 8 am ET the National Hurricane Center (noaa.gov) stated:

…CENTER OF MILTON PULLING AWAY FROM THE EAST COAST OF FLORIDA… …STRONG GUSTY WINDS AND HEAVY RAINFALL STILL OCCURRING NEAR THE SPACE COAST…

Additional Information:

• NHC: Key Messages for Hurricane Milton
• More than 3 million without power after Hurricane Milton slams Florida, causes deaths and flooding
• Hurricane Milton live updates: Monster storm slams into Florida; deaths confirmed
• Multiple people killed in Milton-spawned Florida tornado outbreak as terrifying footage emerges
• Hurricane Milton becomes the Gulf’s strongest late-season storm on record
• When hurricanes hit, flooded industrial sites and chemical releases are a silent, toxic threat
• Tesla caught fire during hurricane flood: List of electric car safety tips
• Hospitals scramble as storms worsen IV fluid shortages

Recovery and Cleanup Advice From NOAA, CDC, and OSHA

Use Caution After Storms | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

From the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) website:

Dangers remain even after the skies turn blue. This is NOT the time to put your guard down. Nearly half of hurricane fatalities occur after the storm.

Return home ONLY when officials say it is safe. Check with local officials both where you’re staying and back home before you travel.

The NOAA website details the following advice:

• Remain vigilant, as hazards remain
  • Be careful near damaged buildings.
  • Avoid electric shock by staying far away from downed power lines.
  • Flooded roads are very dangerous.
• Clean up safely: don’t push yourself, and check on neighbors
• Practice portable generator safety
  • Only use generators outside, more than 20 feet away from your home, doors, and windows.
• Help and communications may not be readily available

Safety Guidelines: After a Hurricane or Other Tropical Storm | Hurricanes | CDC

The CDC  website  provides advice similar to the above advice from NOAA. CDC also details the following additional advice:

• Protect yourself from animals and pests.
• Never use a wet electrical device.
• If the power is out, use flashlights instead of candles.
• Drink safe water.
• Eat safe food.
• Wash your hands.
• Take care of any wounds or injuries to prevent infection.
• Take care of your emotional health.

Worker Safety and Health Resources for Hurricane and Flood Cleanup and Recovery | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

The OSHA website provides numerous resources for those responding to providing disaster cleanup and recovery, including:

• Keeping Workers Safe during Disaster Cleanup and Recovery Fact Sheet | Español 
• Disaster Cleanup and Recovery PPE Matrix | Español 
• Hand Hygiene and Glove Use in Hurricane-Affected Areas 

Analyst Comments:

Many Faith-Based Organizations (FBO) in Florida will be involved in recovery and cleanup activities. Many FBOs outside of Florida may send volunteers to Florida. As NOAA states – “Nearly half of hurricane fatalities occur after the storm.” Those involved in hurricane recovery and cleanup should consider taking the above measures to keep from becoming a casualty during the recovery phase of the disaster.

Avoid Scams After Disaster Strikes

From the CISA website.

As hurricanes and other natural disasters occur, CISA urges individuals to remain on alert for potential malicious cyber activity. Fraudulent emails and social media messages—often containing malicious links or attachments—are common after major natural disasters. Exercise caution in handling emails with hurricane-related subject lines, attachments, or hyperlinks. In addition, be wary of social media pleas, texts, or door-to-door solicitations relating to severe weather events. Before responding, ensure hurricane-related guidance is from trusted sources, such as local officials and disaster response organizations, including Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and DHS’s Ready.gov.

CISA encourages users to review the following resources to avoid falling victim to malicious cyber activity: 

• Federal Trade Commission’s Staying Alert to Disaster-related Scams and Before Giving to a Charity, 
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Frauds and Scams, 
• FEMA’s Disaster Fraud guidance, and 
• CISA’s Phishing Guidance, Stopping the Attack Cycle at Phase Oneto help organizations reduce likelihood and impact of successful phishing attacks.

Additional Items:

• Scammers Hit Florida Hurricane Victims with Fake FEMA Claims, Malware Files
• Justice Department, Federal Trade Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Warn Consumers About Potential Scams and Price Gouging in the Wake of Hurricanes and other Natural Disasters
• Attorney’s voice cloned in AI scam to fool dad into giving $35K
• 9 Common Scams and Scam Tactics to Watch Out For

Analyst Comments:

After disasters, scammers try to take advantage of those that are affected by the disaster and those that want to help victims of the disaster. A good tactic is to step back and not be rushed into anything. Consider taking time to refer to the above advice.

FB-ISAO’s October Newsletter and 2 October 2024 Daily Awareness Post can also be referenced to avoid hurricane-related scams.