With all the death and destruction down in the southern parts of the United States from the deadly storms, I thought it would be a good reminder to make sure that we are prepared just not as individuals but is your family ready. Please take time this weekend to get prepared and remember that we are in just the month of April and there has already been 164 tornados reported and we have the month of May and June which historically for Kansas can be very dangerous months for us; please see attachments for Facts and let’s be prepared and always stay informed. 
Tornados are nature’s most violent storms. They can appear suddenly without warning and can be invisible until dust and debris are picked up or a funnel cloud appears. Planning and practicing specifically how and where you take shelter is a matter of survival. Be prepared to act quickly. Keep in mind that while tornadoes are more common in the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest, they can occur in any state and at any time of the year, making advance preparation vitally important.Step 1: Get a Kit
- Get an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries.
- Store it in your shelter location
Step 2: Make a PlanPrepare Your Family
- Make a Family Emergency Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
- Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighborhood.
- It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
- You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, daycare and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one.
- Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning:
- Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection.
- If underground shelter is not available, go into an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
- In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
- Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they attract debris.
- A vehicle, trailer or mobile home does not provide good protection. Plan to go quickly to a building with a strong foundation, if possible.
- If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
- Plan to stay in the shelter location until the danger has passed.
- Take a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class from your local Citizen Corps chapter. Keep your training current.
- Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency by visiting www.FoodSafety.gov.
Step 3: Be InformedFamiliarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a tornado hazard.
- A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area.
- A tornado warning is when a tornado is actually occurring, take shelter immediately.
Listen to Local Officials Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.For further information on how to plan and prepare for tornadoes as well as what to do during and after a tornado, visit: Federal Emergency Management Agency, NOAA Watch or American Red Cross.
Take care, have a great day!
I wanted to take a moment this morning to talk about my run for Topeka city council.
Since the start of the campaign we have been out hitting doors and talking to members of the community about how we as a city can do better. We have had lots of good conversations and seen lots of support not only in the district but city wide as well.
It was brought to my attention that my opponent recently sent out a letter to voters attacking me for my work and involvement in the Labor movement and she isn’t stopping there. There will be radio ads run against me once again attacking me for standing up for working people daily.
This is why I wanted to take a moment this morning to ask for your help. I am a proud participant in the Labor movement, as everyone should be, I have always stood up for working people and will continue to always do so.
I need you to help me show my opponent that this race isn’t about the candidate who is in the pockets of monied interests but rather it’s about standing up for our communities and the people who live here.
Help me spread my message and counter my opponents attacks on me and my involvement in the Labor movement by donating to my campaign today. Every donation helps.
Thank you.
- Chad
“You’re The Manspeaker?”
“You had my vote in the primary, you will have it again.”
Yelled across a street, “Hey Manspeaker, put a sign in my yard.”.
“Young people can’t find good jobs in Topeka.”
“His car hasn’t run in a month from hitting a pothole.”
Shouted across a street by a stranger, “What’s up Chad!? Keep it up! Put a sign in my yard!”
I continue to be amazed.
Darin was one of my primary opponents. I got a chance to sit down with Darin and have a chat about the sixth district and what my vision is if elected. We had a really great conversation and see eye to eye on a number of issues.
I am happy to announce that Darin has endorsed me in my race and has offered any assistance he can provide. This is big news for our campaign and look forward to working with Darin in the coming weeks.
I consider those all endorsements by the people who live in those homes.
They are college professors, contractors, ministers, social workers, precinct women, stay at home moms, West Point graduates, accountants, teachers, book keepers, singing coaches, massage therapist, state employees, students, retirees but most importantly they are my community members. I value their judgement and their opinions.
My favorite comment so far when putting up a sign was from my neighbor, a conservative Republican. She said, “You know my politics and yours don’t always agree but I want you to know why I am putting this sign in my yard. In this election I am not voting for you because of your politics I am voting for you because you are the best person for the job.”
Needless to say I was humbled, I continue to be.
Many people think that I am against downtown. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Downtowns are vital “neighborhoods” of every thriving community from Hays, Kansas to New York City. People live there. People work there. But the rebirth of downtown can’t be had by big “developments” or novelty structures. The strength of the community needs to come from within, built out of pride and hardwork - not a magic development. We must support our existing businesses, address infrastructure needs and lay plans for strong private investments alongside the public investment in necessities. With that, we can all begin to enjoy a vibrant downtown that will be an economic asset to Topeka, a cultural destination and an attractive community for generations- now and to come. Strong efforts towards downtown BUT- not neglecting the rest of the community will provide a New Topeka- one that we can all be proud of!
- Raised nearly $1000 dollars in one day for my race
- Knocked on 50 doors
- Watched a highschool play with my family
- Put together 100s of yard signs.
I am humbled by the people and organizations that support me. To everyone who pitched in yesterday thank you! There are new people everyday who want a New Topeka and want to work with me to help build one. The future is ours.
