Blog: For those of you who love Twitter, but struggle to find the hashtags to use for emergency preparedness, then read Urban Areas blog for a current list of hashtags. Red Cross talks about some of the issues surrounding not having a preparedness kit.

Software: Seattle now has a software tool that allows them to understand the damages from disasters. Check out Seattle Pi’s story,”Free FEMA program models catastrophic disaster.”

EM schools: Wondering where to go for Emergency management training, then check out Portland Community College and Clackamas Community College for the latest information.

Heat Wave: NOAA breaks down the damage done by the summer heat.

Civic Duty: Portland Emergency Management has posted their newest plan. Take some time and inform your selves and don’t forget to send them your comments.

Needed: So your getting some yard work done, but your missing a tool. Then visit SE Tool Library for free tools to borrow.

Sun and You: News Daily has an article about what effects the sun may have on us. SpaceWeather reports 3 sunspots with a fourth starting to develop as of Saturday the 20th of August.

New editions: I have the newest edition of the Observer. You will find some great stories in the News Section. In Information Overload there are new links to connect you with some great resources.

PTSD Info: Science Daily delves into the reason why we remember the bad times over the good time more easily.

2030: Eric Holdman at emergency management.com talks about what the future may hold.

Financial news: Yahoo News has a story about Germany. Germany and France are now the two strongest nations for the Euro, and they are showing signs of struggle. Keep your eye on this, because we are tied into a world market. Everything has ripples.