5 Things You Should Know Today - Jan. 3, 2012

We're now well into the first week of the new year, and if you're still looking for a resolution, the Farmington Hills/Farmington Emergency Preparedness Commission has a suggestion. We've included it in today's list: 

1. The weather

With temperatures barely reaching 20 degrees today, you'll want to bundle up the kids before sending them out the door and back to school. The National Weather Service predicts a wind chill as low as -2 degrees, and a night-time low of 18.

2. Resolve to be Ready

Are you prepared to deal with a power outage, a major winter storm or other major emergency? The Farmington Hills/Farmington Emergency Preparedness Commission suggests that everyone "Resolve to be Ready" in 2012, with help from ready.gov, which offers advice from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and do1thing.com, a Lansing-based nonprofit that offers support for making one small change each month to improve your family's readiness.

3. Lincoln Exhibit at the Main Library

The Farmington Community Library is shining a spotlight on America's 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. The has on display through Jan. 9 a series of large panels that detail the life, accomplishments and legacy of Lincoln, "A Man of His Time, A Man for All Times". You can also watch five videos about Lincoln on the library's website. 

4. Look ahead:

In conjunction with the Lincoln exhibit, the library will host a presentation on Thursday, 7 p.m., by William Cottrell, a direct descendent of a Civil War veteran and a Lincoln Room Exhibit docent in the Plymouth Historical Museum. There is no admission charge for this event, held in the Main Library auditorium. 

5. Look ahead:

Learn more about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), use of the automated external defibrillator (AED), how to assist someone who is choking or has been burned, and much more at this free class, offered Jan. 7, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the in Farmington Hills. No certification is offered, this is all about what to do before First Responders arrive. While there is no charge, you must register by calling 248-473-1800. To learn more, write to Emergency Preparedness Commission chair Tim Tutak, tutakt@­live.­com or call 248-417-0930.