Don’t wait. Communicate!

September is National Preparedness Month
In recent years, devastating earthquakes, tornadoes, winter storms, floods and wildfires have highlighted the need for Americans to prepare for natural disasters. However, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), over half of Americans have not discussed or developed a family emergency plan.

Do you have a plan in place for your family? Does everyone know where to meet, how family members will communicate following an emergency or disaster and how you’ll stay informed? Your ability to recover from an emergency tomorrow could depend on your planning and preparation today! Don't wait.

Take a minute, talk to family members, make sure your kids know important phone numbers and include seniors and any family members that require assistance in your plan.
Get started at www.ready.gov/make-a-plan

Thursday Is National PrepareAthon! Day

Would you and your loved ones know what to do if you heard a loud roar that sounded like a train; looked out the window and saw a tornado in the distance heading your way?

Know what to do if another Derecho hit the area and you were without power, food or water for several days?

Or would you know what actions to take if another earthquake hit the region that was stronger than the last two "minor" quakes we have experienced over the last several years?

If the above questions have caused you to think and/or left you unsure as to what you would do, please consider participating in National PrepareAthon! Day tomorrow, Thursday, April 30.  The initiative, sponsored by FEMA, will revolve around taking actions to prepare for six specific hazards:

• Earthquake
• Flood
• Hurricane
• Tornado
• Wildfire
• Winter Storm

Help us to help you when disaster strikes!  Please take time to review the information and PREPARE!  Also please take a couple of minutes to watch the powerful video below.  If that does not inspire you and your loved ones to prepare than nothing will:

September is National Preparedness Month! Take Action to PREPARE!

Are you and your loved ones ready for a storm that knocks power out for several days? Flash flooding that requires you to leave your home?  A tornado?  A fire in your home?

Unfortunately many are not.

Please take a moment to learn how you can take action to PREPARE by visiting the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security's web site.  Click on the image below to learn more from our partners in public safety.