Sevier News Messenger Sevier County News and Opinion
Government agencies, businesses, organizations and citizens across the United States will be discussing emergency preparedness in September as they participate in the 2015 National Preparedness Month.
“Every year, communities across our country face emergencies from unforeseen natural disasters to deliberate acts that test our Nation’s grit and challenge us to overcome tragedy,” President Obama said as he proclaimed September as National Preparedness Month. “While my Administration is working to keep all Americans safe, each of us can do our part. Together, we can protect our families and help our communities by planning for emergencies and for the unexpected. Every September, we celebrate our Nation’s spirit of resilience by rededicating ourselves to the important task of being prepared in the face of any crisis.”
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, fewer than half of Americans have discussed and developed an emergency plan with their household.
“The last thing you want to be worried about during a disaster is how to communicate with your family members,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Have that conversation today. It doesn’t cost a thing.”
Each week of National Preparedness Month will focus on a different type of hazard:
Week 1: September 1-5 – Flood
Week 2: September 6-12 – Wildfire
Week 3: September 13-19 – Hurricane
Week 4: September 20-26 – Power Outage
Week 5: September 27-30 – Lead up to National PrepareAthon! Day on September 30
Learn tips and join the preparedness conversation during National Preparedness Month by following #NatlPrep in social media.
America’s PrepareAthon! has resources available to help people determine their risk for different types of hazards and prepare their own emergency plan for those hazards, including an earthquake, flood, hurricane, tornado, wildfire and winter storm.
The ASPCA is also reminding pet owners to have an emergency plan for pets.
For more information about emergency preparedness all year long, visit www.ready.gov
Photo Credit: May 2010 flooding in Nashville, Tenn. by David Fine/FEMA
