FEMA encourages disaster preparedness during peak of hurricane season

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September is National Preparedness Month, and while many communities in the Southeast are still recovering from last year’s historic natural disasters, FEMA encourages residents to take the time now to choose disaster preparedness as a personal priority this year.

“Last year was especially difficult for communities across our region,” FEMA Region IV Administrator Gracia Szczech said. “The Southeast endured severe storms and tornadoes, and the fifth costliest hurricane — Irma — in our nation’s history. We cannot guarantee that we will not see another year like 2017. But we can help our region’s 61 million residents understand how they can reduce their personal risk and help make their communities more resilient.”

National Preparedness Month focuses on the need to be ready for disasters and emergencies.

“September is also the peak of hurricane season, so preparing now is even more critical for families and businesses in the Southeast,” Szczech said. “Preparedness is a shared responsibility. While government plays a role, individuals, organizations and businesses have important things to do to be ready for the unexpected.”

FEMA is concentrating on the following preparedness themes in September to help residents create their own culture of preparedness.

·       Make and practice your family’s preparedness plan so your family knows how to reconnect and reunite when an emergency strikes.

·       Learn life safety skills. Neighbors and coworkers are often the first to take action immediately after a disaster strikes. Train to be a citizen responder through CPR and first aid training or learn how to be the help until help arrives.

·       Check your insurance coverage. Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage or losses from flooding, earthquakes or high winds in hurricane-prone areas. If you’re not insured against those hazards, talk to your insurance agent.

·       Save for an emergency. Anticipate initial out-of-pocket disaster expenses for lodging, food, gas and more. A 2016 survey by the Federal Reserve revealed that 44 percent of Americans indicated they would not have enough money to cover a $400 emergency expense.

Also, FEMA is encouraging people to download and use the agency’s free app, which provides safety tips to help prepare for and recover from natural and man-made hazards. The FEMA app also provides weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations across the nation. In addition, the app offers family communication plans, a customizable checklist of emergency supplies and maps of open shelters and disaster recovery centers.The app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.