National Preparedness Month Tips

September 2013 marks the tenth annual National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with the goal of educating the public about how to prepare for emergencies, including natural disasters such as hurricanes.  Below is information from FEMA about hurricanes and safety rules to help in a time of emergency.

Facts

• Hurricanes commonly occur during summer and fall.  They may bring high winds, heavy rains and flooding.
• A hurricane watch means there is a threat of hurricane conditions in the next 24-36 hours.
• A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are expected in less than 24 hours.

Tips to Take Precautions at Home

• Close and board up windows.
• Remove outside antennas.
• Bring in lawn furniture, toys, tools and garbage cans.   
• Tie down anything that can’t be brought in.
• Trim dead tree branches.
• Turn off propane tanks.

Be Ready to Evacuate

• Know safe routes inland.
• Be ready to drive inland 20-50 miles or more.
• Leave yourself plenty of time.  Traffic on evacuation routes may be backed up.

Keep Your Family Safe For more information about creating a disaster supply kit, click here.