Ready for 2008? Hope for the Best But Prepare for the Worst
Release Date: December 21, 2007
Release Number: R10-08-041
SEATTLE, Wash. -- Building bright futures often requires grappling with grim realities. There's just no way of knowing for sure what the future has in store: Floods, winter storms, wildfires, earthquakes and volcanoes are all part of our Pacific Northwest portfolio. And then there's the very real threat of terrorist strikes. But no matter what challenges await us in 2008, planning ahead can mitigate the nastier surprises, reduce losses and speed recovery. For those who need a catalyst to convert good intentions into effective emergency planning, FEMA Regional Administrator Susan Reinertson suggests you build them into your 2008 New Year's Resolutions.
"December's brutal winter storms and floods provided a poignant prelude to the holiday season, and reminded all of us that while our Pacific Northwest is beautiful-it is also prone to serious natural hazards," said Reinertson. "The same disaster response plans that protect families and communities from the worst effects of floods and earthquakes can go a long way towards blunting challenges from other unplanned infrastructure failures."
New Year's Resolutions that could make for a safer and more secure 2008 might include:
- Create family disaster communications plans - and schedule biannual practices.
- Install smoke detectors, freshen batteries and mark your calendar for routine inspections.
- Keep serviceable fire extinguishers in kitchens, garages, risk areas and autos.
- Re-evaluate flood insurance coverage to make sure it is adequate to your current needs. If you don't have flood insurance, get some!
- Consider back-up generators, but be sure to provide for safe operation.
- Buy a NOAA Weather Radio.
- Build Pet Disaster Kits (food, water, leashes, dishes and carrying case or crate).
- Teach all responsible family members how to shut off water, gas and power in case of emergencies.
- Stock emergency supplies for 72-hour independent action-and rotate stock to keep supplies fresh.
- Stock or restock disaster kits for home, office and auto (first aid kits, food, water and prescription medications for 72 hours, extra clothing, blankets, flashlights).
A wealth of additional information and preparedness tips is available from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's READY.GOV site at: www.ready.gov and from FEMA at: www.fema.gov.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Friday, 21-Dec-2007 16:28:17