K+1 Signals Readiness Season
September is National Preparedness Month
Release Date: September 1, 2006
Release Number: 1603-547
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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- One year after Hurricane Katrina, a benchmark sometimes referred to as K+1 , any former scout worth his merit badges will tell you that rule number one is "be prepared." If you live in Louisiana or in any of the Gulf Coast States, you could probably claim your own merit badge for what you have learned about emergency preparedness in the past year. September is National Preparedness Month, and Louisiana residents in all parishes have many reasons to be prepared.
Today and for many weeks to follow, residents of southern parishes will keep close watch for tropical storms forming in the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico. In addition, Pelican state residents in the northern and central parishes must watch for tornado activity that accompanies many types of storms. And any household anywhere could be completely surprised by how quickly a stove-top fire can leap out of control and chase a family from their home.
Readiness means having an emergency supply kit and an evacuation plan for your family and your business, say emergency preparedness experts with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). But having a kit and a plan isn't enough. You must also practice.
"We are urging every individual, every family, and every business to start right now to put their supplies together whether you plan to shelter in place or evacuate," said Jim Stark, director of the FEMA Louisiana Transitional Recovery Office. "Knowing that you own three flashlights is not enoughknowing how to put your hands on them in the dark is where you need to be right now."
The foundation of a plan for any family or business includes knowing whom to call, where to go, and how to get there. In addition, families must consider small children, members with special needs and how to transport or shelter pets. The basics of any emergency supply kit include all the necessities you would pack if you were going on a three-day camping trip: food, water, medicine, clothing, bedding, radio, batteries, tools and lots more.
This year, more than 950 national, regional, state and local organizations are taking part in National Preparedness Month, the nationwide effort held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. A recent survey conducted by The Ad Council found that 91 percent of respondents said it was very important or somewhat important for all Americans to be prepared for emergencies, but only half of respondents said they had an emergency supply kit. K+1 , or right now, is the best time to become disaster prepared.
For detailed information about planning and to view a checklist to help you assemble supplies, visit www.ready.gov. For more information about evacuation routes in Louisiana visit www.ohsep.louisiana.gov or call your parish emergency management office www.loep.state.la.us/Parish/parishoepnumbers.htm.
Find the inner scout inside of you—be prepared.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Friday, 01-Sep-2006 09:35:02