By Rachel Racusen, Director, Public Affairs
All week we have been sharing tips with you on the simple steps you can take to Resolve to be Ready in 2011. Earlier in the week, we went over how you can take the first two steps – getting an emergency supply kit for your home and you car and making a family communications plan. Now, with New Year’s Eve just a day away, it’s time to share our tips for the third and final step: being informed of the potential hazards in your community.
This past week was proof that no matter where we live, we all face risks posed by severe weather and other types of emergencies. In the Northwest, heavy rains and winds are continuing to cause significant flooding and mudslides. Residents in the Northeast are continuing to dig out from the massive blizzard that hit New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and other states over the weekend. And in the Midwest, an earthquake hit Indianapolis, Indiana this morning. Luckily, there have been no reports of injuries or damages – but it’s another reminder that disasters can happen anytime, anywhere.
Like so many other things in life, when it comes to emergencies, knowledge is power. Knowing what emergencies could happen in your neighborhood or community, and knowing what resources you can turn to for the latest updates when those emergencies do occur can make a huge difference when an incident happens.
Click here for more information on how you can be informed about the various hazards in your community, from earthquakes to winter storms to wildfires and much more. You can also find contact information for your state and local emergency management agencies, local citizen emergency response teams, and other helpful resources.
And for those of you who have already taken this step, let us know your tips for staying informed. Leave a comment and start the discussion.
All week we have been sharing tips with you on the simple steps you can take to Resolve to be Ready in 2011. Earlier in the week, we went over how you can take the first two steps – getting an emergency supply kit for your home and you car and making a family communications plan. Now, with New Year’s Eve just a day away, it’s time to share our tips for the third and final step: being informed of the potential hazards in your community.
This past week was proof that no matter where we live, we all face risks posed by severe weather and other types of emergencies. In the Northwest, heavy rains and winds are continuing to cause significant flooding and mudslides. Residents in the Northeast are continuing to dig out from the massive blizzard that hit New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and other states over the weekend. And in the Midwest, an earthquake hit Indianapolis, Indiana this morning. Luckily, there have been no reports of injuries or damages – but it’s another reminder that disasters can happen anytime, anywhere.
Like so many other things in life, when it comes to emergencies, knowledge is power. Knowing what emergencies could happen in your neighborhood or community, and knowing what resources you can turn to for the latest updates when those emergencies do occur can make a huge difference when an incident happens.
Click here for more information on how you can be informed about the various hazards in your community, from earthquakes to winter storms to wildfires and much more. You can also find contact information for your state and local emergency management agencies, local citizen emergency response teams, and other helpful resources.
And for those of you who have already taken this step, let us know your tips for staying informed. Leave a comment and start the discussion.
Last Updated:
06/15/2012 - 22:19