FEMA launches National Severe Weather Preparedness Week

NEW YORK – The Federal Emergency Management Agency, in conjunction with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has launched its second annual National Severe Weather Preparedness Week. This week focuses on you, your family and your community being prepared in the event of a disaster.

Each year people are killed or injured due to hurricanes, blizzards or other natural disasters despite early warnings. In 2012, there were more than 450 weather-related fatalities and nearly 2,600 weather-related injuries.

Putting together a disaster supply kit is essential to making sure that your family has the provisions needed for each individual. Some kits may need additional items if there are seniors or infants in the house.  Developing an emergency plan is the groundwork for your family to prepare itself if a disaster strikes without warning. Collect information on preparedness from local emergency management agencies and FEMA. Make a plan with your family and discuss the information to put into the plan.

Individuals can contribute to preparing themselves and their community for severe weather in their area. As Hurricane Sandy demonstrated, New Yorkers gave their time to helping neighbors and strangers, from providing food and water to clearing debris from the streets. It is this “How can I help?” attitude that speeds up the recovery process and leads to a stronger, more resilient community.

Visit Ready.gov/severe-weather or Noaa.gov/wrn to learn more about severe weather and to be better prepared.