Hurricane awareness and preparation can reduce the impact of hurricanes and save lives. For this reason, we are asking all citizens to make a pledge to prepare for hurricane season. By doing so, families, individuals, and businesses will become familiar with their vulnerabilities and can take action to prepare for and reduce the impacts of a hurricane. Hurricane season officially begins on June 1, 2013 and continues through November 30, 2013.

Many states and communities are already constantly preparing by participating in large-scale training exercises that require the same level of planning and preparation that a real hurricane would demand. These exercises are challenging, and are designed to help participants determine their level of preparedness, and where they need to focus more attention.

We ask all states, communities and residents to join us for National Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 26 through June 1, 2013, by pledging to prepare – and taking these simple steps:

• Know and understand your weather risk

• Take action

• Be an example for your family, friends and neighbors when hurricanes affect our area

Knowing your risk is to understand how hurricane and tropical storm events, in both coastal and inland areas, disrupt lives and directly impact you and your family where you live, work and go to school. Check the weather forecast regularly, sign up for local alerts from emergency management officials, and obtain a NOAA Weather Radio.

Taking action includes a number of easy steps:

• Complete your Ready Emergency Preparedness Plan

• Update your Emergency Supply Kit

• Download the FEMA smartphone application to access important safety tips on what to do before, during and after a hurricane.

Being an example is the third simple step. Once you have pledged and taken action, spread the word to family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. Inform them of your preparation actions and assist them with creating their own plan to prepare. You can be the example. Inspire others by posting your story on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. You can also post our Preparedness Widget on your social media profiles. It could save a life!

Join us today and pledge to prepare at www.ready.gov/hurricanes during National Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 26 – June 1, 2013.

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“FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.”