NEW YORK, N.Y. – Ocean County residents and property owners will be able ask questions and obtain information on their property’s flood hazard risk at two Open Houses scheduled to take place in Ocean County on Wednesday, Feb. 25 and Thursday, Feb. 26 from 4 to 8 p.m.

During the past year and a half, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region II office has released updates to the flood hazard maps, known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), for New Jersey’s coastal communities. The FIRMs identify areas of flood risk in these coastal communities.

Community and county officials in Ocean County’s coastal communities have arranged for the Flood Risk Open Houses to assist residents and property owners with questions and concerns regarding flood hazards and flood insurance rate maps.

If you think you may be in a flood zone, or already know you are, feel free to attend the open house that is most convenient for you at any time between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. No formal presentation will be made and no appointment is necessary.

The preliminary flood hazard maps that will be shared at the Open House are an update of the existing FIRMs. These preliminary FIRMs and the associated Flood Insurance Study (FIS) provide the basis for flood risk education and floodplain management measures. Each community is required to adopt updated maps to continue participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which makes flood insurance available to the community.

Insurance companies use FIRMs to determine flood insurance rates for buildings, and lenders utilize this information to determine flood insurance requirements. Residents and property owners in these areas are encouraged to learn more about their flood risk and the updates shown on the preliminary flood hazard maps by entering their property’s address in the “What’s my BFE?” tool at www.region2coastal.com

Using interactive flood hazard maps at this Open House, representatives from the State, County, FEMA and their mapping partners, will be available to answer flood risk and insurance questions, and explain the preliminary flood hazard maps. Residents are encouraged to bring their elevation certificates and/or flood insurance policies to the event in order to get the best information about how their flood insurance rates may change as a result of the new preliminary flood maps and legislative reforms.

The Flood Risk Open Houses will take place at these locations:

  • Ocean:
    • Wednesday, February 25th, 2015 at the Ocean County Government Complex, Building 5 Cafeteria, 129 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753
    • Thursday, February 26th, 2015 at the Ocean County Southern Service Center, 179 South Main Street, Manahawkin, NJ 08092

 

The Open Houses will cover flood hazard and FIRM map information only. No information will

be available concerning outstanding insurance claims or disaster-related recovery efforts.

Please plan to attend this event if your property is currently mapped within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), newly mapped into an SFHA, or if you are unsure of your flood risk and/or you have any questions on flood insurance. If you cannot attend or want to learn more about your flood risk, please refer to the Preliminary FIRMs which are available on the FEMA Map Service Center website, https://msc.fema.gov/portal, call the FEMA Map Information eXchange (FMIX) at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or call your local flood plain administrator or building official.

If you are in a high-risk flood zone, known as the SFHA, you may be required by your lender to carry flood insurance. FEMA staff will be available at the Open House to talk about these changes.

Flooding is the number one natural disaster in the United States. It is vital for property owners to understand their risk and taking advantage of tools and programs available to them. Property owners can take action by purchasing flood insurance and implementing mitigation actions to help reduce future flooding impacts.

For additional information on flood hazard risk and the mapping process, please visit www.region2coastal.com

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.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/FEMASandy,www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/fema, www.fema.gov/blog, and www.youtube.com/fema.Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.”

 

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Flood Map Meetings Scheduled in Ocean County

DENTON, Texas – The state of Texas has received more than $1.5 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for mitigation measures for a University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) building.

Hurricane Ike damaged the UTMB Customs House, also known as the 1700 Strand Building, in 2008. These mitigation measures will protect it from potential future storm damage.

The measures include elevating a new chiller onto a new exterior platform; relocating existing mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems from the basement level to upper floors; and restoring the basement with a new floor plan, new lighting and fire protection system. The basement will now serve as a “shell space,” which is essentially an unfinished space enclosed by an exterior building shell.

To date, FEMA has obligated more than $476.8 million for UTMB-related projects, in the aftermath of Ike.

FEMA’s contribution, made possible by a Public Assistance grant, represents a 90 percent federal cost share. FEMA awards funding for projects directly to the state of Texas; the state then forwards the grant to the eligible applicant.

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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. Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/femaregion6, and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

Continue reading – 

Texas Receives More Than $1.5 Million in Federal Funding for University of Texas Medical Branch Mitigation Measures

LINCROFT, N.J. — With another hurricane season just getting under way, residents of New Jersey may look upon the prospect of another storm with a great deal more apprehension than they felt before Hurricane Sandy struck the Jersey coast.

New Jersey residents have witnessed firsthand the destructive power of a storm like Sandy.

Sandy was not the first storm to wreak havoc in New Jersey, but she was one of the most powerful to strike the state in many decades, and the damage she inflicted was widespread.

Today, more than 18 months after the storm, New Jerseyans are still recovering. The good news is that they are rebuilding stronger, safer and smarter.

Up and down the New Jersey coast, towns are engaged in restoring infrastructure and taking steps to ensure that their communities will never again be caught in the bull’s eye of a hurricane without preparation.

Hundreds of homes along the Jersey Shore have been elevated. Many municipalities have moved critical facilities away from areas vulnerable to flooding.

Thanks to extensive outreach efforts by FEMA and the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, residents and business owners are far better informed about how to plan for, protect against, and recover from storms and other possible disasters than ever before.

Weather experts are predicting a less active hurricane season on the Atlantic Coast than in recent years due to the fact that water temperatures are projected to be cooler than they have been under the influence of El Nino.

While a storm of the magnitude of Sandy may not occur again for many years, it is always a good idea to prepare for the possibility that a storm or other disaster may interrupt the usual summer cycles of rainy and sunny days and present the state with a major weather challenge.

If that occurs, it’s up to each of us to be ready to respond effectively.

That means using the tools of preparedness that can mean the difference between life and death, danger and safety, when a storm arrives.

Perhaps the most important thing you can do is create a family communications plan. Make cards for each family member with names and contact numbers. Have a contact in another state, or at least another town, that family members can get in touch with, as making a long-distance call or even sending a text message may be easier than a local call during a disaster.

Know how to get to higher ground if you need to evacuate, what your community’s evacuation route is, and where it goes. New Jersey has several state roads, U.S. highways and interstates designated as state coastal evacuation routes along with county and local routes.

You also want to know just how vulnerable your home and property are to flooding. Learn the elevation level of your property and whether there are any levees or dams in the area that might pose a flood threat.

Secure your home’s windows, roof, and garage. Permanent storm shutters are best for windows, but plywood five-eighths of an inch thick and cut to fit is an effective temporary solution and will also work on windowed garage doors. Secure the roof to the frame of the house by adding straps or additional clamps, and while you’re up there, make sure the gutters are clear.

Keep any trees and shrubs around your home trimmed to improve their wind resistance. Bring in outdoor furniture, decorations, plants in stands, and anything else outside that isn’t nailed down. If you own a boat, decide ahead of time where and how you plan to secure it.

For more tips on hurricane preparedness, visit www.fema.gov or www.ready.nj.gov.

http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

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.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

 

Originally posted here – 

When It Comes To Hurricanes, Lightning Really Can Strike Twice

DENVER – As winter comes to a close, communities look forward to the coming of spring and a return to the warm outdoors. But it’s also a time to be aware of the threat of Mother Nature, meaning severe storms and flooding.  Rapid snowmelt or a couple of inches of rainfall can create potential flooding.

FEMA Region VIII Preparedness and Mitigation experts have several recommendations to help people get ready for that threat. Region VIII includes Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.

First and foremost on the list is to get flood insurance. In the region, the average cost of flood insurance is about $700 a year. Since 1978, residents of the six states have collected more than $383 million in insurance payments.

It’s the first thing to do because there is a 30-day waiting period before a policy can take effect. If the waters are rising, it’s too late to purchase a policy.

Other steps you can take to protect your family and your property include:

  • Make sure downspouts carry water several feet from your house to a well-drained area. – About 2,500 gallons of water will come from a 1,000 square foot roof with one foot of snow depth across the roof. This much water may cause problems if allowed to drain next to the house.
  • Examine and clean your sump pump if you have one. Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit. Make sure the discharge hose carries the water several feet away from the house to a well-drained area. Also make sure that the pipe is on sloped ground so it drains to prevent it from freezing.
  • Remove snow from around rural yards to minimize soft, wet soil conditions. Remember that a 20-foot diameter 10-foot high pile of snow contains about 2,600 gallons of water. Move the snow to well-drained areas.
  • Anchor any fuel tanks. An unanchored tank in your basement can be torn free by floodwaters and the broken supply line can contaminate your basement. An unanchored tank outside can be swept downstream, where it can damage other houses.
  • Have a licensed electrician raise electric components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring) at least 12″ above your home’s projected flood elevation.
  • Place the furnace and water heater on masonry blocks or concrete at least 12” above the projected flood elevation.
  • If your washer and dryer are in the basement, elevate them on masonry or pressure-treated lumber at least 12” above the projected flood elevation.
  • Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family.
  • Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be the “family contact” in case your family is separated during a flood. Make sure everyone in your family knows the name, address, and phone number of this contact person.

Call 1-800-427-2419 or visit www.FloodSmart.gov to learn more about potential flood risks, flood insurance and how to prepare for floods.

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.

Continue reading: 

Flooding Always a Potential Threat

LINCROFT, N.J. – Last year was the first time that Steven and Kathryn Chaney didn’t spend Christmas with their three children.

“It was very strange,” Kathryn Chaney said. “We’ve been married 30 years and we’ve always had children around.”

After more than a year of moving from house to house and shelter to shelter, the Chaney family is reunited and spending the Christmas season together in their new home.

The Chaneys spent last Christmas at a friend’s house after their Port Monmouth home was destroyed by Superstorm Sandy despite sitting six feet above ground level. Steven and Kathryn, along with daughter Deidre and granddaughter Elizabeth, had planned to ride out the storm. Their sons, Steve and Ryan, had gone to visit friends when Sandy made landfall.

“An hour before high tide, there was water on our deck,” Kathryn said.

They were evacuated by an Army transport. They spent the night at a shelter and returned the next morning to find their entire street devastated. Many houses had their ground floors inundated by rain and floodwaters. Chaney said their house had two feet of water in it.

“I grew up in Rockaway Beach, New York,” Chaney said. “I’ve always lived near the ocean. I’m used to big storms. But the ocean didn’t get us. We got hit by the creek.”

Steven and Kathryn spent the next couple of days cleaning up and salvaging what they could. They spent those nights in the livable spare room of a neighbor’s house before going to a Red Cross shelter at Henry Hudson Regional High School for a week. Their next stop was Atlantic Highlands, where they spent Thanksgiving and Christmas at a friend’s house – but without the rest of their family.

The prolonged separation was stressful for the entire family. Their sons were shuttling back and forth between friends’ houses for months. Steven and Kathryn spent January in what she called “the worst hotel room ever.” The family wasn’t reunited until they got the keys to an apartment at Fort Monmouth on Valentine’s Day after a FEMA case worker contacted them in February.

Kathryn estimates that the family looked at about 10 homes before finding one in November. They wanted to return to the Port Monmouth area to give their children easier commutes to work, but their housing requirements complicated matters. The Chaneys eventually found a house in Highlands and moved in on Dec. 4. Kathryn was quick to credit their FEMA recertification specialists for their help in the home-finding process.

When asked to rank the importance of getting into a home by Christmas on a scale of one to 10, Kathryn said, “Eleven.”

Life is beginning to return to normal. Granddaughter Elizabeth is now 17 months old. “I hope she doesn’t have any memories of everything we went through,” Kathryn said. Instead of helping their neighbor put up his tree in his house, the Chaneys have a home of their own to decorate. They are also back together and under one roof.

“We can have our ham dinner and just be together,” she said.

To see a video of the Chaneys talking about their journey, follow this link: http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/89622

http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

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.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications

See original article here:

Highlands Family Is at Home for the Holidays

DENTON, Texas – September is National Preparedness Month. In recognition of that, North Texas emergency managers teamed up today for an “Open House for Preparedness,” where they shared their knowledge and experience with hundreds of third graders in the Duncanville Independent School District (ISD).

The students interacted one-on-one with experts from the city of Duncanville Fire Department and Police Department; the Best Southwest Community Emergency Response Team (CERT); the American Red Cross; and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

They learned critical emergency information such as how to prepare for any type of disaster including fires, earthquakes and tornadoes; how to put together an emergency preparedness kit; and how to be aware of “stranger danger.”

“Over the next few weeks, our third grade students will be studying catastrophic events and their impact on communities, and how to better prepare their own families for catastrophes,” said Duncanville ISD Chief Academic Officer Liz Birdwell. “Today’s event gave students direct access to emergency experts, who shared in an engaging and meaningful way what preparedness means and what it looks like.”

“We are so excited to work with our partners to share this very important preparedness message with everyone – especially the students,” said FEMA Region 6 Deputy Administrator David Passey. “That’s because preparedness starts at home and, very often, young people are the catalyst for action in their families.”

Tools and resources are available to help you prepare for, respond to and recover from any type of disaster. Visit www.Ready.gov or the Spanish language site www.Listo.gov. These sites include important information such as how to put together an emergency kit, make a plan and stay informed. 

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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.
Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6  and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

 

Taken from: 

North Texas Emergency Managers Participate in Open House for Preparedness

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – After an emergency happens resources can be strained quickly and you may have to do without electricity, water service, telephone service, and access to a grocery store just to name a few.  That’s why it’s so important for everyone to have the ability to be self-sufficient after an emergency occurs.

“One of the best ways people can help their community and first responders is to be self-sufficient after a disaster;” said Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney, “by being self-sufficient, people can take a lot of pressure and strain off of vital resources.  Additionally, resources may not be able to reach you for a variety of reasons so you should be prepared by having important items already on hand.”

One of the easiest ways to be self-sufficient is to build an emergency supply kit.  These kits are simply a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.  You should assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency because you may not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them.  Keeping your kit organized in some sort of container also ensures that if you have to evacuate you can quickly take your kit with you.

There are a number of basic items that should go into your kit that you probably already have around the house, like water, food, a flashlight, a first aid kit, a can opener, and a radio.  There are other items that you may not have thought of or may not have at home, like dust masks, moist towelettes, garbage bags, or a sleeping bag.

Don’t forget to take into account the needs of everyone, that thinking of things like diapers, formula, medications, contact lenses and supplies, special food, or coloring books or activities for kids.  You can get a full listing of what should go in your emergency kit and how you can maintain it at ready.gov/build-a-kit.

While building your emergency supply kit can seem like a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be.  When you go out to the store, see what’s on sale that you need and pick up a few things at a time, that way you don’t break the bank.  Another tip is rather than buying bottled water; you can disinfect empty 2-liter bottles and fill them with water.  Can’t think of what you want for a birthday or holiday; why not suggest people buy you preparedness supplies, that way you get something you’ll actually use. 

There are many tips and tools to help you become self-sufficient after an emergency, go to ready.gov to learn more.

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. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema.   Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

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The Importance of Being Self-Sufficient

HARRISBURG, Pa. — An East Greenville resident was honored at the White House on Wednesday for helping Pennsylvanians recover from Hurricane Sandy. Brian Buhman, a volunteer state coordinator of field operations with Team Rubicon USA, is a finalist in the White House “Champions of Change” initiative.  

As a new state coordinator of field operations with Team Rubicon USA, a nonprofit disaster response service group of U.S. military veterans, Buhman was among the first responders to Hurricane Sandy. Since the days immediately after the storm, Buhman, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, has spent at least 150 hours supervising and working alongside some 50 Team Rubicon volunteers. They cleared trees from approximately 20 private properties throughout Bucks, Chester and Montgomery counties. Buhman and his teams located and approached property owners who were identified on lists developed and maintained by county emergency managers. 

“It just seemed like there was always a need,” Buhman said. “Just when we thought we had covered all of the impacted homes in an area, we would hear from an organization such as the local United Way that more homes were identified.”

Buhman is one example of hundreds of engaged volunteers who have spent hours tirelessly helping after Hurricane Sandy. Many volunteers have assisted their neighbors by clearing debris, helping with reconstruction projects and providing emotional support here in Pennsylvania – as well as supporting residents in the bordering states of New York and New Jersey.

“Volunteers like Brian Buhman have been a vital piece of the recovery process since Hurricane Sandy,” said Commonwealth Coordinating Officer Glenn M. Cannon, with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.  

Many volunteers have been affiliated with member groups of Southeastern Pennsylvania Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (SEPA VOAD). SEPA VOAD coordinates planning efforts and matches community needs with services provided by its member agencies. This cooperative effort is an effective way for a wide variety of organizations to work together in a crisis. Team Rubicon USA is one of those organizations.

“Brian Buhman from Team Rubicon was fantastic and a great new addition to SEPA VOAD,” said Liberty Lutheran Services Volunteer Engagement and Disaster Response Co-coordinator Julia Menzo. “The impact of Buhman’s work has meant a lot to homeowners and all of us as Team Rubicon’s partners. The organization is bringing a great deal of trained volunteers to our region and they are able to provide leadership and help with assessments.”

Being involved in disaster response comes naturally to Buhman. “I like going out and helping. It’s part of being a veteran – we strive in these kinds of situations,” he said.

Team Rubicon USA is comprised of individuals just like Buhman. The organization unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. This activity provides veterans with a chance to continue serving by helping and empowering those afflicted by disasters. To learn more about Team Rubicon USA, see: TeamRubiconUSA.org/.

“Brian Buhman and others with Team Rubicon USA, as well as the multitude of individuals who responded to the needs of their neighbors after Hurricane Sandy, made vital contributions to the robust storm recovery still in process in Pennsylvania,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Thomas J. McCool.

The White House Champions of Change initiative highlights the extraordinary activity of Americans as they support their communities. Every week, “Champions of Change” finalists are invited to the White House to be acknowledged for their contributions and to share their ideas. To learn more about the “Champions of Change” program, see: WhiteHouse.gov/champions.

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. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion3.

 

See original article here: 

East Greenville Resident Visited the White House on Wednesday as a “Champions of Change” Finalist for Helping Pennsylvanians Recover from…

TRENTON, N.J. — FEMA, in conjunction with the National Oceanic 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 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 from FEMA and your local emergency management offices

and gather your family members and discuss the information to put in the plan. After the plan is in place, exchange contact information and make sure that it remains current.

As FEMA and other federal partners can support, individuals can contribute to preparing themselves and their community for severe weather in their area. After Sandy, countless New Jerseyans have given their time to helping strangers with anything 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.

Just as important, NOAA suggests that everyone not only be prepared but inspire others to do the same. NOAA’s “Be a Force of Nature” toolkit offers a variety of ways you can help spread the word among your friends and neighbors to always be prepared for severe weather.

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

For more information on New Jersey’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/SandyNJ, twitter.com/FEMASandy, facebook.com/FEMASandy and fema.gov/blog.

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.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Link: 

NOAA, FEMA Launch 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.

Original article – 

FEMA launches National Severe Weather Preparedness Week

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