FEMA, NOAA Launch National Severe Weather Preparedness Week
March 3-6, 2013
The past few years have been an important reminder to all of us that severe weather can strike anytime and anyplace. Nearly every region of the country experienced some form of extreme weather, from hurricanes to snowstorms to tornadoes, and even historic derecho, a rare and violent line of thunderstorms.
Each year, many people are killed or seriously injured by severe weather despite advance warning. In 2012, there were more than 450 weather-related fatalities and nearly 2, 600 injuries nationwide. Tornadoes struck 46 states, caused over $1.6 billion in damage and nearly 70 fatalities. There were more that 935 tornadoes in 2012, with 206 in April alone. Severe weather knows no boundaries and affects every individual. It is time for bold preparedness actions.
The DC Baptist Emergency Response Team, FEMA and the NOAA have partnered to highlight the importance of making severe weather preparedness a nationwide priority.
We want all the peace of mind of knowing that our families, friends, homes, churches and businesses are safe and protected from threats of any kind. And while we can't control where or when the next disaster will hit, we can take responsibility for preparing ourselves and loved ones for emergencies.
As we reflect on the tragic weather events of the past, we're calling on you to Be a Force of Nature. Knowing your risk, taking action and being an example for others are just a few steps you can take to be better prepared and assist in saving lives.
Join us in becoming A Force of Nature, by Pledging to Prepare and follow these steps before severe weather affects your area:
Know Your Risk: the first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly and visit ready.gov/severe-weather to learn more.
Pledge and Take Action: Pledge to develop an emergency plan based on your local weather hazards and practice how and where to take shelter before a severe event. Post the plan in your home, business, and/or church. Put an emergency kit together for your home and car and keep important papers and valuables in a safe place. Download FEMA's mobile app so you can access important safety tips on what to do before and during severe weather. Understand the weather warning system and become a certified storm spotter through the National Weather Service.
Be an Example: Once you have taken action, tell your family, friends and co-workers about how they can prepare. Share the resources and alert systems you discovered through your social media network.
Building a weather-ready nation requires the action of each and every one of us. A weather ready nation is building community resilience in the face of increasing vulnerability to extreme weather and water events. Pledge to be prepared, plan to act and encourage your community to Be a Force of Nature!
