National Hurricane Preparedness Week wraps up | Weather

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are partners in promoting National Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 27-June 2, 2012. During this week, they are calling upon citizens living in parts of the country vulnerable to hurricanes and severe weather to Be a Force of Nature.

The Ohio Emergency Management Agency joined the Force of Nature coalition last month. Emergency managers, businesses, volunteer organizations and households are also encouraged to Be a Force of Nature and help spread the word about severe weather preparedness to their employees, students and family members.

Although the Buckeye State isn’t directly impacted by hurricanes, Ohioans can use this time to prepare for seasonal weather such as tornadoes, strong winds, thunderstorms, flash flooding and extreme heat.

Recent studies show that many people use social media in the event of a disaster to inform others of the incident, and of their well-being. This is an important trend because people are most likely to take preparedness steps if they observe others taking preparations. All Ohioans can pledge to prepare and Be a Force of Nature by taking the following steps:

Know Your Risks: Understand how spring and summer severe weather can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact your household. When you understand your risks, you are more apt to know how to prepare. Check the weather forecast regularly, sign up for local alerts from emergency management officials, and purchase a NOAA Weather Radio.

Take Action: Develop emergency and family communication plans. Know what to do for every weather incident and home emergency (including fires) that impact your family. Know the difference between a storm watch and a storm warning. Practice your plans by performing emergency drills. Include developing an evacuation plan if your area is prone to flooding. Include your county emergency management agency’s contact information in your plans.

Be an Example: Download FEMA’s mobile app to access important safety tips on what to do before, during and after severe weather and significant incidents. Share severe weather preparedness steps with friends and family by posting your stories or videos on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Visit www.ready.gov for additional information.

Be a Force of Nature and learn more about severe weather and emergency preparedness by visiting the Ohio EMA website at www.ema.ohio.gov.