Now is the time to get ready. September is recognized as National Preparedness Month and serves as a reminder for people to prepare for disasters and weather events most likely to impact their community.
This year many communities across the country have experienced more intense storms, heavier rain, higher temperatures, severe droughts, and record-setting wildfires.
“For the past two years, COVID-19 has significantly disrupted our lives, so take the time to reassess and readdress your preparedness plans and see if they are still applicable to the life changes you have experienced or your current life,” said Stephanie Murphy, Tidal Basin Vice President of Preparedness, Resiliency, and Emergency Management.
This year’s theme is A Lasting Legacy: The life you’ve built is worth protecting. Therefore, Tidal Basin recommends you make readiness a priority this month and create a lasting legacy for you and your family.
Tidal Basin has created this video series which features various subject matter experts sharing their preparedness plans for the disasters that impact their communities.
Week 1: Wildfire Preparedness
Allen Davis, Director of Recovery
Additional links:
- Wildfire Resource Center
- Ready.gov wildfire resources
- Smokey Bear
- Create a Clean Room (EPA)
- American Red Cross wildfire safety resources
Week 2: Hurricane Preparedness
Luis Avila,Vice President, Mitigation
Additional links:
- Hurricane Resource Center
- National Weather Service Hurricane Preparedness Week
- National Storm Surge Hazard Mapsto determine your vulnerability
- CDC Hurricanes& other tropical storms
- American Red Cross hurricane safety resources
- Ready.gov hurricane resources
Week 3: Flooding Preparedness
Ashlee Delventhal, Senior Director of Preparedness, Resiliency, and Emergency Management
Additional links:
- Adjusting Today Issue Flooding: Everyone is Exposed, Few are Insured, But New Options Entice
- Protective Actions Research for Flood
- Flood Insurance Facts
- National FloodInsurance Program (NFIP)
- How to Prepare for a Flood
- Your Homeowners Insurance Does Not Cover Flood
Week 4: Hurricane Preparedness (Spanish)
Maria Judith Amador, directora senior de mitigación
Recursos adicionales:
Week 5: Tornado Preparedness
Jacob Gray, Senior Director of Mitigation
Additional links:
- Tornado Preparedness Center
- National Weather Service Tornado Safety
- Protective Actions Research for Tornado
- American Red Cross Tornado Resources
Additional Resources from the American Red Cross
How to get ready
Help keep your family safe during disasters by taking three simple actions:
- Get a Kit
- Make a Plan
- Be Informed.
First, build youremergency kitwith a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants or pets, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.
Next,planwhat to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and what to do if you have to evacuate. Coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plans.Do not forget to include your pets. Remember, if you and your family need to evacuate, so does your pet. Plan in advance to know which pet-friendly hotels are in your area, and where your pets can stay in an emergency situation.
Finally, plan tostay informedby finding out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.
