There's No Reward in Taking the Risk: Be Prepared

Luis Alvarez

Despite news coverage of extreme weather, most Americans aren’t prepared for disasters, yet we have all seen the stories of families whose lives have been torn apart because of a weather-related disaster. But rather than use these reminders to brush up on their family emergency plans or prepare for disasters that might impact their communities, not enough Americans are taking action. In fact, a recent survey conducted by FEMA found that nearly 60 percent of Americans have not participated in an emergency drill at their school, home or workplace in the past year.

America’s PrepareAthon!SM is a grassroots campaign focused on activating families, businesses, organizations, schools, and houses of worship to prepare for emergencies through hazard-specific group discussions, drills and exercises.

Here are 10 ways individuals and organizations can participate:

1. Sign up for local alerts and warnings, download apps, and/or check access for wireless emergency alerts.
2. Develop and test emergency communications plans.
3. Assemble or update emergency supplies.
4. Learn about local hazards and conduct a drill to practice emergency response actions.
5. Participate in a preparedness discussion, training or class.
6. Collect and safeguard critical documents.
7. Document property insurance and obtain appropriate insurance for relevant hazards.
8. Make property improvements to reduce potential injury and property damage (mitigation).
9. Hold a scenario-based continuity of operations tabletop exercise for your organization.
10. Plan with neighbors to help each other and share resources.

 

For more information, visit the America’s PrepareAthon! website at ready.gov/prepare and join the millions of people participating in the spring National PrepareAthon! Day on April 30.