Hurricane Preparedness Week
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Empower yourself this Hurricane Preparedness Week! Stay ahead of the storm with knowledge and readiness, because safety starts at home.
Kick off your hurricane readiness plan on May 1, the start of Hurricane Preparedness Week! This special week has been part of our national calendar since the early 1980s, decided upon by the National Weather Service to raise awareness and promote proactive measures ahead of the hurricane season. While hurricanes may evoke dread, this week serves as a beacon of preparedness, encouraging everyone to empower themselves with knowledge of what to do when a storm hits. So, let's roll up those sleeves and get ready – because staying safe begins at home, and a storm-ready household contributes to a storm-ready nation!
Essentials such as water, canned food, batteries, flashlights and medicines should be packed and ready at all times. Make sure to check your supply kit once a year during Hurricane Preparedness Week to replace expired items and add any necessities you may have missed.
Map out the safest evacuation routes from your home and have a mock drill with your family. Practice makes perfect. Becoming familiar with your plan will lessen panic if a real evacuation order is issued.
This could include your local emergency management office, law enforcement agency, public health agency and power company. Take time during this week to ensure you have these necessary numbers on hand and saved into your phone.
Dedicate time to evaluate your home’s structural integrity. Make sure all doors and windows have secure locks and functioning shutters, and any loose items outside the home that can become projectiles in high winds are safely stowed away.
Encourage friends and neighbors to get hurricane-ready too. Sharing information and resources will strengthen your entire community’s resilience in the face of a storm and foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual aid.
Perhaps the most important reason we love Hurricane Preparedness Week is because it prioritizes our safety. The activities and information are designed to help us protect ourselves, our families, and our homes in case of a hurricane. This holiday aligns with the belief that safety comes first.
Hurricane Preparedness Week encourages community engagement and collaboration. The mobilization of neighborhoods around shared goals is both beneficial and empowering. By sharing information and resources on how to get ready for a storm, we strengthen the resilience of our entire community and foster a spirit of mutual aid.
Awareness is key when it comes to emergency preparedness. This special week promotes proactive actions like practicing evacuation drills, organizing emergency supply kits, and securing homes, instead of leaving things to chance. It reminds us that preparation is one of the most effective ways to mitigate the potential damage and stress caused by a hurricane.