Participate in National Severe Weather Preparedness Week

Release date: MARCH 1, 2013
Release Number: R6-13-021
DENTON, Texas – Severe weather season is here. This is a perfect time of year to “Be a Force of Nature” and get ready for any type of disaster.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is excited to team up with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to help spread the word about preparedness during National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, which runs from March 3 – 9. It’s a nationwide effort designed to increase awareness about the severe weather that affects individuals, families and communities.

“Each year, many people are killed or seriously injured by tornadoes and other types of severe weather, despite advance warning. Last year, there were more than 450 weather-related deaths and nearly 2,600 injuries,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “We are encouraging people to take simple steps to ensure they and their families are ready for any type of disaster.”

These steps include:

•  Knowing Your Risk: Understand the type of hazardous weather situations that can affect where you live and work. Check the weather forecast regularly; obtain a NOAA weather radio; and sign up for localized alerts from emergency management officials.
• Take Action: Pledge to prepare at www.ready.gov/severe-weather. This includes developing a family communication plan; putting an emergency kit together; staying informed by listening to your local officials; and getting involved.
• Be An Example: Once you have taken action and pledged to prepare, share your story with your family and friends. Create a YouTube video, post your story on Facebook, comment on a blog or send a tweet.

More preparedness information and ideas can be found at www.weather.gov, www.ready.gov-severe-weather or the Spanish-language site www.listo.gov.
                 
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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