Prepare to Protect

Proper planning before an emergency can save lives

by Pam Forrester, Federal Emergency Management Association

“Prepared, Not Scared.” “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make a Plan.” “Prepare to Protect.”

These were the past themes for the Federal Emergency Management Asso- ciation’s (FEMA’s) Disaster Preparedness Month each September. These themes have one idea in common: To prepare ahead for a disaster is to protect everyone you love. These are important messages for municipalities, businesses and families to follow as Mother Nature’s wrath and human-caused disasters wreak havoc across the country and in our backyards.

Updating plans for businesses, homes, schools, churches and families helps lessen the impact before a disaster strikes.

“Disasters and emergencies can occur anytime, anywhere, often without warning, and so the key to protecting our communities is to be prepared,” said Florida League of Cities President Phillip Walker, Commissioner for the City of Lakeland. “To protect those within our communities, municipalities must also be prepared and educate our residents about preparedness.”

In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York City’s Twin Towers and the Pentagon in Washington D.C., 20 years ago, the Department of Homeland Security began urging all citizens to prepare for emergencies and disasters. In 2003, the Ready campaign and Ready.gov website were created as a public service to educate and empower people to prepare and respond to emergencies. With resources and checklists, the website guides businesses and families to prepare for unforeseen disasters. Dozens of links lead to information on how anyone can ready themselves for specific disasters, from hurricanes in the Southeast to earthquakes in other parts of the United States. They provide details and a starting point for conversations in the workplace with employees or at home with children.

Gracia Szczech, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 4, said, “By planning and preparing before a disaster happens, you are protecting and safeguarding your family and property, minimizing the impact of an incident and positioning yourself to recover more quickly.”

After a disaster, transportation and commerce may be interrupted, so everyone is encouraged to have at least three days of supplies on hand for every household member. Prepare for any special needs, and have medications on hand and items for pets.

For business owners, having a business continuity plan in place before a disaster can be the difference between a quick recovery and delays in reopening. Businesses that are prepared for emergencies are great examples to their employees and the community. Encouraging employees to be prepared at home and work allows them to assist in recovery efforts and makes the community more resilient.

Jeff Partin, Director of Corporate Security, Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity, The Home Depot, said, “We in the private sector have the capacity to leverage existing resources within our organizations to support community recovery efforts in a wide variety of emergency situations.”

Emergency or disaster scenarios come in all forms and, in many cases, with little or no warning. As a result, preparation in a collaborative and effective manner is crucial to community response, Partin said. “Taking the time before an emergency to acknowledge that conditions may not be ideal every day and taking steps to better prepare your people and organizations is crucial in supporting our communities,” he said.

Hurricanes, flooding, fires, tornadoes and terrorist attacks can upend lives in an instant and leave no time to prepare. Learn basic preparedness tips and best practices to keep your municipality, residents, family and business safe when the next disaster strikes. Go to Ready.gov for tips on how to write a business continuity plan and a checklist for a family emergency kit.

Pam Forrester is a Public Affairs Specialist at FEMA.

Graphic courtesy of FEMA

PREPARATION TIPS TO SHARE WITH YOUR RESIDENTS

Put an emergency plan together by discussing these areas with your family, friends or household members:

▸ How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?

▸ What is my sheltering plan?

▸ What is my evacuation route?

▸ What is my family/household communication plan?

▸ Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?

Also, check information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (bit.ly/3DXCvjo), and update emergency plans due to coronavirus. Get masks (for everyone over 2 years old) and disinfectants, and check your sheltering plan.

Emergencies and disasters can be scary to children, so include them in the planning as well. Make it fun for the whole family. Ready.gov/kids offers games and introduces Pedro the Penguin to teach kids to be prepared.

Graphic courtesy of FEMA