Take Action During National Severe Weather Preparedness Week
March 2 to March 8 is Severe Weather Preparedness Week 2014 and throughout the country, the public is encouraged to ready themselves for tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and other serious weather conditions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are urging businesses and families to know their level of risk, take action to prepare, and share information with others.
Last year, 43 states were hit by a total of 903 tornadoes. With some proactive effort, workplaces can reduce loss and improve their ability to recover from this type of natural disaster.
“With the devastation of last year’s tornadoes fresh in our minds and springtime almost here, I urge individuals to become weather-ready now,” said Dr. Louis Uccellini, director of the NOAA National Weather Service.
NOAA and FEMA have advised individuals to take advantage of technology by signing up for weather alerts and regularly checking forecasts. In 2013, millions of life-saving alerts were received on cell phones nationwide. These text-like messages are geographically targeted weather warnings that allow people to take action. Individuals can also inspire others to prepare by providing tips via social media networks.
Prepare your workplace for severe weather by developing an emergency action plan, educating employees, and stocking appropriate supplies. FEMA recommends putting together an emergency kit with plenty of food, water, flashlights and batteries, a radio, first aid kits, and other safety supplies that will be useful if disaster strikes.