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 “Spring in the Midwest can bring a heightened risk for severe
weather, so it’s even more critical for people to get ready now,”
said FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “Be
proactive, and engage your family, friends and neighbors in one of
the many simple ways to prepare for emergencies.” Sign up for
local alerts and warnings and check for access to wireless emergency
alerts. Visit your city and/or county website to find out if
they offer emergency alert notifications through their own systems.
You should also ensure your cell phone is enabled to receive
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) to warn you of extreme weather and
other emergencies in your area. Remember, warning sirens are
intended for outdoor notification. When indoors, your alert-enabled
smart phone or weather radio can provide you with critical alerts.
Download apps to get and stay prepared, such as:
- FEMA app. Access disaster safety tips, an emergency kit
list, emergency meeting location information, and a map with
open shelters. Text ANDROID or APPLE to 43362 (4FEMA) and
receive a link for download (standard data/message rates apply)
or go to the mobile site http://m.fema.gov and click STAY
CONNECTED then click ANDROID or APPLE.
- Red Cross app. Access information on first aid, disaster
risks and shelters. Visit www.redcross.org and click MOBILE APPS
(available in English and Spanish).
Develop and test emergency communications plans. Visit
www.Ready.gov/plan-for-your-risks for tips on how to ensure your
plan is as comprehensive as possible.
Assemble or update emergency supplies. Include drinking
water, a first-aid kit, canned food, a radio, flashlight and
blankets. Visit www.Ready.gov/build-a-kit for a disaster supply
checklist. Don’t forget to store additional supply kits in your
car and at the office too.
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Collect and safeguard critical documents. Make copies of important
documents (mortgage papers, deed, passport, bank information, etc.). Keep copies
in your home and store originals in a secure place outside the home, such as a
bank safe deposit box.
Document property and obtain appropriate insurance for relevant hazards.
Discuss with your insurance agent the risks that may threaten your home and the
types of coverage you may need to ensure your property is adequately insured.
Plan with neighbors to help each other and share resources. Once you have
a family plan in place, share it with your neighbors. Discuss ways you can help
each other in the event of an emergency.
America's PrepareAthon! is a grassroots campaign developed to encourage
individuals, organizations and communities to prepare for specific hazards
through drills, group discussions and exercises. More information about the ways
to participate and register is available at www.Ready.gov/prepare. For even more
readiness information, follow FEMA Region V at twitter.com/femaregion5 and
facebook.com/fema.
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.
[Federal Emergency Management Agency]
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