“Today is the first day of National Preparedness Month - NPM 2017! At daybreak, the remnants of Tropical Depression Harvey finally exited Shelby County leaving behind 4 inches of rain, downed trees, wind gusts, flash flooding, school closings, and thousands without power,” said Dale Lane, Director Shelby County Office of Preparedness. “We are reminded here (and in Texas and Louisiana), that disasters can happen anywhere - any time. The NPM 2017 theme is, Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can. Your preparedness efforts, having awareness of what can happen, having a plan and resources are keys to your survival.”
The Shelby County Office of Preparedness, in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, invites and encourages you to start (or restart) your preparedness journey this month. Visit www.ready.gov and learn about the 2017 weekly preparedness themes. The topics include:
Week 1: September 1-9 Plan for Yourself, Family and Friends
Week 2: September 10-16 Plan to Help Your Neighbors and Community
Week 3: September 17-23 Practice and Build Out Your Plans
Week 4: September 24-30 Get Involved! Be a Part of Something Larger
NPM 2017 Preparedness Tips:
- Plan for every hazard. Don’t forget the pets. Practice your plan twice a year
- Set up emergency alerts on mobile devices
- Have 2 ways to receive emergency communications (cell phone and NOAA radio)
- Know how to evacuate or shelter-in-place at a moment’s notice
- Build disaster kits to sustain you and your pets for 7 days (one for home, work, and auto)
- Create a digital home inventory with photos, videos, and serial numbers
- Check insurance coverage. Consider purchasing flood insurance (www.floodsmart.gov)
- Fill out the Financial Emergency First Aid Kit and update it annually
Resources:www.ready.gov and www.staysafeshelby.us