March is Severe Weather, Flood & Tsunami safety, as well as american Red cross Month!

Recommended Preparedness Actions


Have you ever heard of national disaster preparation month? Yes, it's in September, but with a new year just getting started why wait until September to start your preparations. Between now and then there will be more rain, snow run off and potential severe weather that could cause serious damage and injuries. Below is a clip from an article posted by FEMA  regarding their plan for 2015 preparedness suggestions.

     Since the tragedy of September 11, 2001, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/FEMA has significantly increased the emphasis on educating individuals on how to prepare for disasters by using the national platform of the Ready campaign, grassroots outreach through local Citizen Corps Councils, and coordination with states, territories, tribes, local communities, and other partners across the country. The Ready.gov website serves as FEMA’s clearinghouse for personal preparedness information and organizes this information into four categories. 
1. Be Informed: Know local/community risks and community systems and plans, participate in preparedness training, and practice response skills by participating in drills. 
2. Make a Plan: Develop a household emergency plan and discuss it with household members. 
3. Build a Kit: Set aside and maintain supplies one may need in disasters. 
4. Get Involved: Find local opportunities to volunteer for community safety and disaster response and be a part of the community planning process. 
     In addition, FEMA works with all partners to promote mitigation measures to help reduce the impact of disasters on individuals and property. 

March is also Redcross month, take the time to donate in some way, blood, time, products or money is always needed and the best time to get involved is when we're not in crisis!
  
Helpful links
Idaho Flood Preparation (Bureau of Homeland Security)
 http://bhs.idaho.gov/Pages/Preparedness/Hazards/NaturalHazards/Flood.aspx

FEMA (Plan , Prepare, Mitigate)
 http://www.fema.gov/safer-stronger-protected-homes-communities

Ready 2015 (online toolkits & information to prepare)
 http://www.ready.gov/ready2015

Redcross
 http://www.redcross.org/

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