Be ready for disasters

OPINION

By MaryAnn Tierney

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Jan. 12, 2012

To the Editor:

2011 was an important reminder to all of us that disasters strike anytime, anyplace. Regionally, we have felt those devastating effects firsthand. As we recover from last year’s disasters, we prepare to continually protect our communities for future emergency events. Our goal is to empower all residents to become their own emergency manager through simple steps such as getting a kit, making a plan and staying informed.

Last summer, our region experienced disasters of significant proportion. The severe impact of Hurricane Irene, Tropical Storm Lee and the Mid-Atlantic earthquake thrust our recovery efforts into motion in record volume. However, each disaster was met head-on by local, state, and federal partners ready to work together with the public’s safety and best interest in our minds and hearts.

Ultimately, it proved that we all are vulnerable to these hazards, no matter where we live. And preparing for them at the last minute can often be too little, too late.

We all want the peace of mind of knowing that our families, our homes and our businesses are safe and protected. While we can’t control where or when the next flood, tornado, earthquake or other disaster will hit, we can take responsibility for preparing our loved ones and properties for emergencies.

We’re encouraging all Americans to do their part to be prepared by Resolving to be Ready for disasters in 2012. It’s a New Year’s resolution that is easy to keep — and could save your life.

Make a family emergency communications plan with your family. How would you contact your child if their school was locked down? Where would you meet your family if cell phone towers were down? Simply take a moment to sit down with your family and come up with a plan to deal with these kinds of scenarios.

Build an emergency kit for your home, office and car. What if the roads were so bad that you had to stay at the office overnight? It would be helpful to have spare food, clothes and medications at your desk. Treat yourself to a shopping trip dedicated to building a few emergency kits. You can find a list of suggested items on Ready.gov.

Stay informed of risks in your community. In this region in particular, we experience events such as floods, hurricanes, tropical storms and snow. Recognizing that it takes the whole community to implement all-inclusive emergency management, kind acts such as checking in on friends and neighbors that might need extra assistance during disasters could make a world of difference.

Take the pledge or learn more information at ready.gov/pledge.

MaryAnn Tierney
Regional Administrator,
Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Region III office