Be Disaster Aware – Take Action to Prepare!

Dear Friend,

As summer comes to an end, the month of September – National Preparedness Month – is an important reminder for Delawareans to be disaster aware and prepare for the unexpected. We Delawareans are no stranger to the wrath of severe weather, and as a coastal state it’s critical that we take hurricane season seriously. Although natural and manmade disasters can happen unexpectedly, being prepared can help protect lives and property.

Last week, I joined officials from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security, DelDOT, Delaware Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the American Red Cross at the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center in Georgetown to remind Delawareans about the importance of being prepared. After hearing from federal and state officials, I had the opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art operations facility and meet with some of our heroic First State first responders.

Here are some tips from FEMA and the American Red Cross to help your family prepare and be ready for the unexpected when disaster strikes:

Be Informed. Knowing what to do before, during and after an emergency is a critical part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count.

Make a Plan. Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes so it is important to plan in advance: how you will get to a safe place; how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations.

Build a Kit. Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You will probably not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them.

Get Involved. There are many ways to get involved especially before a disaster occurs.  The whole community can participate in programs and activities to make their families, homes and communities safer from risks and threats.

Sincerely,

Tom Carper