For those of us who live in Florida all year, it seems we are constantly in ‘preparedness’ mode. My guess is this is a common concern as we reside in a state which is under the threat of hurricanes and tropical activity six months of the year.
Whether thinking about hurricane season looming around the corner, or watching tropical storms and depression and general cyclonic activity on our coasts, it is a fearful, but familiar feeling which normally subsides by the end of November, when the season finally concludes.
We were reminded of all this last month when Hurricane Debby trekked across Central Florida, with heavy rain and tornadic activity and winds of nearly 40 mph in Osceola County and Central Florida.
With Debbie having come and gone, and still three months left before the season ends, how should we prepare? Coincidentally, September is National Preparedness Month (NPM), so let us talk about the importance of being prepared.
Incepted in 2004 (in the midst of four major storms affecting Florida) and now in its 20th year, NPM is observed each September. Sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the initiative encourages Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies in communities across the country.
To better strengthen our country’s preparedness capabilities, NPM sets goals to promote prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery efforts for both family and community, disaster planning.
“National Preparedness Month encourages us all to prepare for emergencies in our homes, businesses, and even schools,” said Dr. Johnola Morales, Osceola Council on Aging’s Chief of Staff. “Throughout the month, FEMA works to raise awareness through public education, outreach campaigns and dissemination of information to better respond to emergencies, including natural disasters.”
As of 2016, a National Household Survey revealed more than 75% of Americans reported having supplies set aside in their homes for disasters, but less than 50% had a household emergency plan.
With that said, NPM encourages creating emergency supply kits, making logistical, family emergency plans, and being trained in community preparedness and response efforts.
Other steps include:
- Teaching youth about disasters and emergency preparedness.
- Creating a family communication plan.
- Practicing emergency drills and exercises.
- Staying connected with community, emergency alerts.
- Documenting and insuring all property.
- Safeguarding valuables.
- Planning with neighbors.
- Knowing evacuation routes.
Further, businesses are encouraged to document all property and equipment, back up critical information, train staff in emergencies, and create a response team. One of the most important guidelines, according to NPM, is to safeguard your residence, whether it be general weather proofing, reinforcement of doors and windows, or pruning large trees.
Similarly, the Osceola Council on Aging hosts a home rehabilitation program which offers general repairs, maintenance, and weatherization projects to support safeguarding homes. A related program, CHORE (Citizens Helping Officials Respond to Emergencies), is designed to also support properties owned and occupied by local Veterans, elderly citizens, and disabled and/or low-income families.
The home rehabilitation program, together with CHORE, works to improve accessibility and safety for both the interior and exterior. Projects can include yardwork, simple household maintenance, and the installation of safety devices and ramps for disabled clients. Overall, these programs help support residents to become better prepared for unexpected and dangerous weather emergencies.
For more information on NPM, or to order preparedness materials, go to https://www.ready.gov/be-informed. For information on the OCOA’s home rehabilitation program, or CHORE, call 407-846-8532; go to www.osceolagenerations.org/home-rehabilitation, or email info@osceola-coa.com.
So, in moving forward, let us all pray for the best, in that we have no additional hurricanes this season, but prepare for the worst, and take National Preparedness Month, seriously.
