WASHINGTON, D.C. – A recent Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) survey found that nearly 60 percent of American adults have not practiced what to do in a disaster by participating in a disaster drill or preparedness exercise at work, school, or home in the past year.
With the number and severity of weather-related disasters on the rise, the America’s PrepareAthon! is an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and communities to take action to prepare for specific hazards through group discussions, drills, and exercises.
“When it comes to preparedness, practice makes perfect,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “America’s PrepareAthon! is about taking action now to better prepare yourself, your family, and your community to be ready to respond to these events before they occur.”
America’s PrepareAthon! is a national community-based campaign that provides free, easy-to-use guides, checklists, and resources to get more people to take action to prepare every day.
On April 30, individuals, families, workplaces, schools and organizations came together to practice simple actions to stay safe before, during, and after emergencies relevant to their area.
Examples include:
– Sign up for local text alerts and warnings and download weather apps to your smartphone.
– Develop an emergency communication plan for your family. This will help you be in touch if a disaster strikes and family members are in different locations.
– Collect important documents and keep them in a safe place. This will help you evacuate without delay and get back on track after the disaster passes.
– Gather emergency supplies. Pack a “go bag” to evacuate quickly and have supplies in the home to be safe without water or power.
For additional information about the campaign, visit ready.gov/prepare.
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