Even though the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season, which forecasters had predicted would be more active than normal, has turned out to be something of a dud so far…. that’s no reason to consider it over! Today marks the statistical “peak day” for the season which runs from June 1st to November 30th. We’re saying, ACTSmart – Be Prepared! All month long we’ll be posting preparedness tips and information on Facebook as well as on our GoAmerican.com web site.
We’re including business, family and even pet tips, many that we found when we signed up at Ready.gov. which FEMA has created to help citizens “Plan, Prepare and Stay Informed.” We’ve joined the National Preparedness Community whose mission is to “harness the power of every individual through education, training, and volunteer service to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to the threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues, and disasters of all kinds.”
Anyone can join and it’s FREE – simply go to Ready.gov and click on the “Pledge To Prepare” button where you’ll fill out a simple form with your email address and geographic location. Signing up will get you access to exclusive resources, regional groups, national forms, and updates from FEMA and emergency management personnel. If you sign up for their monthly news email, they keep you informed about all types of Ready.gov-related issues and send them directly to you via email.
It’s not just for hurricane season either – the information is timely and relevant for:
- Basic Disaster Supplies Kit recommended items
- FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN
- CARING FOR ANIMALS DURING AN EMERGENCY
- Business Continuity Planning
- KIDS Activities including “Call a Family Meeting and Make a Plan!”
One “disaster” tip that we’re formulating into a company policy is “Communications during and after a disaster.” A common problem during and after a disaster is lack of power, phone and internet communication lines. Our new policy is that we will also communicate via Facebook and Twitter with our clients. All clients will be receiving our emergency communications procedure so they’ll know how to reach us and how we’ll communicate with them in the event of a “communications out” situation. It’s a great policy for every business and every family to consider putting in place.
