Make your community stronger by getting trained and getting involved.
Connect with an isolated individual in your neighborhood or champion a neighborhood organization. Isolated individuals are more vulnerable during and after a disaster; they are less likely to ask for help or follow emergency instructions. Establish contact now, before disaster strikes. Then make it your mission to check on that person when an emergency arises. Help them prepare for a tropical storm, pick up some extra supplies for them, make sure they have a safe place to weather the storm, and contact them after the event to see if they need help. Promote emergency preparedness in your community. Scout troops, service clubs, residential associations, communities of faith — almost any organization you belong to can become a partner in emergency preparedness. Follow Emergency Management’s postings on social media (look for NassauEM on Facebook, Twitter, and GooglePlus) and “share” or “re-tweet” official emergency messages so more people will be reached with accurate information when time to take action is critical. Become an active volunteer! There are many places to volunteer locally (CERT, Citizen Corps, Neighborhood Watch, etc.) Emergency Management, police, and fire departments often use volunteers to help with special projects, events, and community programs. If you have a few hours a month and think you would like to help at the Nassau County Emergency Operations Center, contact [email protected] or call 548-0900 and ask for the Emergency Management Volunteer Coordinator. We have lots of ways you can get involved before and after a disaster. Next month is National Preparedness Month – the theme is “Don’t Wait. Communicate! Make your emergency plan today.”
Now is the time to be sure you can communicate during emergencies. Have up-to-date contact information for those you may need to get in touch with during or after a disaster. Establish alternate methods of communication in case traditional means are not available.
Making a family emergency communication plan is a great way to prepare for disasters, but testing your plan is even better! Make certain everyone is familiar with how to respond. It’s one of the 10 Ways to Participate in America’s PrepareAthon!
In addition to the overall theme, each week in September will address a hazard preparedness topic: Flood, Wildfire, Hurricane, and Long-Term Power Outage.
Individuals, families, organizations, and businesses are encouraged to use America’s PrepareAthon! materials, available at www.ready.gov/prepare