The impact that Hurricane Harvey had on the state of Texas last year shed light on the dangerous conditions that hurricanes and tropical storms can produce. In an effort to keep the community best prepared in the event of a disaster, we encourage residents to start planning and preparing now.
September is National Preparedness Month(NPM) and reminds us how we can prepare ourselves and our families throughout the year in case of an emergency. The 2018 NPM awareness campaign focuses on an overarching theme: Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How. Each week throughout the month the campaign will focus on different objectives to help you plan ahead for an emergency.
In emergency situations your first thought will be your family and friends. Building and practicing an emergency communication plan, preparing an emergency Go Bag, and identifying the resources you will need can help ensure you and your loved ones are safe. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) advises all Americans to have some basic supplies on hand if an emergency occurs: water, non-perishable food, and a first aid kit. Other essential items to consider would be a battery-powered radio, battery packs for cell phones and laptops, a flashlight, a whistle, moist towelettes and other hygiene products. Individuals should also consider having at least two emergency Go Bags, one full kit at home and smaller portable kits in their workplace, vehicle or other places they spend time. Do not forget your pets when planning for emergencies and be sure to include supplies for them in your Go Bag.
Receiving timely and accurate information about weather conditions or other emergency events can also make the difference in knowing when to take action to be safe. The City recommends following Schertz.com and the City’s official Facebook page regularly; in the instance an emergency or severe weather event occurs, notifications will be communicated on these platforms. Additionally the City partners with the Regional Emergency Alert Network (REAN) which sends out text, email, and/or phone call notifications to subscribers when an emergency is impacting their area.
