Governor McAuliffe sets September as National Preparedness Month in Virginia

Governor Terry McAuliffe has recognized September as National Preparedness Month in Virginia, calling on families, business owners and communities to take specific steps to be ready for emergencies.

“Most Virginians know they should be prepared for emergencies, but they haven’t completed an emergency plan or participated in an exercise or drill to test their plan,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “It’s never too late to get ready, so I encourage all our people to take at least one action during September to make sure our families, businesses and communities are prepared for the next emergency.”

Among the most important actions people can take toward disaster preparedness are:

• Practice going to your protected place to be safe from tornadoes.

o   Know what to do and where to go when a tornado warning is issued for your area:http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/stay-informed/tornadoes/preparingfortornadoes

o   Get a NOAA Weather Radio to hear tornado warnings issued directly by the National Weather Service.

• Sign up for text alerts/weather warnings that may be offered by your locality.

• Download the free Ready Virginia app for iPhone® and Android™.  Features:
  • Weather warnings issued for your location by the National Weather Service
  • A customizable emergency plan that can be easily shared with family and friends
  • A checklist for gathering emergency supplies

• Create a family emergency communications plan.
  • Decide how and where everyone will meet up with each other if separated
  • Choose an out-of-town emergency contact for your family and give that person’s phone number to each family member
  • Make a sheet of emergency contacts and post it in visible places in your home and workplace.  Don’t rely on your smart phone or online contact lists.
  • Get a free emergency plan worksheet at www.ReadyVirginia.gov or www.ListoVirginia.gov or use the new Ready Virginia app.

• Talk to an insurance agent about flood insurance.
  • Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding; renters and business owners also can get flood insurance.
  • Just one inch of water in a mid-size home or office can mean $20,000 in repairs.
  • Go to www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419 for more information.

People with disabilities or access and functional needs may need to take additional steps.  Plan how to handle power outages and/or being asked to evacuate.  See www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/getakit/disabilities

This year, National Preparedness Month features a day set aside specifically for taking actions to get prepared for emergencies.  September 30 has been designated America’s PrepareAthon! Day.  To sign up for America’s PrepareAthon! go to www.ready.gov/prepare and register how you will take action to prepare in September.