September is National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month which serves as a reminder for us to prepare ourselves and our families for disasters. Though the Mid-Atlantic Hurricane Season, June 1st until November 30th, peaks soon, forecasters warn that tropical cyclones can form at any time, thus we should always be prepared!

As the City of Portsmouth’s Emergency Management staff are currently tracking Hurricane Florence, which some models show could make landfall in or greatly impact Hampton Roads later next week, citizens and businesses are urged to get ready now and be prepared.

FEMA’s theme for National Preparedness Month is linked here: Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How. Please click the link to the website and use this resource to help you prepare. Remember to:

– Make a Kit of emergency and battery-operated supplies, food, water, medications, hygiene items, cash money, etc.;

– Make a Plan of how you will direct and communicate with your family members during and after the storm, how you will secure lawn items, how you will function if you lose power, etc.; and

– Stay Informed and tuned in to the local news media before, during, and after all weather events so that you will know the forecast, heed all warnings and directions from emergency management officials, etc. (Also, please take the time to investigate all of the “etc.” items and actions that will be important as part of your personal preparations!)