Governor Ivey Emphasizes Preparedness Starts at Home as Alabama Observes National Preparedness Month –

MONTGOMERY – With September designated as “National Preparedness Month,” Governor Kay Ivey is looking on Alabamians to take proactive steps now to safeguard their households earlier than catastrophe strikes.

“Alabama is no stranger to Mother Nature in all shapes, forms and sizes. From hurricanes to tornadoes, we’ve seen it all,” stated Governor Ivey. “I have always believed in having a plan, and I’ve got one. Every Alabama family should, too. Preparedness saves lives, and it makes our communities stronger when challenges come our way.”

This summer season, Governor Ivey joined the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) in Clanton to chop the ribbon on the newly renovated State Emergency Operations Center. With know-how upgrades, improved communication techniques and built-in redundancies, the ability ensures Alabama is supplied to reply rapidly and successfully, each at dwelling and when catastrophe strikes our neighbors.

AEMA Director Jeff Smitherman added, “National Preparedness Month is the time to ensure your family’s safety and preparedness before disaster strikes. Start now by taking an inventory of your supplies and updating your emergency and communications plans. Alabama’s weather can be unpredictable, but being prepared creates resilience among neighbors. The Alabama Emergency Management Agency has made steps towards its resilience with major renovations to the building and State Emergency Operations Center to include technology and communication upgrades and redundancy.”

This yr’s theme, “Preparedness Starts at Home,” serves as a reminder to be taught in regards to the dangers in your space, create a household emergency plan, assemble a go-kit with important provides and get entangled in your group by taking actions to organize.

AEMA recommends that each dwelling have a fundamental emergency Go-Kit together with the next:

• Water and non-perishable meals to final for a number of days
• Cell telephone with climate/information apps, in addition to moveable battery chargers
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio able to receiving NOAA Weather Radio alerts in addition to native information broadcasts
• Flashlight with additional batteries
• First assist equipment
• Toiletries and rubbish luggage
• Prescription drugs and glasses
• Sleeping bag or heat blanket for every particular person
• Sturdy footwear or boots

Equally vital, households ought to determine evacuation routes, know close by shelters and talk their plans to a trusted contact exterior the catastrophe space.

Governor Ivey will formally signal the National Preparedness Month proclamation later this month.

“Alabamians never hesitate to lend a helping hand. We’ve proven that time and time again, and I am proud of our record of service,” stated Governor Ivey. “Most recently, we were ready to send support to our neighbors in the Carolinas, Florida and Texas. At the same time, we must make sure we are just as ready here at home. Preparedness is key to keeping Alabama safe and strong.”

For extra data on constructing a plan and getting ready your family, go to www.ready.gov or ema.alabama.gov.

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