Another hurricane season is here, and like some before, it’s predicted to be an active one with quite a number of named storms, some projected to hit the US.

For years we’ve heard Have a kit, have a plan, but what kind of kit? are kits really useful? and what kind of plan? what are the considerations? what should I actually DO in a hurricane?

As a short answer to that last question, we put together a short list of things you should do if a hurricane is headed your way. Keep in mind though that this is an intro list. You’ll find the link to the full article below.

For now we’ll assume that you’re not in a coastal area, you’re not under mandatory evacuation orders, and that you’ve decided to stay and shelter in place. so, we’ll start by saying that under certain circumstances it is possible to ride out the storm safely, if you know how to R.E.A.C.T.:

Reinforcement – Have you prepared your home structurally in advance, even if it’s just shutters?

Equipment – do you have all the supplies you’ll need on hand, or are you waiting for the last minute?

Awareness – do you have a way to track the storm, and do you have a way for others to track you?

Cautions – are you aware of the various risks involved in staying in place in a hurricane?

Timeline – You’ll need to do a few things as the storm approaches, and timing is a factor.

For our 30 Tips intro article, we’ll cut directly to the Timeline portion of this piece so you can see a list of considerations for bracing against the storm:

Timeline

Some things you need to do well in advance of a major storm and some things have to wait until the last minute. In any event, with something as large and dangerous as a hurricane, there are always details that need to be tended to and you have to consider your timing in the process. these are presented in something of a chronological order and you’ll notice these also happen to be arranged in an outside in order, meaning that you want to do the things that are farthest away from home first and work your way in.

Important note: below when we say out referring to how close the storm is, we’re referring to the nearest edge of the storm that’s going to reach you first, and not the eye of the hurricane. Keep this in mind since most weather stations will measure from the eye of the hurricane. It’s up to you to know the difference.

Before Hurricane Season Starts

1. make sure you performed all the structural enhancements you could for your home.

2. first aid and CPR classes are great classes to take.

3. make your decision well in advance on whether you want to evacuate or stay put.

A Week Out

This is about as long a warning as we’d have that a hurricane was heading toward any particular region.

4. Look at the structural integrity of your home and make sure you have all the shutter material and hardware you’ll need already on hand.

5. If you have a gas-powered generator make sure it works. If it needs repairs you’ll want to know now.

Three Days Out

This is about the last day you want to be out and about running errands or buying supplies.

6. make sure your pantry is full as you’d like it to be.

7. Get longer shelf-life items like canned goods and have ways to cook such as charcoal, gas for your grill, etc.

8. make sure you have a good supply of non-perishable comfort foods on hand. Include treats for your pets.

9. Check your stock of all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. Include your pets here too.

10. Gas up all your vehicles and fill a couple of 5-gallon gas cans to keep on hand.

Two Days Out

At this point the weather forecast is going to be pretty accurate as to whether or not your vicinity will feel the effects of a hurricane.

11. Fill some empty milk jugs or plastic soda bottles with water and put them in the freezer (as many as you can fit). let them freeze solid. If the power goes out, these will help keep your fridge and freezer cold longer.

12. Secure your more important household items such as backup computer disks, paperwork, heirlooms, etc. by putting them in plastic tubs.

One Day Out

13. start doing some safety landscaping by removing dangerous tree limbs, loose yard furniture, and so forth.

14. put your storm shutters in place.

Six to Eight Hours Out

At this point, you’ll probably know whether or not the storm is going to be a direct hit for your area.

15. take last minute photos of property and family members.

16. Recharge all your electronics (cell phone, laptop, etc.) while you still have power.

17. Turn your fridge and freezer down to their lowest setting to keep food colder longer should you lose power.

18. move your cars to higher ground if your home might flood and move your more valuable furniture and possessions off the floor.

19. If flooding is not an issue, park your car in the garage or other protected area.

20. Brace your garage doors so they don’t cave in during high winds.

21. make sure the kids are home.

Two or Three Hours Out

Again, please remember that when we say so and so hours out we’re referring to the leading edge of the storm that will hit you first, and not the eye of the storm.

22. Bring the kids in the house and have them help you with last minute stuff.

23. Bring in all outdoor pets. If they can fit in the house they should be brought inside the house.

24. start building a nest in the room that’s the safest area of the house. put down a mattress, have some snacks and water handy, make sure you have a radio and flashlights all with extra batteries.

25. If the kids have bike or skateboard helmets have them put them on.

26. start filling your extra water containers (bathtub, etc.) in anticipation of a loss of water.

27. If you can secure them (so they don’t blow away), your outside trashcans can be used as rain barrels.

As the Storm Comes Rolling In

28. Unplug all the electronics you were charging and unplug any valuable electronics like your television, stereo, desktop computer, etc. to protect them against surge from lightning strike.

29. Close but don’t lock all your interior doors to limit flying debris or wind flow should a window break.

30. move to the nest you made in your safe area and stay put until the storm is over.

Next, you’ll want to read the full version of this article, complete with outside links for additional free information and lots more important detail than we can post in this abbreviated version. for the full article complete with free PDF download visit www.disasterprep101.com and look for it on the News and Articles page.

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August 04, 2011 1:03 PM

ABC News Arlette Saenz reports:

In its new outlook for the 2011 hurricane season, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center predicted an above-normal hurricane season with 7 to 10 hurricanes, and 3 to 5 of those hurricanes categorized as major.  14 to 19 named storms are expected total, which includes the five storms that have occurred thus far.  “We are now entering the peak months of what is expected to be an active season, and now is the time that people really need to make sure they have their hurricane preparedness plans in place because we’re expecting the activity to start picking up even more than it already has,” Dr. Jerry Bell, lead hurricane forecaster at the National Weather Service, said in a conference call today. These hurricane outlook numbers are up slightly from the May 2011 outlook, which predicted 12 to 18 named storms, 6 to 10 of which could become hurricanes and 3 to 6 could be major hurricanes during the season that ranges from June to November.

(Tropical Storm Emily, imaged by NOAA's GOES-EAST satellite on Aug. 3. Click on image to enlarge.)Tropical storm Emily is expected to remain a tropical storm as it moves between Hispanola and Cuba, across the western Bahamas and towards eastern Florida, but Bell warned the storm could develop into a hurricane by Monday morning.“After it approaches near Florida, the hurricane is indicating that by Monday morning it could become a hurricane and then it would re-curve out to sea,” Bell said.  “Right now their track has it barely skirting the eastern north Carolina coast, so the potential for that and then back out to sea.”Jack Hayes, director of the National Weather Service, characterized the heat in the South as “extreme.” “I can’t recall in recent times the magnitude of extreme weather or he length with which that heat wave has held its position over the South,” Hayes said.

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As the start of the 2011 hurricane season moves closer, early uncharacteristic weather conditions have led many forecasters to predict that the 2011 hurricane season (1 June-30 November) will be quite active. Weather experts suggest that as many as 17 named storms may form within the Atlantic hurricane basin this year. Nine of these storms are likely to strengthen into hurricanes; five attaining major hurricane strength (Category 3, 4 or 5.)

Each year, the National Weather Service, Emergency Management Professionals and local officials, join together to recognize Hurricane Preparedness Week. this year Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 22–28, 2011. FEMA, along with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, are helping to raise awareness of precautionary measures that can be taken to help minimize risk to citizens, their communities, and property. To promote Hurricane Preparedness Week in your area, download a copy of the 2011 Hurricane Preparedness Week poster here.

History teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. by knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster. Hurricane preparedness planning also involves preparing for other hazards that these storms are capable of producing, including storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. It is important that your hurricane preparedness plan address all of these hazards.

Your individual preparedness actions greatly contribute to USF’s ability to prepare, respond to and recover from any storm, regardless of its intensity.

To learn more about how you can prepare and minimize your risk during the 2011 hurricane season, reference USF’s 2011 Hurricane planning Guide at www.usf.edu/publicsafety, or contact the USF Emergency Manager at 813-974-1310.

Be prepared, be ready, and be safe!

Do you know what to do with your pet in the event of an upcoming storm?

Hurricane season is among us and the first reaction is to load up on supplies in case we have a pending warning of such a nasty storm. but we usually think of our family’s protection first and quite often neglect the pets in our household. Pets are our family members also and we need to think of them in case of an impending storm.

While you are making the necessary list of items to stock up on, add these items to the list for your pet. You want to keep them separate of the food containers that you use, especially for drinking water.

Get some old plastic gallon milk jugs and fill them with water for your pet in case you lose electricity or your pump goes out. make sure it is enough to last at least a week in case something unfortunate happens and you are without service and in the most drastic case, a home.

Second, make sure you fill up a plastic garbage can (new please) with dry dog food. If your dog eats canned food, make sure you have at least 2 cans per day, so plan on around 14 cans. Also include a manual can-opener to open them. make sure the lid fits tightly on the garbage can and it is water proof. You might want to put a liner in it to keep out moisture and water. put in a high place in case of flooding. Food that is water damaged can grow bacteria and mold which could cause major illness.

Third, make sure that during the storm, whether severe or not, that your dog is inside and not tied up. should something happen and you are in a panic, you won’t have time to untangle the leash or chain after your dog knotted it by jumping around from the excitement.

Fourth, If your dog takes any medication on a regular basis, make sure it is a tightly sealed plastic bag and in your possession on you physically. Not on the counter in case you and your pet have to make a quick exit, so you won’t forget it. make sure you have your address book with the veterinarian’s phone number in case you need to call away from home.

Fifth, make sure you have proper paperwork such as vaccination records, and make sure your pet has proper identification such as a collar or a microchip with current contact information and a photograph in case you do get separated.

Know where shelters are in your area and whether or not they take pets, as not all of them do, and most that do take pets are on a first come basis.

HARLINGEN — Thursday marks one year since Hurricane Alex, a system that — coupled with the ensuing Tropical Depression No. 2 — gave the impressive lower Rio Grande Flood Control Project its first test in more than 20 years.

With hurricane season’s arrival, the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission has been making preparations in the event of possible weather systems. the goal: protecting South Texas residents and their property.

Tropical Storm Arlene is expected to make landfall sometime Thursday along northeastern Mexico.

IBWC has conducted its annual pre-flood season meeting with federal and state agencies, flood warning notices have been publicized, and “we have also performed inspections and maintenance on dams, levees, and structures that are part of the lower Rio Grande Flood Control Project,” said Sally Spener, agency public affairs officer.

“this work included cleaning of vegetation and debris in the Arroyo Colorado, the flood channel that goes through the City of Harlingen,” Spener added.

Despite last year’s hurricane and tropical storm that tested the floodway system, requiring the diversion of water at the Anzalduas Diversion Dam in Hidalgo County into the floodway system through portions of Hidalgo, Cameron and Willacy counties, Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos is not convinced that the system has been tested.

“my concern has always been the integrity of the system if we get bashed with a hurricane comparable to Hurricane Beulah,” Cascos said. the damage from that 1967 storm included the flooding of Harlingen via the Arroyo Colorado after a weir failed.

IBWC pointed out in a report that a dike was constructed in 1968 to ensure that the Arroyo Colorado would receive its design flow of 21,000 cubic feet of water per second during a major event.

Spener said IBWC routinely monitors tropical weather in the Gulf of Mexico and has been keeping track on the system in the Gulf.

“Let’s hope it brings much-needed rainfall to Texas and northern Mexico,” she said. “in any event, we are prepared should it pose a more serious threat to the Rio Grande basin.”

Spener said that other than clearing the Arroyo Colorado, construction also continues on levee improvements in the lower Rio Grande Flood Control Project.

“last year’s flood conditions caused some delay in that work, but dry conditions since then have allowed us to make significant progress,” she said.

She pointed out that the embankment work is essentially complete on some 90 miles of levee while the majority of the embankment work is complete on another 15 miles.

“However, there is still ongoing work on such things as structures, levee road surface, etc.,” Spener said.

As per IBWC flood operation plans, if a tropical depression, storm or hurricane were to come within 100 miles of the Rio Grande watershed, or if forecast rainfall could produce a major flood, staff would go on “stand-by alert” status to initiate preparations, she said.

Spener said that contractors constructing levee improvements would be required to execute their flood protection plans, which require them to ensure that any levee segments under construction be restored to their pre-construction state in advance of a flood.

Emma Perez-Treviño writes for The Brownsville Herald.

In the lead-up to Hurricane Earl, we heard a word we’ve never heard before in disaster preparedness: “children.” in talking about the lessons of Katrina, FEMA administrator Craig Fugate told CNN: “One of the things we’ve got to be prepared for are children and infants.” Finally, someone at the federal level has gotten the message that children can’t be treated as short adults in emergencies, that they have different needs than grown-ups. That’s the good news. The bad news? with the worst of the hurricane season upon us, Congress hasn’t gotten around to doing anything to protect those kids.

The sad Katrina stories about homeless dogs and cats or desperate people refusing to leave their flooded homes without their pets moved lawmakers to act with what can be considered lightning speed for Capitol Hill. only a little more than a year after the storm, President Bush signed the PETS law, which requires FEMA to ensure “emergency preparedness operational plans (including evacuation plans) take into account the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals.”

The law also authorizes funding “for animal emergency-preparedness purposes, including the procurement, construction, leasing or renovating of emergency shelter facilities” to accommodate people with their pets and service animals in an evacuation. We’re happy for the dogs and cats; we wouldn’t want to leave our dog behind in an emergency, either. but we just wish the kids had some similar consideration.

Katrina separated more than 5,000 kids from their parents. Think how terrifying that would be. Some families didn’t find their kids for six months. but more than half the states still don’t require schools and daycare centers to have plans in place to reach children’s families in an emergency and reunite them with their kids. Daycare centers also aren’t required to have an evacuation and relocation plan in most states, and there are few provisions in place for kids with disabilities.

Some improvements did follow on the Katrina fiasco. in the storm’s aftermath, children in shelters saw and heard things children should never see and hear. there was no way to shield kids from what was going on around them — families with infants and toddlers lived in open spaces next to single young men. there weren’t enough cribs, diapers, bottles and pediatric medicines. there certainly were no toys or programs in place to deal with children’s fears or simply to occupy their time.

In international disasters, nongovernmental organizations instantly swing into action to provide all of those things for children and to embark on family reunification. Some of those organizations, such as Save the Children, where Cokie is a trustee, have prevailed on emergency-preparedness officials in this country to be more mindful of the problems of kids in shelters or FEMA trailer compounds. through their efforts, Congress created a National Commission on Children and Disasters, and the Red Cross and FEMA have worked with the commission to make shelters safer and friendlier for children.

Still, at a recent commission meeting, FEMA’s Fugate admitted: “Children are a part of every community, but too often in the past they’ve been left out of emergency planning or thought of only after the initial plan has been written.” he pledged to work to change that. but FEMA can only do so much. Congress must act if localities are to have the money to get schools up and running as quickly as possible — after Katrina, more than 50,000 kids only erratically attended school for an entire year — and fund daycare for small children so their parents can get back to work.

In the Senate, Democrat Mary Landrieu and Republican Lamar Alexander have introduced a bill that would do just that, plus provide medical care and mental-health counseling for kids. but it’s in legislative limbo because of differences among Democrats about whether payments for schools in affected areas would include nonpublic schools.

That disagreement is keeping the Congress from ensuring that states have adequate emergency plans in place to evacuate kids from schools and get them back together with their families as the legislation requires — that’s the very least that the lawmakers should insist on for our kids. Otherwise, when the next big storm comes along — and one will hit sooner or later — we could once again find children in unsafe situations, months elapsing before they find their families and out of school for far too long. but hey, there’s something to be grateful for — the pets should do all right this time around.

Cokie Roberts is the chief congressional analyst for ABC News. Her husband, Steven V. Roberts, is a professor at George Washington University and contributing editor at U.S. News & World Report. Their syndicated column appears in major newspapers around the country. They can be contacted by e-mail at stevecokie@gmail.com.

Another hurricane season is here, and like some before, it’s predicted to be an active one with quite a number of named storms, some projected to hit the US.For years we’ve heard “Have a kit, have a plan,” but what kind of kit? are kits really useful? and what kind of plan? what are the considerations? what should I actually DO in a hurricane?as a short answer to that last question, we put together a short list of things you should do if a hurricane is headed your way. Keep in mind though that this is an intro list. You’ll find the link to the full article below.For now we’ll assume you’ve decided to stay and shelter in place, so we’ll start by saying that under certain circumstances it is possible to ride out the storm safely, if you know how to R.E.a.C.T.:Reinforcement – Have you prepared your home structurally in advance, even if it’s just shutters?Equipment – do you have all the supplies you’ll need on hand, or are you waiting for the last minute?Awareness – do you have a way to track the storm, and do you have a way for others to track you?Cautions – are you aware of the various risks involved in staying in place in a hurricane?Timeline – You’ll need to do a few things as the storm approaches, and timing is a factor.For our “30 Tips” intro article, we’ll cut directly to the “Timeline” portion of this piece so you can see a list of considerations for bracing against the storm:TimelineSome things you need to do well in advance of a major storm and some things have to wait until the last minute. in any event, with something as large and dangerous as a hurricane, there are always details that need to be tended to and you have to consider your timing in the process. these are presented in something of a chronological order and you’ll notice these also happen to be arranged in an “outside in” order, meaning that you want to do the things that are farthest away from home first and work your way in.important note: below when we say “out” referring to how close the storm is, we’re referring to the nearest edge of the storm that’s going to reach you first, and not the eye of the hurricane. Keep this in mind since most weather stations will measure from the eye of the hurricane. It’s up to you to know the difference.Before Hurricane Season Starts1. Make sure you performed all the structural enhancements you could for your home.2. first aid and CPR classes are great classes to take.3. Make your decision well in advance on whether you want to evacuate or stay put.A Week OutThis is about as long a warning as we’d have that a hurricane was heading toward any particular region.4. Look at the structural integrity of your home and make sure you have all the shutter material and hardware you’ll need already on hand.5. If you have a gas-powered generator make sure it works. If it needs repairs you’ll want to know now.Three Days OutThis is about the last day you want to be out and about running errands or buying supplies.6. Make sure your pantry is full as you’d like it to be.7. Get longer shelf-life items like canned goods and have ways to cook such as charcoal, gas for your grill, etc.8. Make sure you have a good supply of non-perishable “comfort foods” on hand. Include treats for your pets.9. Check your stock of all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. Include your pets here too.10. Gas up all your vehicles and fill a couple of 5-gallon gas cans to keep on hand.Two Days OutAt this point the weather forecast is going to be pretty accurate as to whether or not your vicinity will feel the effects of a hurricane.11. fill some empty milk jugs or plastic soda bottles with water and put them in the freezer. let them freeze solid. If the power goes out, these will help keep your fridge and freezer cold longer.12. Secure your more important household items such as backup computer disks, paperwork, heirlooms, etc. by putting them in plastic tubs.One Day Out13. Start doing some safety landscaping by removing dangerous tree limbs, loose yard furniture, and so forth.14. Put your storm shutters in place.Six to Eight Hours OutAt this point, you’ll probably know whether or not the storm is going to be a direct hit for your area.15. take last minute photos of property and family members.16. Recharge all your electronics (cell phone, laptop, etc.) while you still have power.17. Turn your fridge and freezer down to their lowest setting to keep food colder longer should you lose power.18. move your cars to higher ground if your home might flood and move your more valuable furniture and possessions off the floor.19. If flooding is not an issue, park your car in the garage or other protected area.20. Brace your garage doors so they don’t cave in during high winds.21. Make sure the kids are home.Two or three Hours OutAgain, please remember that when we say “so and so hours out” we’re referring to the leading edge of the storm that will hit you first, and not the eye of the storm.22. Bring the kids in the house and have them help you with last minute stuff.23. Bring in all outdoor pets. If they can fit in the house they should be brought inside the house.24. Start building a “nest” in the room that’s the safest area of the house. Put down a mattress, have some snacks and water handy, make sure you have a radio and flashlights all with extra batteries.25. If the kids have bike or skateboard helmets have them put them on.26. Start filling your extra water containers (bathtub, etc.) in anticipation of a loss of water.27. If you can secure them (so they don’t blow away), your outside trashcans can be used as rain barrels.As the Storm comes Rolling In28. Unplug all the electronics you were charging and unplug any valuable electronics like your television, stereo, desktop computer, etc. to protect them against surge from lightning strike.29. Close but don’t lock all your interior doors to limit flying debris or wind flow should a window break.30. move to the “nest” you made in your safe area and stay put until the storm is over.Next, you’ll want to read the full version of this article, complete with outside links for additional free information and lots more important detail than we can post in this abbreviated version. For the full article complete with free PDF download visit www.disasterprep101.com and look for it on the “News and Articles” page.about the Author: Paul Purcell is a terrorism and natural disaster preparedness consultant in Atlanta, GA and consultant to 1-800-PREPARE.com. He’s also the author of “Disaster Prep 101” found at www.disasterprep101.com. © 2010 – Paul Purcell. Permission granted to share this article with others provided it is distributed for free, and that all portions, including footnotes and “About the Author” sections remain intact and attached.Courtesy of Paul Purcell and “Disaster Prep 101” at www.disasterprep101.com

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2010 Hurricane season not quite finished

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Although the United States has fared well this hurricane season, it’s important to know that the threat of hurricanes doesn’t officially end until November 30. and hurricanes may or may not respect that official date.

“and thankfully its strength broke up and its damage was minimal. But at the same time, the system that hit New York, while not officially a hurricane, certainly did its own share of serious damage.”

Already this season, there have been 16 tropical depressions, six of which have turned into named hurricanes. “Hurricane Earl was the greatest threat to the U.S. so far,” said Nancy Pierce, GEICO’s claims vice president, “and thankfully its strength broke up and its damage was minimal. But at the same time, the system that hit New York, while not officially a hurricane, certainly did its own share of serious damage.”

Pierce went on to say that GEICO is urging people to continue taking the necessary steps to protect their families and their property.

here are a few things you can do to help minimize potential damage from a hurricane:

• Have an evacuation plan: make sure everyone in your family knows where to go and what to do in an emergency. and don’t forget essential items like non-perishable food, water, batteries, a radio, all necessary medicine/prescriptions and important documents.
• Hurricane-proof your home: install storm shutters and make sure all windows and doors are properly secured with the appropriate hinges and bolts.
• Know your valuables: keep a record of all valuable items in your home and how much they’re worth. In a worst-case scenario, this will come in handy when reporting claims with your insurance company.
• Know what your insurance covers: and know what your insurance does not cover. do you need to purchase additional coverage? do you need flood insurance? what about replacement cost coverage? these are all things to discuss with your insurer.

more information is also available at GEICO’s online Catastrophe Center with preparedness tips, links to other important hurricane information, weather updates, and immediate claims handling capabilities. if any damage does occur, policyholders can reach GEICO online at www.geico.com or via phone at 1-800-841-3000, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Additional information on what you can do to prepare your home and property for a hurricane is available at the Insurance Information Institute or the Property Casualty Insurers Association.

in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and disasters, the town has declared the month of September National Preparedness Month.

Speaking before selectmen Sept. 9, Norton Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Deputy Director Raymond Cord urged residents to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sponsored campaign by preparing themselves for future emergency situations.

“get a plan, make a kit and be informed,” he said. “That’s the best defense you can have.”

Cord said there are many emergency preparedness resources available to the public from federal, state, and local agencies. one such resource, a 200-page preparedness guide covering both natural and man-made disasters, is available for free from FEMA.

“It’s a wealth of information, and the best thing is it’s free,” he said.

Smaller pamphlets and booklets on preparedness are also available in the town hall lobby, Cord added.

in light of the area’s recent brush with Hurricane Earl, Cord said residents should make an added effort to brace for impending natural disasters, as hurricane season has entered the height of its wrath.

“We’ve just begun (hurricane season),” he said.

Selectmen stressed the importance of being prepared for other unexpected disasters, such as the flooding that occurred earlier this spring.

“there are quite a few storms out there that are unnamed that we need to be prepared for,” Selectman Timothy Giblin said.

Cord reminded residents that there are many emergency training courses available from the Red Cross and NEMA that can better prepare residents for emergency disasters. one of the most successful emergency programs is the town’s nine-week Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training course, which is offered semi-annually to residents.

according to Cord, more than 200 CERT volunteers have been trained by the town’s emergency management agency since the course’s inception eight years ago.

another training session is expected to occur later this fall.

National Preparedness Month, part of FEMA’s Ready Campaign, was created to increase the public’s engagement in preparing for emergencies and to educate them on how to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities. this month marks the seventh anniversary of the awareness campaign.

For more information on the Ready Campaign or tips on how to better prepare yourself in the event of an emergency or disaster, visit www.ready.gov or the NEMA page on the Norton town website at www.nortonma.org.

To request a free copy of Are you Ready? an In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness, or to view a PDF document of the guide, log on to the FEMA website at www.fema.gov.

Half a decade after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, the United States remains unprepared for nature’s worst. Given that future mega-disasters are inevitable, this presents a major problem. The challenge doesn’t stem from a lack of financial commitment (Congress has spent about $19 billion to help restore the Gulf Coast) or poor local efforts, but from policies that continue to focus development in harm’s way. if it wants to avoid disasters, the United States should take a simple step: revise national policies that encourage development in dangerous areas. instead, it should adopt a national mitigation strategy to get people out of harm’s way.

Nobody can really doubt that other major natural disasters will hit the U.S. Even if this hurricane season remains relatively placid — far from a sure thing — meteorologists agree that we’re in the middle of a 30-year period of heavy hurricane activity. Widespread destruction of coastal wetlands, badly conceived levee systems, inadequate home-building standards and a National Flood Insurance Program that effectively subsidizes construction in flood-prone areas have made things even more dangerous. And plenty of signs point to a worsening situation. Hurricane-prone areas still continue to attract significant population growth, and many scientists believe that human-caused global climate change could intensify hurricanes for years to come. The consequences are simple — when major disasters strike, more Americans will be at risk and the country will have to borrow billions of dollars in order to rebuild.

Improving things will take hard work to mitigate risks. The country needs to withdraw many of the subsidies for development in hurricane-prone areas. The government should increase the amount of coastal land, currently 3.1 million acres, off limits to federally subsidized development through the National Flood Insurance Program support. Longer term, the government should make it clear that it won’t help with any development of wetland areas within the “alluvial plane” (the area of land between the ocean and continental bedrock) — these areas help to protect Americans. Flood control and drainage projects need a complete review. rather than building the billions of dollars worth of new flood control infrastructure that Congress has authorized but not yet funded, the Army Corps of Engineers should focus on reinforcing existing infrastructure and prioritize truly necessary projects. Finally, the federal government should investigate ways to turn parts of the program over to the private sector.

While it’s doing this, the government can’t move in the wrong direction. Proposals to add wind coverage to the National Flood Insurance Program (already $19 billion in debt) and get the government into the private reinsurance business deserve speedy rejection from Congress. These proposals will further burden American taxpayers while incentivizing risky development, putting more Americans at risk. The government has a positive role to play in protecting us from disasters. rather than subsidizing construction in harm’s way, the federal government should support initiatives to strengthen homes and infrastructure targeted toward lower-income individuals living in hurricane-prone areas.

In the end, no government action can entirely protect us from nature’s ravages. When possible, public policy should help people survive nature’s worst. It’s almost always cheaper to prevent disasters than clean up after them.

Ed Hopkins is the director of the Sierra Club’s Environmental Quality Program and Eli Lehrer is national director of the Center on Finance, Insurance and Real Estate at the Heartland Institute.