Disaster Preparedness Stressed in Prince William County

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — The theme for this year's National Preparedness Month is simple and straightforward: "Don't Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today."

As such, Prince William County emergency management coordinator Pat Collins has a bit of advice.

"The farther away we get from the last disaster the more complacent we become," Collins said in a statement. "September gives us the opportunity to make certain that Preparedness replaces the notion that it can’t happen here, or it won’t happen to me and my family."

In other words, while the immediate effects of, say, a hurricane might not be all that worrisome to Prince William County residents, residual effects such as flooding or damaging winds certainly would. And, after all, it is, in fact, hurricane season.

So, during September, Ready.gov will share various safety related topics each week, according to a release:

Promote National Preparedness Month (August 28 – September 3)
— Get ready to go from awareness to action. Does your family know what to do during a disaster?

Preparing Family & Friends (September 4 – 10)
— Consider that your entire family may not be together during a disaster – make a
plan on how you will reunite after an emergency.

Preparing Through Service (September 11 – 17)
— Understand the importance of community preparedness; get involved with your community organization or plan with neighbors.

Individual Preparedness (September 18 – 24)
— Understand safety tips and protective actions you can take before or during a
disaster.

Lead Up to National Day of Action (September 25 – 30)
— Participate in National PrepareAthon! Day and encourage others to do a preparedness activity and register it on www.ready.gov/prepare.

Graphic courtesy of the National Hurricane Center/NOAA