BE PREPARED FOR SPRING & SUMMER NATURAL CATASTROPHES
Spring and Summer are certainly two joyous seasons. From the perfume of fresh flowers blooming & the symphony of birds chirping, to the scent of sunblock & sand between your toes... Although, most do not consider that natural catastrophes such as severe weather, floods, extreme heat, and wildfires are very likely during Spring and Summer! Resolve to be ready by taking a moment to read the tips below. Share this and encourage your family and friends to prepare throughout the year for all weather hazards during spring and summer 2018.
GENERAL SEASONAL PREPAREDNES TIPS
Make a family emergency communication plan and include pets. Identify an out of town emergency contact to coordinate information with family/friends. Check on neighbors. Keep an emergency kit wherever you spend time: home, car, work, etc. Download the FEMA App and set up local alerts. Listen to local officials by radio, TV, or social media and take action. Practice your preparedness plans with a drill or exercise. Take a first aid class so you can help until first responders arrive. Learn more! Read our Disaster & Survival Forum and remember power outages are the most common emergency. (Why? Because almost all other emergencies cause power outages).
SPRING PREPAREDNESS TIPS
Severe Weather
Severe weather has the potential to cause damage, social disruption, and even loss of life. Severe weather during spring includes flooding, tornadoes, tropical cyclones, severe & supercell thunderstorms, hail, and even hurricanes! Plan ahead of seasonal severe weather phenomena by identifying a safe emergency shelter location. Stock emergency shelter and sleeping supplies, from blankets and tarps to ponchos and body warmers. If ordered to evacuate, take action immediately. Know the route and plan where to go.
Flood
Never drive or walk through flooded streets; Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Check your flood insurance policies to ensure you have enough coverage. Keep an automotive emergency kit in your vehicle so that one is available when disaster strikes.
Rain Ponchos
Keep dry during rainfall or a storm to prevent sickness. Our adult and child rain ponchos are about wallet-size when folded, yet when opened, are large enough to adequately cover the body to protect against the elements.
SUMMER PREPAREDNESS TIPS
Extreme Heat
Extreme heat can be deadly. Stay inside where it is cool. Wear cool clothes and change activities to stay safe. Never leave children or pets in a car. Stock a Mylar solar sleeping bag / blanket, which can be used as a heat shield. Practice heat safety wherever you are. Stay hydrated and take breaks if you are at a job site. Check up on the elderly, sick, and those without AC. Never leave kids or pets unattended in a vehicle. Limit strenuous outdoor activities.
Wildfire Safety
Report a wildfire if you see one; you may be the first to see it.
Wildfires can kill. If ordered to evacuate, know the route and plan where to go. Stock up evacuation & fire supplies at home.
Children & Youth + Back to School
Ensure children are included in preparedness conversations.
Know the emergency plan for your child’s school, college, or child care facility.
Practice evacuation plans and other emergency procedures with children on a regular basis.
Make sure children have emergency contacts memorized or written down in a secure place. Purchase your child a kids first aid kit.
This summer, as 
