As Texas begins to recover from Hurricane Harvey, Naval Support Activity South Potomac (NSASP) reminds base employees and residents that September is a good time to review preparedness information for severe weather, including hurricanes, and other emergencies throughout the year. September is National Preparedness and government agencies, businesses, community groups, schools and families will be participating in events to help promote disaster preparedness.
"The devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey should remind us that we all need to be prepared for emergencies," said Russ Strickland, Executive Director of Maryland Emergency Management Agency. "Right now we are in the height of the hurricane season in the mid-Atlantic, but we also need to be ready for a variety of other threats. Now is the time to make sure you are prepared."
Making preparations when threats are not imminent can make communities more resilient. Hazards common to Maryland include flooding, high wind, severe thunderstorms and winter storms. We are also in the middle of the Atlantic hurricane season right now. Our local area has experienced effects of tropical storms in recent years, as well as Hurricane Isabel in 2003. Several online sources provide good emergency preparedness information for these and additional threats:
* MEMA: http://mema.maryland.gov/Pages/emergencies.aspx
* Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.ready.gov
* National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/safety
Prepare your home and family as we navigate through hurricane season, and prepare for emergencies throughout the year.