September 1, 2020

2020 Preparedness Month Week 1: Weather Preparedness

National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. As our nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved! Visit ready.gov/september for more info.

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) units in Region 4AB have come together to promote National Preparedness Month in our communities. Be sure to check out our weekly training opportunities and additional preparedness information to help assist you and your loved ones to be more prepared for disaster planning.

Week 1: Weather Preparedness

Severe weather can occur at any time. Severe weather can include hazardous conditions produced by thunderstorms, including damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, flooding and flash flooding, and winter storms associated with freezing rain, sleet, snow, and strong winds.

It is important to identify and understand the types of hazardous weather that affects your community. Then it is essential to take action, and develop an emergency plan based on your local weather hazards, and practice your plan.

Training Opportunity: American Red Cross: COVID-19 Shelter Training for Partners

Many shelters in Massachusetts are run by the American Red Cross, and frequently, the Medical Reserve Corps is called in to support sheltering efforts.  Any volunteers interested in assisting with sheltering operations should complete this course and reach out to their local MRC Unit Coordinator to confirm successful completion. This training can be completed at your own pace and on your own time.

Preparedness Activity: Financial Preparedness Plan

Americans at all income levels have experienced the challenges of rebuilding their lives after a disaster or other emergency. Having access to personal financial, insurance, medical and other records is crucial for starting the recovery process quickly and efficiently. Here are some financial preparedness tips and visit ready.gov/financial-preparedness for more details:

1. Gather financial and critical personal, household and medical information.

2. Consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used in any crisis. Keep a small amount of cash at home in a safe place. It is important to have small bills on hand because ATMs and credit cards may not work during a disaster when you need to purchase necessary supplies, fuel, or food.

3. Obtain property (homeowners or renters), health, and life insurances if you do not have them. Not all insurance policies are the same. Review your policy to make sure the amount and types of coverage you have meets the requirements for all possible hazards. Homeowners insurance does not typically cover flooding, so you may need to purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program.

4. For more helpful financial preparedness tips download the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) to get started planning today.

The information above is provided from ready.gov