Govt News Bulletin Gives Preparation & Safety Tips for Summer Weather Emergencies

Preparing for a Weather Emergency Makes Sense - Video by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)The U.S. Government today circulated a news bulletin from its official website, USA.gov, advising of a number of new or expanded resources on how to prepare for and stay safe in a Summer weather emergency.

Today is the first full day of Summer in the Northern Hemisphere. “Summertime can bring a range of weather challenges and potential dangers. Some of these threats can occur with little warning, so do what you can to prepare by assembling an emergency kit and forming a plan of action,” the bulletin from USA.gov advises.

These tips on how to prepare for likely weather emergencies in your area will be especially useful for family caregivers who must take responsibility to assure the safety of their older loved ones.

Here is a video provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, on how to prepare for a weather emergency:

The video refers to Ready.gov, a website maintained by FEMA, which provides additional resources on disaster preparedness. Among the resources is a form for a Family Emergency Plan, which can be filled out and printed or e-mailed to each member of your family.

“Make sure your family has a plan in case of an emergency. Before an emergency happens, sit down together and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go and what you will do in an emergency,” FEMA advises. “Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supply kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster.”

Additional Resources on What to Do if Faced with Specific Weather Emergencies

Today’s news bulletin from USA.gov also provides the following information about specific weather emergencies that are common in different parts of the U.S., and about how to prepare for and stay safe in these emergencies.

“Find out what you should do if faced with the following weather dangers:

Lightning: In the U.S., lightning kills more people each year than tornadoes and hurricanes. If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance and should seek shelter in an enclosed building or vehicle. While indoors, don’t use a corded phone, a computer or other electrical appliances; and avoid contact with plumbing (don’t shower, wash hands, do laundry, etc.). Learn more about lightning safety and get tips on what to do if you’re outdoors during a thunderstorm.

Floods: If you have time, move essential items to an upper floor. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. Do not walk through moving water that is six inches or higher. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Learn more about what to do before, during, and after a flood.

Hurricanes: If you can’t evacuate, get inside and secure external and internal doors. Stay away from windows and doors and take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level. Learn more about what to do before, during, and after a hurricane.

Tornadoes: Storm cellars and basements are the safest locations, but if they aren’t available, go to an interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level. Stay away from windows, doors, outside walls, and corners. If you are in a trailer or mobile home, go to a sturdy, nearby building. Learn more about what to do before, during, and after a tornado.

Extreme Heat: Stay indoors as much as possible. Consider spending the hottest part of the day in an air-conditioned public building, such as a library or shopping mall. Never leave children or pets alone in vehicles. Learn more about what to do in extreme heat.

Wildfires: If your home is threatened by a wildfire, you must evacuate. If you have time, bring an emergency kit that includes copies of important documents. Learn more about what to do before, during, and after a wildfire.

Earthquakes: If you are indoors, stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls and get under a sturdy table or desk. If you are outside, keep away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. If you’re in a moving vehicle, safely stop the vehicle in an open area and stay inside. Learn more about what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.”

Additional Information

See related HelpingYouCare™ reports on:

Emergency Preparedness For Seniors and Caregivers

May 27 through June 2 declared National Hurricane Preparedness Week

Hurricane Preparedness For Seniors and Caregivers

Don’t Fry Day – May 25 – Focuses on Sun Safety & Preventing Skin Cancer

See also the HelpingYouCare™ resource pages on Practical Tips, Skills, Checklists & Tools for Caregiving

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