US Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association
Each year, September is National Preparedness Month. The month raises awareness of the importance to be prepared, now and throughout the year, for the types of natural and man-made disasters that could affect where we live, work, go to school, worship and visit.
The historic 2017 hurricane season affected 47 million people, or roughly 15 percent of the U.S. population. Tens of thousands of people mobilized to aid in the disaster response.
Everyone can take steps to be prepared, including:
- Make a Family Emergency Communication Plan. Have all members of your household keep a fillable plan card in their wallet, purse or backpack.
- Get to know your neighbors; check with each other before and after a disaster, and include neighbors in your emergency plan.
- Sign up for emergency alerts to receive life-saving information from your state and local officials.
- Learn your evacuation zone and have an evacuation plan.
- Have regular household meetings to review and practice your plan.
Gather supplies now. You may have to leave your home immediately. As you gather supplies, keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of your pets. While we can’t prevent unexpected emergencies, each of us can increase our preparedness before disaster strikes. For more information, go to www.ready.gov/september.