Being Prepared for the Worst in a Time of Disaster

Being Prepared for the Worst in a Time of Disaster - Part 3

By now, we've all seen the videos and pictures, and we've all heard the stories and the personal accounts of how people were affected. Needless to say, April 27th, 2011, was without a doubt one of the largest disasters in Alabama history. Statistically speaking, outbreaks of that magnitude only happen every 30 or 40 years, which makes April 27th an anomoly. However, Alabama is always staring down the barrel of the gun when it comes to natural disasters. Between severe weather season and tropical weather season, it seems we are always in the crosshairs. Now is the time to prepare yourself and your family for the next disaster. Have an Emergency Kit ready and a Disaster Plan in place, and be informed so you don't get caught off-guard. The following is the final part a 3-part series to help you do just that.

Be Informed

There is no question about it, Alabama is in the crosshairs when it comes to natural disasters. However, in this day and age, we need to be prepared for not only natural disasters, but man-made disasters as well. The type of emergency at hand will impact the decisions you make and the actions you need to take. Learn more about the possible emergencies that could occur where you live and the appropriate way to respond to them. Knowing what to do during an emergency is an important part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count (adapted from www.ready.gov):

Publications by Your Alabama
National Weather Service Offices

All-Hazards Awareness Booklet

National Weather Service Birmingham
Phone: (205) 664-3010
www.weather.gov/bmx

National Weather Service Huntsville
Phone: (256) 890-8503
www.weather.gov/hun

National Weather Service Mobile
Phone: (251) 633-6443
www.weather.gov/mob

National Weather Service Tallahassee
Phone: (850) 942-8833
www.weather.gov/tae

Alabama Department of Homeland Security
P.O. Box 304115
Montgomery, AL 36130
(334) 956-7250
www.dhs.alabama.gov

Alabama Emergency Management Agency
5898 County Road 41
PO Drawer 2160
Clanton, AL 35046 Phone: (205) 280-2200
www.ema.alabama.gov (Follow this link to get to your county's EMA office)

Remember, being informed ahead of time could save your life, as well as the lives of your loved ones. Plan ahead!

View Part 1: "Have an Emergency Kit Prepared Ahead of Time"

View Part 2: "Have a Disaster Plan in Place"