BRACE - Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies

BRACE Hurricane Expo

June 20, 2009 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM

Pensacola Civic Center * Free Admission

The Atlantic Basin closed out the official 2008 Hurricane Season as the fourth most active on record. Sixteen named storms were recorded. Eight of these named storms were hurricanes. Five of these hurricanes were major hurricanes. The year 2008 will go down in history as the first season in which six consecutive tropical cyclones hit the United States.

Now is the time to take action to ensure you and your family are prepared for hurricanes and other hazards that threaten our area. You will discover actions you can take to be ready for emergencies throughout our website.

Planning is a daily part of our routine. We plan our holiday activities, weekend activities and grocery store visits. We plan our children’s schedules and daily tasks. And without a doubt, endless lists often follow. There is one particular list that deserves to be checked twice – and it’s not your holiday shopping list. We’re talking about reviewing your emergency preparedness checklist and developing an emergency preparedness plan for your family.

As we begin the New Year, BRACE is encouraging everyone to Resolve to be Ready in 2009. While nearly 50 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, very few manage to keep them, but this is one resolution that can be easy to keep with Ready’s three simple steps:

1. Get an emergency supply kit.

2. Make a family emergency plan.

3. Be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur in your area and their appropriate responses.

BRACE encourages you to take a few extra minutes in the early days of 2009 to plan for emergencies. Consider the following questions:

· Have you spoken to your children’s schools about their shelter-in-place and/or evacuation plans?

· Do you know the evacuation plan at work?

· If your cell phone was inoperable how would you get in touch with your family?

· Do you have a family meeting place and an out-of-town contact?

These are just a few of the questions you should consider when you are developing your emergency plan.

Free preparedness resources, such as a Family Emergency Plan template and an Emergency Supply Kit Checklist are just a click away at www.Ready.gov. The Ready Web site also has a special section for kids, ages 8 – 12, (Ready Kids) and small – to medium-sized businesses (Ready Business). Be sure to check it out – print out your emergency plan template and emergency supply kit list and begin planning with your family today.

Emergencies will happen, but taking action now can help us minimize the impact they will have on our lives. Remember, Now is the time. Resolve to be Ready in 2009.