SEMA News Release

Each year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency designates September as National Preparedness Month. It serves as a reminder to all Americans to be prepared for the many risks and potential natural disasters we might face. Being prepared means taking action: things like learning what you and your family would do in case of a tornado warning or if you lost power for an extended period of time, and preparing a family emergency supply kit. You can read the FEMA Sept. 1, 2016 news release here.

Missouri faces many potential natural disaster risks. The state of Missouri has prepared information and videos on how to prepare and respond to these threats:

Flash Flooding – Most years flash flooding kills more people in the U.S. than any other weather hazard, including hurricanes and tornadoes. Read how you and your family can understand the threat and be prepared, and watch flash flooding safety videos here.

Tornadoes – Tornadoes are the most violent of all atmospheric storms and three of the most deadly tornadoes in U.S. history have impacted Missouri, including the 2011 EF-5 tornado that killed 161 people in the Joplin area. Read how you and your family can understand the threat of a tornado and be prepared, and watch tornado safety videos for specific scenarios on the state of Missouri’s StormAware website.      

Earthquakes – Because the New Madrid Seismic Safety Zone, on the nation’s most active earthquake zones, includes much of the state of Missouri, a large-scale earthquake is the leading focus of Missouri’s catastrophic natural disaster planning. Learn about the earthquake risk and how you and your family can prepare, including videos on the potential threat and how to Drop, Cover and Hold On, here.

Severe Winter Storms – Learn about safety during winter storms and watch a video from the Missouri State Highway Patrol on driving safety in snow and ice here.

Top Planning Suggestions – One of the most important areas Missouri families can plan for is how they will deal with the loss of power. Understanding alternate heating and generator safety and safe food handling are key considerations. Missouri has also prepared information about planning and creating an emergency hit for your home. Read about the Ready in 3 Program here.  

In April, FEMA helped organize America’s PrepareAthon, a national community-based campaign created to move Americans from awareness to action in preparing for the hazards most likely to affect the region they live in. As part of America’s PrepareAthon, a website was created with suggestions on everything from creating a family communications plan to how organizations can create exercises to test their response to disaster scenarios. Check out the American’s PrepareAthon website here.  

For more information, call 573-751-5432 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov