You're Invited to a Special TweetChat
On Thursday, February 26 at 2 p.m. Eastern Time, emergency managers will host a special TweetChat titled “What is America's PrepareAthon! and How to Participate.” Join the chat to learn more about this national, grassroots campaign for action to increase community preparedness and resilience through hazard-specific group discussions, drills, and exercises.
During the conversation, you can also connect with preparedness groups, businesses, emergency managers, and city officials about the campaign, disaster preparedness efforts, and how to take action. Hear from communities and organizations around the country who have participated in America's PrepareAthon! activities previously or are planning to participate in an upcoming event. Ask questions related to preparing your own community, and begin planning your own America's PrepareAthon! event.
Join in or follow along using #PrepareAthon. You can also help spread the word about the TweetChat on your social media outlets by sharing this message: “We're joining the #PrepareAthon conversation on 2/26 at 2PM ET to learn how to increase community preparedness and so should you!”
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10 Ways to Participate in America's PrepareAthon!
Now that you've learned more about America's PrepareAthon! it's your turn to take action. For those who might think disaster preparedness is expensive, time consuming, or hard to do - think again! Here are 10 simple ways for you to participate in America's PrepareAthon! in 2015:
- Sign up for local alerts and warnings , download apps, and/or check access for wireless emergency alerts ;
- Develop and test emergency communications plans ;
- Assemble or update emergency supplies ;
- Learn about local hazards and conduct a drill to practice emergency response actions;
- Participate in a preparedness discussion, training, or class;
- Collect and safeguard critical documents ;
- Document property and obtain appropriate insurance for relevant hazards;
- Make property improvements to reduce potential injury and property damage (mitigation);
- Hold a scenario-based continuity of operations tabletop exercise for your organization; or
- Plan with neighbors to help each other and share resources.
Remember to register your activities on the America's PrepareAthon! website , which now features a more streamlined look and registration process.
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America's PrepareAthon! in Action
Twice a year, on April 30 and September 30, the America's PrepareAthon! campaign promotes national days of action, National PrepareAthon! Days, to bring attention to our progress toward creating a more resilient nation. The April 30 National PrepareAthon! Day may still be more than two months away, but communities are kicking off their local campaigns now.
On February 2, Whitfield County, GA launched its countywide PrepareAthon! in conjunction with Severe Weather Week. The Whitfield County Emergency Management Agency partnered with FEMA, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, National Weather Service, the Whitfield County Local Emergency Planning Committee, and WDEF-TV, among others, to host three days of preparedness drills and exercises that target schools, businesses, and houses of worship.
The goal of Whitfield County's PrepareAthon! is simple: Build a more resilient community by increasing the number of individuals who understand which disasters could happen in their community, know what to do to be safe and mitigate damage, take action to increase their preparedness, and participate in community resilience planning. Watch the story on WTVC-ABC or on WDEF-TV (CBS).
Join the movement and be counted among the two million preparedness actions already taken by families, businesses, and organizations across the country leading up to National PrepareAthon! Day on April 30, 2015.
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Dates for Your Calendar!
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