Whitfield County, Georgia is no stranger to disasters. In just two decades, the county experienced 82 weather events with high winds, 14 flash floods, and 21 winter weather events or storms that caused moderate to severe damage. This year, however, Whitfield County did something that may make a difference for their community when it comes to natural disasters. Read their story today!

In the wake of recent severe weather events like Hurricane Joaquin, now is a good time to review hurricane safety information with your family and get prepared.

Before a hurricane hits your area, there are things you should do to prepare:

• Assemble your disaster supply kit and gather critical documents in the event that local authorities issue an evacuation order;
• Monitor weather reports provided by your local media;
• Sign up to receive text or email emergency alerts;
• Consider buying a NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) All Hazards receiver, which receives broadcast alerts from the National Weather Service; and
• Have extra batteries for a battery-operated radio and your cell phone in case of a power outage.

For more ways to stay safe before, during, and after a hurricane, check out the How to Prepare for a Hurricane g uide from America's PrepareAthon!

Are you an educator, parent, or caregiver of a preschooler? The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and its friends at Sesame Street have new fire safety information you can share with children.

The updated Sesame Street Fire Safety Program shows you how to teach kids ages 3-5 about essential fire safety information and skills that can be useful during an emergency. The program includes easy-to-use lessons, games, songs, and activities featuring familiar Sesame Street characters to help reinforce important fire safety and prevention messages.

To learn more about the Sesame Street Fire Safety Program and access program materials, visit the USFA website . Materials are available in English and Spanish.

When you prepare for disasters, be sure to make arrangements for your pets too! In the event that you have to evacuate to a public shelter, keep in mind that for health reasons, some facilities cannot accept pets, so it's important to prepare them for an alternative shelter. However, service animals are allowed in general population shelters.

The Ready Campaign offers the following tips when seeking a pet shelter :

• Call your local emergency management office, animal shelter, or animal control office to get advice and information; and
• If you're unable to return to your home right way, you may need to board your pet. Find out the location of boarding facilities and research some outside of your area in case local facilities are closed.

Once you've found an alternative shelter, follow these tips to keep your pet safe while they are away from you:

• Make sure microchips and identification tags are up-to-date and securely fastened to your pet's collar. If possible, attach the address and phone number of your evacuation site;
• Take a current photo with your pet for identification purposes; and
• Pack a “pet survival kit.” The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has a checklist of emergency supplies to include in the kit.

For more information about pet preparedness, check this Ready resource guide .