Preparing for the Unexpected: National Preparedness Month Highlights the Importance of Planning
As the summer heat wanes and cooler temperatures approach, North Texans and other residents across the United States are bracing for the possibility of unpredictable weather. While the drop in temperature may bring relief, it also signals the onset of potentially severe weather conditions, including tornadoes and hurricanes.
Each year, approximately 1,000 tornadoes touch down in the United States, more than in any other country. Regions known as “tornado alley,” including Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, parts of Louisiana, Iowa, and eastern Colorado, regularly experience destructive storms in both spring and fall.
Alongside tornadoes, the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through November 30, presents a significant threat to coastal areas. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecasted between 17 to 25 named storms for 2024, including up to seven major hurricanes.
Chris Noah, MS, CHSP, cABCF, Director of Disaster Management at Parkland Health (Dallas, Texas), emphasized the importance of preparedness. He highlighted Hurricane Beryl, which formed early this year and resulted in 36 fatalities in Texas, including those affected by extreme heat and power outages.
“People plan for vacation, dinner, and social outings, but often neglect to plan for emergencies like hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires, or car crashes,” Noah said. “The majority of people don’t plan for something they don’t think will ever happen.”
Noah stressed that planning ahead could significantly impact safety. September has been designated National Preparedness Month by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), serving as a reminder to prepare for potential emergencies year-round.
A critical first step in preparedness is creating a family communication plan by asking, “What if?” This involves considering scenarios such as being separated from family during an emergency, finding alternative routes home, and preparing for communication disruptions.
DHS officials recommend three key steps for effective planning:
- Collect: Create a paper copy of contact information for family members, medical facilities, schools, and service providers. Designate an out-of-town contact to help reconnect family members in case local phone lines are overwhelmed.
- Share: Ensure that everyone carries a copy of this information in their backpack, purse, or wallet. Post a copy in a central location at home, such as the refrigerator or family bulletin board.
- Practice: Hold regular household meetings, especially during hazardous weather seasons, to review and practice the emergency plan.
Noah concluded, “The bottom line is no one thinks something bad is going to happen to them, and in most cases, it doesn’t. But that doesn’t mean it won’t. It’s not a matter of if something is going to happen, but when. Having answers to the ‘ifs’ is critically important. Planning today could mean a safer tomorrow.”
