May 22, 2006

ProtectingAmerica.org Provides Tips for Consumer and Business
Hurricane Preparedness during National Hurricane Preparedness Week

(Washington, D.C.) - In the wake of one of our nation’s most turbulent hurricane seasons, ProtectingAmerica.org co-chairs James Lee Witt, former FEMA Director, and Admiral James M. Loy, former deputy secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security, are offering preparedness tips to remind Americans that minimizing the impact of a storm is dependent on actions taken now, in advance of the hurricane.  ProtectingAmerica.org is joining organizations throughout the country in helping to prepare the public during National Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 21 through 27).

'Beginning storm preparation after your local weather station reports a potential disaster is much too late to effectively protect your loved ones and belongings.  Now is the time to establish safety and communications plans with your family, strengthen your home, and take the necessary action to minimize the impact of a disaster,' said Witt.

ProtectingAmerica.org recommends the following tips to help you prepare for the 2006 hurricane season. 

·        Get Informed.  Learn about the hazards that may strike your community, the risks you face from these hazards, and your community’s plans for warning and evacuation. You can obtain this information from your local emergency management office.  Visit your state’s emergency management website to find contact information for your local office.

·        Check Your Home’s Infrastructure.  Be sure your home meets all current building codes.  Whenever possible, upgrade to hurricane resistant building material. 

·        Create a Family Plan.  Your family plan should address evacuation routes established by your community, communication plans, utility shut-off and safety, insurance and vital records, special needs, caring for animals and safety skills.

·        Assemble Multiple Disaster Kits.  Portable disaster kits should be left at home, work and in the car.  Each kit should include water for drinking and hygiene, medication, imperishable food, clothing and bedding, first aid supplies, a flashlight, batteries, copies of credit and ID cards, cash and coins.

ProtectingAmerica.org co-chair Admiral James Loy stresses the equal importance of business and government preparedness.  'Catastrophe preparation is not strictly a consumer burden.  Legislators throughout the country must recognize the need for a national catastrophe management solution.  Creating backstops that ensure affordable and available insurance for consumers, establish and enforce strict building codes and strengthen our first responders are crucial to help consumers protect their lives, property and investments,' said Loy.

ProtectingAmerica.org, a coalition of emergency management officials, first responders, disaster relief experts, insurers and others, has been organized to support efforts to better prepare and protect Americans from the consequences of natural disasters through a comprehensive, public-private solution that will increase public awareness through improved education; allow for better coordination with state, federal and local mitigation and recovery efforts; strengthen emergency response and improve financial mechanisms to rebuild after a major catastrophe.

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