April 22 is Earth Day!! Think GREEN Preparedness

FEMA Region III is encouraging “Green Preparedness” practices.

·         Collect items around your home that could be placed in your Emergency Supply Kit, such as extra batteries.

·         Instead of printing preparedness information, download the FEMA App and save paper.

·         Buy larger containers, such as gallons of water for your family, instead of individual bottles to use less plastic.

·         Hand-cranked radios and cell phone chargers not only save energy, but are great for when the power is out.

·         Consider solar power as an alternative energy source. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but a good option for when the electricity is out.

When you are out with your community this Earth Day, start a discussion about what hazards impact your community and how to prepare.

Green Preparedness practices not only help the environment, but ensure you are prepared in an inexpensive way.

Taking mitigation measures will not only help the environment, but save lives and property.

·         Encourage your community officials to dedicate open space in the floodplain to park land. This will enable the floodplain to serve as a community amenity and maintain its natural and beneficial functions during flooding.

·         Use permeable surfaces when paving your sidewalk or driveway. Porous surfaces allow storm water to infiltrate paved ground and soak into the soil, rather than running off concrete and potentially causing flooding in the community.

·         Keep your downspouts clear of leaves and debris. Something as simple as cleaning your gutters and downspouts can help ensure that in minor rain events the rainwater drains away from your house, and can prevent nuisance basement flooding.

·         Get involved! Sustainable communities have informed residents who are aware of their risk tohazards, like flooding. Check to see if your home or business is located in a floodplain. Contact your local floodplain manager for mitigation ideas to make your home safer; for instance, elevating your utilities to protect them, and your wallet.

 
VISIT www.ready.gov/ for information on how to be prepared.
Download FEMA's smartphone APP at http://www.fema.gov/smartphone-app