It’s the motto of the Boy Scouts and all Iowans would be wise to heed the slogan “Be Prepared.” Jeff Johnson, warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service, says September is National Preparedness Month and it’s a time to be aware and start planning ahead. He recommends the website “www.beready.iowa.gov“.
Johnson says, “They have pledges that individuals and families can do, also businesses and organizations, about taking personal preparedness a little more seriously and doing the things you need to do to make you and your family safe.”
Several organizations are involved in the effort, including: Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the Safeguard Iowa Partnership and the Iowa Emergency Management Association. Johnson explains why the Weather Service is a partner.
“A lot of the threats are weather-related and we want folks to be safe from the various weather hazards we have to deal with,” Johnson says, “winter storms, severe weather, and even like last week’s heat episode.” The month was created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in response to the attacks of September 11th, 2001, in an effort to educate the public on how to prepare for emergencies.
The theme for this month is, “Let’s Tackle Preparedness.” Learn more at: www.beready.iowa.gov
By Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City