September is National Preparedness Month Prepared, Not Scared

Harris County Commissioners Court presented the 2019 National Preparedness Month Resolution to Harris County Emergency Management Coordinator Mark Sloan. (L to R: Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Steve Radack, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner R. Jack Cagle, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Harris County Emergency Management Coordinator Mark Sloan, Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis)

Harris County Commissioners Court has declared September as National Preparedness Month (NPM) and the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) supports this effort led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Campaign. This year’s theme is “Prepared, Not Scared.”

“Severe weather and other emergencies can strike with little or no warning and can have serious impacts,” said Harris County Emergency Management Coordinator Mark Sloan. “Residents, especially those new to our area, need to be aware about our local hazards and take steps to prepare.”

Throughout the month of September, HCOHSEM will be actively engaged in preparedness initiatives and encourages residents to follow @ReadyHarris on social media for important information about saving early for disaster costs, making a plan, teaching youth to prepare for disasters, and getting involved in community preparedness.

“If you already have a plan, review it and practice it with your family. It is critical that all members of your household know what to do in case of an emergency,” added Sloan. “Also, take the necessary measures to protect your home and property.”

Contact your insurance agent to discuss your coverage. Homeowners and commercial property policies specifically exclude coverage for damage from flooding caused by rising waters. To protect yourself from losses caused by most flooding, you will need to buy a separate flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Program.

Remember, being prepared is a year-round commitment. Prepare yourself and sign up to help others. To find out how you can get involved in your community visit the Harris County Citizen Corps website.