SENATOR COLLINS URGES MAINERS TO BE READY DURING “HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK”

            WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, is joining the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to help promote 2012 National Hurricane Preparedness Week.  June 1 marks the official start of the 2012 hurricane season.  During this week, Senator Collins is urging Mainers, and all Americans, who live in areas of the country vulnerable to hurricanes and severe summer weather to be prepared.

            “While severe hurricanes are rare in Maine, they have brought great damage to our state in the past.  In fact, a particularly bad Patriot’s Day Nor’easter just a few years ago reminded us that we always need to be prepared for natural disasters whenever they might strike,” said Senator Collins. 

This week, FEMA and NOAA are working together to urge Americans to:

Know your risk: The first step to Be a Force of Nature is to understand how hurricanes can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you and your family. When you understand your risk, you are more apt to know how to prepare.  Check the weather forecast regularly and sign up for local alerts from emergency management officials and obtain a NOAA Weather Radio.

Take action: Pledge to develop an emergency plan based on your local hurricane, severe storms and flooding hazards and practice how and where you will evacuate if instructed by your emergency management officials.  Post your plan in your home where visitors can see it. Learn how to strengthen your home and business against hurricanes.  Understand the National Hurricane Center warning and alerts. 

Be an Example: Once you have taken action and pledged, share your story with your family and friends. Post your story on Facebook, comment on a blog, or send a tweet. Post the Be a Force of Nature widget on your social media profiles.

More helpful information and ideas can be found at www.ready.gov/hurricanes.