National Hurricane Preparedness Week

In 2004, National Hurricane Preparedness Week in the United States replaced the previous observance of 'National Hurricane Awareness Week'. Hurricane Preparedness Week is a national effort to inform the public about the hurricane hazards and provide knowledge which can be used to prepare and take action.[1] The 2015 date for it was May 24-May 30.[2]

History

National Hurricane Awareness Week was started to spread awareness of the dangers and hazards of hurricanes. Being aware is not being prepared, and history has shown that by knowing vulnerability and what actions to take, people can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.[3] Therefore, the name was changed to put more focus on the need to be both hurricane aware and hurricane prepared.

Goals

Each day during National Hurricane Preparedness Week addresses a specific hurricane-related topic.[4] The topics covered include: overview of major US hurricanes; hurricane hazards such as storm surge, high winds, and inland flooding; the forecast process; disaster planning/preparation; and knowing when to take action. The goal is to make sure that every family has a disaster plan;[5] every business has a disaster checklist;[6] and everyone gets out of the path of the hurricane safely.

References

  1. ↑ Hurricane Preparedness Week
  2. ↑ http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/
  3. ↑ National Weather Service National Hurricane Center
  4. ↑ Hurricane Week Poster
  5. ↑ Family Disaster Plan
  6. ↑ Disaster Checklist
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