Tennessee can experience a wide range of weather related threats and events. According to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, or TEMA, those threats include;
· drought
· earthquake
· extreme temperatures
· wildfire
· flood
· geologic
· severe weather
· tornado
· communicable disease
· dam/levee failure
· hazardous material release
· terrorism
· critical infrastructure
Most recently, Tennesseans in several parts of the state have been impacted by severe storms which included flash floods and deadly tornados. Tennessee’s severe weather season typically peaks in March, April and May. When severe weather hits it’s important to have a family plan ready.
TEMA has put together a step by step guide to help get you started making a plan for your family.
Are your kids prepared?
· Make sure children have emergency contacts memorized or written down in a safe place.
· Practice evacuation plans and other emergency procedures with your kids on a regular basis.
· Know the emergency plan for your child’s school or day care.
· Create a backpack emergency card that your child can keep with them.
· Talk to your kids about what to do before, during, and after a disaster.
Planning for an emergency
· Include your child's medication or supplies in your family emergency kit.
· Include their favorite stuffed animals, board games, books or music in your family’s emergency kit to comfort them in a disaster.
· Get your kids involved in building their own emergency kit. Store important family documents on your phone in a safe secure app. Keep hard copies in secure place.
For a complete list of what to include in your family emergency kit, click here.