Fire Corps highlights dangers of US hurricane season 
A hurricane-damaged home - Fire Corps is calling for an increase in hurricane preparedness
It's National Preparedness Month, and each week Fire Corps is releasing information regarding a particular preparedness topic. September is not only National Preparedness Month, but it is also in the peak of hurricane season.
In recent years, tragedies like hurricanes Katrina and Rita have emphasized the need for preparedness in the event of a devastating or destructive storm. Fire departments and their communities need to be ready and have a plan in place before a hurricane strikes in order to avoid or lessen potential disaster.
Experts predict the 2009 season has a 50 percent chance of being near-normal with regard to hurricane activity. It is important that residents living in vulnerable areas know what steps to take before, during, and after a hurricane occurs.
Fire Corps programs serve a pivotal role in helping departments ensure community preparedness in the event of a disaster. The National Volunteer Fire Council has compiled a Hurricane Preparedness Resource Center to help fire and EMS departments and Fire Corps teams prepare their communities. Access the Resource Center at www.nvfc.org/hurricanes.
National Preparedness Month was created to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, communities, and schools. To learn more about National Preparedness Month and access resources, visit www.ready.gov.
Fire Corps has created an online National Preparedness Month Resource Center to provide your department and Fire Corps team with additional tools and resources to get your community prepared for emergencies of all kinds.
