News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
It is National Preparedness Month and officials in Cumberland County want to make sure residents are ready for severe weather season.
The Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency will be spreading disaster preparedness tips throughout September. Cumberland County EMA Director Travis Cole said he wanted to use the month to remind citizens that severe weather threats are more likely in the coming months.
“It’s hard to think of it right now, especially with the beautiful weather we’ve had lately, but we are on the verge of getting into some winter time weather, so we need to be thinking about that,” Cole said. “Also, even closer to our fall severe weather time period.”
Cole said the months between October 1 and December 31 are the biggest threats for severe weather and tornadoes. He said this is because of the change in weather. Cole said September is the best time to start preparing for the upcoming storm season, and he wants to make sure the citizens of Cumberland County are prepared.
“We’re going to be sharing tips and tricks every Monday morning on our social media sites,” Cole said “We also have a free app that we’re going to be sending push notification to with the same information.”
The theme of this year’s National Preparedness Month is “Take Control in 1,2,3.” Cole said the theme means being prepared for a disaster is as simple as counting to three.
“Being prepared for emergencies and disasters starts with the responsibility of every individual and household” Cole said. “Being prepared on the individual and household level is the most important thing to make sure you are taking care of in the minutes and hours after a disaster until other life lines come in.”
Cole said in addition to being prepared for winter weather and severe weather season, to also be prepared for any extended power outages that could be caused by the weather.
