The City of Clearwater isn't taking the 2007 hurricane season lightly, and it hopes its citizens won't either. Hurricanes have caused more deaths and property destruction than all other natural disasters combined. To stress the urgency of individual preparedness, Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard declared May 20th through 26th Hurricane Preparedness Week.
Preparedness has proven to reduce the damages and loss of life from hurricanes. Your local and state governments are prepared, but it's imperative that each individual and each family prepares as well. If you don't it strains the entire disaster response system. Local governments do not have the resources or money to provide food, water, or financial assistance. You will need at least three days worth of food and water to make it until emergency assistance becomes available. Bottom line, if you haven't started preparing yet, you are behind.
Hurricane Preparedness Week is the perfect time to get a family plan together and make a list of what you need to make it through another active season. For more planning information, including a hurricane supply kit, visit www.myclearwater.com and click on the Emergency Management link on the homepage. Remember it is up to you to prepare, if not you are taking a chance with your life and the lives of your loved ones.
