The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is sharing federal preparedness tips and services to help communities along the eastern coast of the United States prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.
The agency stated in a June 7 press release that it is "urging those who live in hurricane-prone areas to take proactive steps now to be prepared for hurricane season."
"EPA understands that effective emergency response and recovery is most successful when every person, community, business leader and government official is prepared," the release states.
The EPA directs users to the agency's Hurricanes website, where users can access information on preparedness steps for families, business owners, local officials and community agencies.
Individuals and families can access a Family Emergency Communication Plan on the Hurricanes website, which outlines how family members can reconnect in the event they are separated when a disaster strikes. The site also includes information for business operators; and suggestions for local officials for preparing and protecting water and wastewater facilities and for debris management, "since storm debris can occur in enormous amounts that overwhelm local landfills and can also present serious dangers to human health and the environment," the release states.
"In addition, the agency is taking this opportunity to remind facility operators of their legal obligations to prevent, minimize and report chemical releases in order to fully protect people and the environment," the release states. To assist facilities, the site has specific information on requirements for release prevention and preparedness, as well as information that clarifies reporting requirements and exemptions, according to the release.
"Unlike some natural disasters," the release states, "the onset of a hurricane is predictable and allows for early preparations to lessen its effect on a facility."
Acting EPA Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle said in the release that the agency wants "to inform the public – particularly people in storm-prone coastal areas throughout the Southeast – about how they can prepare for hurricane season and help protect their communities, the environment and first responders by mitigating hazardous waste and securing potential harmful debris before storms strike."
“Being prepared and having a plan to protect your family and home is imperative during hurricane season,” Gettle said in the release.
