Severe weather preparedness week

Welcome back! As we get into March, we want to help educate and equip you and your loved ones to better prepare for unexpected disasters. This week is Severe Weather Preparedness Week — a time to evaluate, make a plan, and learn safety measures you can execute when disaster strikes.?

In this edition, we’re breaking down the basics of disaster preparedness, highlighting stories of hope from recent disasters, and giving you practical steps to stay safe this storm season.?

Let’s jump into it.

According to the National Weather Service, March 3-7 is Severe Weather Preparedness Week, which aims to bring awareness to preparing you and your loved ones for severe weather events, like flooding, tornadoes, hail, wind, lightning, hurricanes, and more.?

Why is preparedness important??

Being prepared can make the difference between life and death.

Many people are not equipped for the severity of natural disasters, either underestimating the severity of the weather or not having information on what to do before and after a storm.

Last year, Hurricane Helene, a historic Category 4 storm, barreled its way through North Carolina and the surrounding states, causing immense destruction, pain, and loss for residents. Many were unprepared for the magnitude of the flooding, mudslides, power outages, and water shortages as the area was extremely unlikely to be hit with such events.?

“I never thought it would happen to me. We didn’t expect it to be this bad. I wish we were better prepared,” said a Hurricane Helene survivor.?

The California wildfires also proved to be challenging for residents to navigate as it took extended time for firefighters to reach 100% containment on the fires. Having an understanding of what to do and what items to pack, and having an evacuation plan in place, could have helped many prepare — lessening the losses faced.

What’s next??

The recovery process after severe weather can be a daunting journey for survivors. Often, it takes months, even years, to rebuild after a storm, with families left without resources — and sometimes, even their homes.?

That’s why organizations like Convoy of Hope are committed to working alongside local partners to deliver tangible hope in the form of essential supplies, such as bags of groceries, hygiene kits, cleaning products, and long-term relief.?

In Calabasas, California, we got to see generosity in action and provide help alongside local partners. Convoy partnered with a local church, Believe LA, to help provide supplies to neighborhoods affected by the fires.??

“It showed our community that we are a resource for them, and if things happen and they need something, they can come to Believe LA.” — Pastor Aaron Lindsey?

It’s simple acts of kindness that lead to relationships between community members, leaders, and churches — and create a starting point for rebuilding following a disaster.

What can I do today??

Convoy’s Disaster Services team members have been in hundreds of disaster responses and want to help provide knowledge you can apply to these situations.

We created the Disaster Preparedness Guide to give you a comprehensive, free resource to help you prepare for all types of storms — it has all you need to create a practical and effective plan for any future storms you and your family may encounter.?

This resource includes:?

• Family preparedness kit?
• Family communication plans
• Utilities shut-off and safety
• Insurance and vital records?
• Evacuation plans
• Care for pets?
• Safety skills and courses?
• Weather monitoring?

While you’re preparing for future storms, check out Convoy’s Crisis Relief Fund, where you can directly help Convoy disaster response efforts and those in the midst of recovery.

Thank you for learning more about Severe Weather Preparedness Week with us! We hope you feel challenged and encouraged to take these steps for your safety and the safety of your loved ones.?

Share this edition with your friends and co-workers so we can all be prepared for future storms. ??

That’s a wrap on this week’s Hope Makes It Happen! As you go, would you share this newsletter with your friends and co-workers? It gives more people the chance to get involved and make a difference. Thank you!