Earl Reminds Us to Always be Prepared

Hurricane Earl has battered the northeastern Caribbean with heavy rain and sustained winds of 135 mph causing flooding and power outages. This category 4 storm is on a path projected to hit the East Coast. The U.S. National Hurricane Center warns residents from North Carolina to Maine to monitor the storm. These types of storms are a great reminder that it is important to be prepared.

The American Red Cross offers a training program "Disaster Volunteer Reserve," where individual volunteers can attend a short boot-camp training and will only be called upon when a catastrophic disaster strikes. Taking this proactive step ensures that you are in a position to help. The Dallas Area Chapter is offering several classes in September at various times and days.

The news of this current storm brings back the horrific imagines generated by Hurricane Katrina just five years ago. While many people have taken action, it is never too late to be "Ready When The Time Comes." This is a corporate volunteer program that will train shelter workers in advance of a storm.

Hurricanes are strong storms with the potential to create hazards such as flooding, storm surge, high winds and tornadoes. Preparation is the best protection against these dangers. For more information you can review the Hurricane Safety Checklist.

Whether you take action as an individual or as a company, please consider being prepared before disaster strikes.