Be a Force of Nature: Take the Next Step National Severe Weather Preparedness Week March 2-8, 2014

Get Weather Ready Before a Tornado

Get Weather Ready During a Tornado

Get Weather Ready After a Tornado

 

Know your risk. Take action. Be an example.

In 2013, there were seven weather and climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion each across the United States. These events included five severe weather and tornado events, a major flood event, and the western drought/heat wave. Overall, these events killed 109 people and had significant economic effects on the areas impacted.

During National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 2-8, 2014, NOAA and FEMA will highlight the importance of preparing for severe weather before it strikes.

Being prepared for severe weather doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A few simple steps, such as having a disaster supplies kit, could help save your life.

During National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, we ask that you Be a Force of Nature by knowing your risk, taking action and being an example where you live.

Online Marketing Toolkit
Whether you’re a blogger, reporter or social media superstar, you can help spread the word during National Severe Weather Preparedness Week. The materials listed below are free to use in print publications, online news stories and even Facebook. Help the National Weather Service and FEMA build a Weather-Ready Nation, one that is prepared for severe weather whenever and wherever it occurs.

Presidential Message – When it comes to severe weather, we all have a role to play.

NOAA/FEMA Press Release – During National Severe Weather Preparedness Week March 2 to 8, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are calling on individuals across the country to Be a Force of Nature: Take the Next Step.

Backgrounder – Download a one-page overview on National Severe Weather Preparedness Week. en Español

Talking Points – Get facts and figures on the importance of preparing for severe weather. en Español

Op-Ed – Copy this op-ed and submit it to your hometown newspaper. en Español

Press Release – Customize this press release on National Severe Weather Preparedness Week. en Español

Blog Post – Use this post on your blog to let readers know about preparing for sever weather. en Español

Social Media Plan – Get tweets and Facebook posts you can use during the week. en Español

Poster – Grab the National Severe Weather Week poster.

Be a Force of Nature Graphic – Download the Be a Force of Nature graphic for use in social media and blog posts.

Facebook Cover Graphic – (no logos) – Change your Facebook cover with the National Severe Weather Preparedness Week poster.

Tornado FAQ – How do tornadoes form? Where is the safest place to shelter? Should I open the windows in my house during a tornado? Get answers to frequently asked questions about tornadoes.

Videos

Learn what to do before, during and after a tornado with these shareable YouTube videos from NOAA.

Get Weather-Ready: Before a Tornado

Get Weather-Ready: During a Tornado

Get Weather-Ready: After a Tornado

Severe weather preparedness advice

Do you know how to protect yourself, family, pets and property from severe weather? Get practical advice from the National Weather Service on surviving a storm.

Severe weather preparedness advice for workers and employers

Severe weather poses unique hazards for workers and employers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides resources for workplace preparedness for and response to severe weather emergencies, including tornadoes. OSHA also provides information for workers involved in response and recovery operations for severe weather events. OSHA and NOAA encourage workers and employers to be aware of weather forecasts so that they can be better prepared.

Severe weather preparedness in your state

In addition to National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, many states have their own severe weather preparedness weeks. Check the Weather Awareness Events Calendar to find yours.

Other weather preparedness weeks

Different times of the year bring different weather dangers. In addition to National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, we encourage you to be prepared by participating in the following national awareness and preparedness weeks:

Flood Awareness Week Tsunami Awareness Week Air Quality Awareness Week Safe Boating Week Heat Awareness Day Hurricane Preparedness Week Rip Current Awareness Week Lightning Safety Awareness Week

Mar 16-22, 2014 Mar 23-29, 2014 Apr 28-May 3, 2014 May 17-23, 2014 May 23, 2014 May 25-May 31, 2014 Jun 1-7, 2014 Jun 22-28, 2014

For more information
We invite your questions. Email us at wrn.feedback@noaa.gov and follow us on Twitter@NWS.