September 30, 2015

Today marks the end of National Preparedness Month created to encourage residents to prepare for emergencies and disasters, whether they be on a personal level or large scale.

However, nothing brings awareness like reality.

A storm named Joaquin became a hurricane this morning, making it the 2015 Atlantic season’s third hurricane. While Joaquin has promoted warnings in the Bahamas, those on the East Coast, including Philadelphia, are watching to see what path the Hurricane takes and what effects, big or small,  it may have on our area.

Weather predictions rely on computer models and meteorologists rely on those models for guidance. As Gary Szatkowski, National Weather Service meteorologist in Mount Holly, said on Twitter “saying a storm’s path is unpredictable is a poor word choice”. Szatkowski says better wording is that it is not perfectly predictable.

Whether Joaquin remains a hurricane, is downgraded, makes landfall or not, having your family, your home or business prepared year round is of utmost importance. Being ready and staying informed is key.

The City of Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management has resources to help you.

Sign up for emergency alerts from OEM’s ReadyPhiladelphia program to keep you informed prior to and during an emergency.

Follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook.

Prepare for an emergency and make a plan.

Are you Ready, or Not? Here’s resources to help.

Be set for flooding, hurricanes or tropical storms.