PEMA: Weather Emergency Exercises Planned Feb. 27 - March 5

Gov. Corbett Proclaims 'Preparedness Week' to Urge Public to Be Ready

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Local, county and state officials will review and test emergency plans and procedures for responding to severe weather during the week of Feb. 27 – March 5, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Glenn Cannon said today.

Governor Tom Corbett has proclaimed the week as "Weather Emergency Preparedness Week" to emphasize the need for all Pennsylvania residents to always be ready for whatever Mother Nature might bring to our state.

According to the National Weather Service, Pennsylvania is routinely threatened by a wide variety of dangerous weather situations. In 2010 alone, thunderstorms produced more than 600 separate severe incidents. In addition, 16 different tornadoes were reported statewide.

Pennsylvania is among the most flood-prone states in the nation. Last year, widespread river flooding occurred in late January, mid-March and late September. Also, there were more than 100 flash flood incidents statewide.

"All too often, residents unwisely choose to ignore weather-related warnings; a decision that can lead to injury or death," Cannon said. "Families and businesses need to take time now to review emergency plans and make any necessary changes to ensure everyone's safety."

Some of the week's planned activities will include community-based public information programs, a one-day exercise, and the statewide monthly test of the Emergency Alert System network used by broadcasters.

PEMA and the National Weather Service will issue exercise-based weather reports of developing conditions. Reports will be carried via normal weather forecast outlets and the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service. The messages will be identified as being part of the exercise.

Each of the 67 county emergency management coordinators, all school districts, more than 300 hospitals and 600 nursing homes, and day care centers across the state have been invited to participate in the week of activities. Cannon said that during the exercise, state and county emergency managers will work with local municipalities to test and review emergency response plans.

ReadyPA is state's initiative that encourages citizens to take three basic steps before an emergency: Be Informed, Be Prepared, Be Involved. Information such as downloadable checklists and emergency plan templates, as well as details on the types of emergencies the commonwealth could face, is available at www.ReadyPA.org or by calling 1-888-9-READYPA (1-888-973-2397).

Media contact:  Maria A. Finn, 717-651-2009

Editor's Note: Contact the PEMA Press Office for the text of the Governor's proclamation.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency

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