Are you Prepared?
The Tuscaloosa County EMA’s “Be a Preparedness Champion” campaign provides important tips for you and your family to discuss and take action on to enhance preparedness. Each week for nine weeks, a local mascot shared information on shelters, provided a preparedness tip, and gave citizens a chance to win a weather radio. Below are some of the many tips and pictures highlighting each week.
Bobber The Water Safety Dog
This is Bobber the water safety dog. He normally teaches about water safety but today he is talking about finding a safe place for your family including the furry members. Tuscaloosa County has 3 Pet-friendly shelter locations. They can be found by clicking HERE and looking for the dog paw. Note to make sure you check the rules of each shelter before showing up.
Grinch
Like the Grinch, who wants to steal Christmas presents, a tornado can steal and destroy expensive items and cause a financial emergency. That is why it is important to save a little, review and update insurance policies, and keep a little cash in your safe place or go bag. To make a plan you can click here.
Stillman Tiger
Before leaving home for the community shelter, the Stillman Tiger knew preparation was key. He secured loose yard items like lawn furniture, toys, trampolines, and garbage cans, fueled up his home generator, and removed a dangerous dead limb hanging over his garage—all before disaster struck. He also likes the fact that the McDonald Hughes Community Center is one of the pet friendly shelters.
Ricky the Recycling Raccoon
Ricky encourages you to get rid of old electronics and toxic chemicals by recycling them before a storm arrives. After a storm strikes, disposing of chemicals and other hazardous materials can be more dangerous and complicate cleanup efforts, especially if your home is damaged. To see more about what and where you can dispose of your items click here.
Mcgruff
McGruff the Crime Dog registered for TuscALERT while seeking refuge at a tornado shelter. TuscALERT serves not only as a conduit for weather alerts but also empowers first responders to disseminate crucial emergency notifications via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). These notifications might include urgent directives such as "Run Hide Fight" in the event of an active gunman in your vicinity, or "Shelter in Place" following a chemical release nearby.
Chase
Chase is at the Salvation Army Tornado Shelter, and he feels confident that if something happens he is ready to go as he has been CERT trained. Having completed CERT training in five short weeks, he has equipped himself with essential skills in disaster response. From mastering basic disaster medical operations to adeptly handling fire suppression, Chase stands prepared to extend aid to both his loved ones and neighbors should the unthinkable occur. To learn more about CERT click here.
Wally
Wally Wise Guy feels extra secure in his personal storm shelter, which he registered with Tuscaloosa County EMA. This ensures that if there's an emergency, first responders can find him quickly. Plus, he's glad he was able to save money by qualifying for the Alabama Storm Shelter Tax Credit Act. He found out about the credit and how to register by clicking here.
Sparky
Even though Sparky deals with fires, he knows the importance of being prepared for any emergency. Just like in a fire, he makes sure to grab his go-bag when heading to the community shelter. His bag includes medications, important family documents, cash, food, water, and an extra pair of clothes with shoes. He even keeps one in his car and another at home! He learned how to put together a kit for himself and his pets by clicking here.
Mr. 911
Mr. 911 is following the rules and sheltering at Vance's Wallace Tingle Park Storm Shelter. He knows that calling 911 is essential for reporting medical or safety emergencies after a disaster. However, he also understands the importance of contacting Tuscaloosa County EMA to report damage, as their assessments help the entire county recover more effectively.
Big AL
Big AL knows if he needs a community shelter, he knows he can find it on the EMA website at: www.tuscaloosacountyema.org/storm-shelters
