September 4, 2020

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has already been very active, becoming the first on record to document nine tropical storms before August and 13 before September.

FirstEnergy Utilities (FEU) crews are provi​ding mutual assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura, which caused extensive damage along portions of the Gulf Coast. In early August, Tropical Storm Isaias left nearly 900,000 FEU customers without power in parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, a stark reminder of the impact natural disasters can have on our service territory.

“Significant weather events like Tropical Storm Isaias and Hurricane Laura highlight the importance of having a plan and being prepared,” said John Huber, director, Emergency Preparedness. “And, with the extra precautions required for COVID-19, it’s even more important to be prepared and ready to respond to major storms and other emergency events.”

September is National Preparedness Month, so now is a good time for employees to assess their level of readiness for an event that hits close to home. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends the following steps to help keep you and your family safe:

• Make a Plan – Prepare in advance for what to do in various emergency situations. Have an evacuation plan and designate a safe place for family members to meet.

• Build a Kit – A disaster supply kit should include basic items that a household might need during emergencies (e.g., water, non-perishable food, first-aid kit, flashlight and extra batteries).

• Get Involved – Find opportunities to support community preparedness.

It’s also a good idea to use your smartphone to sign up for alerts and warnings in your area. Check www.Ready.gov or www.Do1Thing.com for more information on developing a preparedness plan and being ready to handle emergency situations.

*By clicking the links in this article, you are entering websites maintained by outside parties, which are entirely responsible for the sites’ content.