Hurricane Jose is wandering around the Atlantic Ocean.   It has changed intensity from a Category 4 to a Category 1.  It is unclear where it will go or what it’s strength may be.  And as we have watched the progress of Hurricane Irma and others it is clear how difficult it is to predict the path and strength of a storm at any given moment.  At this point it seems unlikely that it will make landfall.  BUT, there is a worst case scenario that it could strengthen and then make landfall in New England. 

It’s always wise to be prepared: just in case.  Here is some information from our MACUCC Disaster Preparedness webpages:

Safety and Preparedness Tips

• In any emergency, always follow the instructions given by state, local, or tribal emergency management officials.
• FEMA encourages all Americans to visit www.ready.gov or ready.gov/es (in Spanish) to learn more about how to be better prepared and how to protect your family during emergencies.
• Plan for your loved ones’ needs in advance. Ask schools, hospitals, nursing homes and day care facilities about their emergency plans and how they will keep your loved ones safe. 
• Talk with personal care assistance providers, oxygen or dialysis providers, child or adult care providers, transportation providers, schools and workplaces about their plan for emergencies. 
• Residents and visitors in potentially affected areas should be familiar with evacuation routes, have a family emergency communications plan, keep a battery-powered radio handy and have plans for their family members and pets.  People with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, older adults and their families may need to take additional steps for themselves and their service animals. 
• If you or someone you know needs assistance to receive and respond to emergency alerts and to safely evacuate in an emergency, work with family members, neighbors, friends, service providers and coworkers as partners in planning strategies that will work for your specific needs, whether you are at home or away from home.  

For more information on preparing for severe weather and other natural disasters, and what you can do to protect yourself, your family and your business, visit www.ready.gov or www.ready.gov/es.  Information regarding emergency preparedness and what to do before and after a disaster can also be found at m.fema.gov or by downloading the FEMA app from your smartphone’s app store.

PS: The Center for Progressive Renewal will have a webinar with UCC Disaster Ministries Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 1:00 PM .  Get details here.

For more hurricane preparation ideas, visit the MA Conference Disaster Resource blog here.