THE ART OF COMMUNICATING PREPAREDNESS Cheryl Nelson, Mrs. Virginia International 2014 & & Broadcast Meteorologist, CBM Partner with IAEM Ambassador with NOAA’s Weather Ready Nation Partner with FEMA Region III
AMERICA’S PREPAREATHON! PrepareAthon is: a nationwide, community-based campaign for action to increase emergency preparedness and resilience through hazard-specific drills, group discussions and exercises Plan an event and take part in FEMA’s national movement I organized Coastal Virginia’s Hurricane PrepareAthon Party on June 1 st to kick off the start of hurricane season!
MY PREPAREDNESS GAME… How prepared are the residents of your hometown? I put Smithfield, Virginia to the test… “Jay Leno style…” Let’s go to the Smithfield Farmer’s Market! Leno_Style_MOS4.wmv
PREPAREDNESS PROFILES FEMA researched to identify groups of people who have similar beliefs and experiences related to preparedness. Four preparedness profiles were identified. Part of Life Preparedness Profile – the 14 percent of people who are preparing. Working On It Preparedness Profile – the 21 percent of people who have started to take steps to prepare but can do more. On Their Mind Preparedness Profile – the 18 percent of people who think about preparedness but have not started to prepare Not On Their Radar Preparedness Profile – the 46 percent of people who aren’t thinking about preparedness . Source: FEMA’s “Preparedness in America” Report, September 2013
SO WHY ARE MANY AMERICANS COMPLACENT? Perhaps it is the “Meteorologists ‘Cry Wolf’ Syndrome?” Example: 2013 Hurricane Season Forecast: ABOVE AVERAGE Reality: A SNOOZER! Least active season in 30 years Weakest max intensity since 1968 Only two hurricanes- both Cat 1 Only landfall- TS Andrea hit Florida
SO WHY ARE MANY AMERICANS COMPLACENT? People may have “forgotten” how bad it can be The last major h urricane to hit the U.S….
A “MODERN” APPROACH It is especially crucial to reach the 18-34 34 demographic: Go where they are: Social Media!
A “MODERN” APPROACH Have fun with cool gadgets Make “Preparing” the latest trend Buy the college student a “trendy” preparedness item!
A “MODERN” APPROACH Download cool new apps Check out the Storm Pins app Real time location-based weather reports & photos
A “MODERN” APPROACH Get Organized! Survival Stores is the answer. Keep track of the items in your disaster kit with this easy to use software
A “MODERN” APPROACH 5 Key De Desig ign n Feat atur ures: s: 1. Unique Pyramid Shape 2. Core-Structure Stainless Steel Anchoring System 3. Lightweight Fiberglass Frame System 4. Proprietary Fabric Cover (UV Protected/Antimicrobial) 5. Quick Connect™ Deployment Mechanism
A “MODERN” APPROACH Learn about preparedness at Walt Disney World Check out “Storm Struck” by FLASH at Epcot Experience a 4D windstorm! Test your disaster knowledge with interactive games
A “MODERN” APPROACH Make preparing fun for the kids Disney-Red Cross Pillowcase Project Teaches students grades 3-5 about preparedness Color pillowcases and fill them with disaster kit items
A “MODERN” APPROACH Reach out to college students Talk to colleges/ universities about disaster plans for college dorms Get students involved- zombie apocalypse?
A “MODERN” APPROACH Tell a story with pictures… Although it may have been decades ago, remind residents of previous disasters in your area Show photographs- a photo can speak louder than words Hurricane Andrew, 1992 Hurricane Katrina, 2005
MAKE A PLAN TODAY! Do you “walk the walk?” Be an example by preparing yourself You talk the talk, but do you walk the walk?
MAKE A PLAN TODAY! You our r Pets ts Nee eed d a Pl a Plan an Too oo! Yes, I have 3 cats (…and my husband is very supportive…)
PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT! I’ll compete as Mrs. Virginia International 2014 and promote “Natural Disaster Preparedness” on a world stage at the… Website: www.mrsinternational.com
CONTACT INFORMATION Cheryl Nelson, Mrs. Virginia International 2014 Website: www.CherylNelsonVA.com @MrsVAIntl2014 MrsVirginiaInternational2014 Email: mrsvainternational2014@gmail.com
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