Fall and Winter Storms Require Emergency Preparedness Before Bad Weather Approaches
Severe fall and winter storms—whether late season hurricanes like Sandy, or blizzards and ice storms that can knock down power lines and trees– can provide a real challenge to families. Everyone needs to be prepared for a severe weather event by having critical supplies on hand (non-perishable food, potable water, flashlights, blankets, etc.) and access to emergency back-up electrical power to provide heat, communications, and refrigeration.
Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honoré is an expert on dealing with natural disasters. As commander of the Joint Task Force Katrina, he took control of relief efforts after the initial chaotic period after the hurricane.
The month of September is National Preparedness Month with the week of Sept. 21 focusing on power outages. Lt. Gen Honoré will be available for satellite interviews live from New Orleans. He’ll speak about emergency preparedness topics including:
- The importance of being prepared at the start of the season instead of rushing to get ready when the severe weather predictions begin
- Supply requirements for non-perishable food and water
- Developing an evacuation route and communication plan
- What to include in an emergency kit including clothes, medications, cash etc.
- The importance of having a back-up power source
About Lt. General Russel L. Honoré, US Army (Ret): Lt. General Honoré was widely hailed by the media as the “Category 5 General” who led Task Force Katrina in the aftermath of the devastating hurricanes that struck the Gulf Coast in the summer of 2005. General Honoré is currently a Senior Scientist with The Gallup Organization, where he is working on developing questions to determine levels of preparedness, and a CNN Preparedness Contributor.
A native of Lakeland, Louisiana. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Infantry and awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Agriculture upon graduation from Southern University and A&M College in 1971. He holds a Master of Arts in Human Resources from Troy State University as well as an Honorary Doctorate in Public Administration from Southern University and A&M College, an Honorary Doctorate in Laws from Stillman College, and an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Stillman College.
Prior to his command of Joint Task Force-Katrina – leading the Department of Defense response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana – General Honoré served in a variety of command and staff positions which focused on Defense Support to Civil Authorities and Homeland Defense. As Vice Director for Operations, J-3, The Joint Staff, Washington, D.C., and, as the Commander, Standing Joint Force Headquarters-Homeland Security, United States Northern Command, General Honoré’s focus was Defense Support to Civil Authorities and Homeland Defense
This interview is provided by Kohler Generators
