# 5742
One of the most important aspect of preparedness is being aware of the threats and hazards that surround you. It’s known as situational awareness, and without it, you can be forced to make snap decisions instead of carefully considering your options.
In today’s society, perhaps the most basic example is checking the morning weather forecast before deciding whether to carry an umbrella that day.
But there are far more hazards out there than just a chance of rain. And NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has a terrific all Hazards Monitor page for anyone wanting a heads up on what threats to be cognizant of.
While the home page provides links to dozens of resources ranging from the NWS, EPA and USGS to the World Meteorological Organization, the DAILY BRIEFING PAGE nicely compiles the most important information on a single page.
Now, getting a daily all-threats briefing can be as easy as clicking a single link.
Another important resource is NOAA WEATHER RADIO (NWR).
Once thought of as mainly a source of local weather information, NWR has now become an `All-Hazards' alert system as well. Working with Working with the FCC’s Emergency Alert System , NWR provides warning and post-event information for natural disasters, man-made disasters, and local public safety information.
Broadcasts from many of these stations may be heard online as explained by the following from NWR.
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards broadcasts are available online as live streaming audio. These streams are hosted by third parties such as universities, private companies and individuals, not by NWS. While we broadcast the audio used by these streams, we have no control over interruptions or discontinuation of these streaming audio services. You can find links to the majority of these streams at Weather Underground.
But relying on your internet connection staying up during a weather emergency or other disaster isn’t a good plan. Power outages or ISP problems could leave you in the dark, so it is essential that you have a battery operated weather radio.
In order to receive these broadcasts over the air, you need a specialized receiver. Many of these radios have a special `Tone Alert', and will begin playing once they receive a special alert signal from the broadcaster.
Like having an emergency kit and a first aid kit - having a weather radio is an important part of being prepared.
While the above resources are U.S. centric, for a more global perspective, NOAAWatch provides external links to:
The astounding amount of information available today - online and for free -can help you make long and short term decisions that can assist you, your family, or your business prepare for the next emergency.
Of course, just knowing about the threats isn’t enough. You have to make use of that information. And NOAAWatch provides some links for that as well:
· Ready America - DHS
· Plan Ahead - FEMA
· Preparedness for People With Disabilities
· HHS - Disasters & Emergencies
· American Red Cross
· DisasterAssistance.gov
And lastly, another reminder that September is National Preparedness Month, and you are encouraged to join the NPM coalition.
