Hurricane Preparedness Week: A Time to Raise Awareness

It is Hurricane Preparedness Week- a time to raise awareness regarding the dangers that come with hurricanes and a time to practice preparedness for natural disasters. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has also issued a proclamation to help bring awareness to the destructive force that hurricanes bring to communities and businesses.

As many are aware from destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey, the Texas coastline and the inland communities are at much more of a risk during the months of June through November. Hurricanes are incredibly powerful forces of nature that cause mass destruction and damage to homes, businesses and road structures. They also pose a threat to lives and property.

“At this time, I encourage all Texans to remain mindful of the dangers presented by hurricanes, to stay informed about current threats, and to take steps toward preparedness. Together, we are ready!” stated Governor Abbott.

What You Can Do to Be Prepared

Before hurricane season starts, now is the time to prepare yourself for potential disasters by first signing up for emergency alerts on you phone. Next, it is also important to build an emergency evacuation plan and an emergency kit. You can find great resources for creating a plan and building a kit at https://www.ready.gov/. There you will find links to how to be informed and how to plan ahead so your family can ensure safety when the time comes.

Other items that are important to investigate when it comes to be prepared is checking your insurance coverage, documenting your property and assets, and developing a plan to keep in touch with your loved ones. No one wants to go through the destruction a hurricane can cause, but if you can better prepare yourself for the massive destruction it can bring, you will ultimately provide more safety and security to you and your loved ones. If you ever find yourself in an emergency caused by a natural disaster and need help, please call 9-1-1. In some areas, you can also text 9-1-1 if you are unable to call.

May Marks Mental Health Awareness Month

We tend to be quick to go to the doctor if we have a cold or pain in our body. But when it comes to our mental health, many of us do not take care of it like we should. Remember- your health matters- including mental health! National Mental Health Month raises awareness about various mental health illnesses and related issues.

Luckily, as time evolves, so has the mindset of many and the stigma associated with mental health has gone down. There has been a wave of acceptance towards these issues and more support is being provided to those who suffer from them. Did you know 1 in 5 people will be affected by mental illness in this country?

The campaign shared this month is the Why Care? campaign. This provides for an opportunity to share the importance of taking care of our mental health. It is also a time to support those who live with a mental illness every day and a time to educate how many people are affected by mental illness from families, caregivers and loved ones. By caring about mental illness and working to get help for those with mental health issues, we have the power to make a life-changing impact.

WhyCare?

Care is a 4-letter word, but a powerful way to change lives for those dealing with mental health issues. People feel loved when someone cares. People also feel heard when someone cares. And people recover when someone cares. You can participate by sharing your personal stories on social media using the hashtag #WhyCare. You can also look for awareness events to participate in.

May 6^th marks National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day and is a day to focus on youth mental health. For more information on this please visit https://www.samhsa.gov/childrens-awareness-day. On that day you can also participate in a webcast on Suicide Prevention: Strategies That Work. The event will focus on how suicide impacts children, youth, adults, families, and communities.

Then on May 20^th you can view a webinar on Older Mental Health Awareness Day 2019 which focuses on the mental health and substance use of seniors.

Each year, more than 41,000 individuals die by suicide. It is important we take notice and care for the people in our lives. Check up on your friends and family. If you or a loved one is in crises or experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). If anyone is in any immediate danger, please do not hesitate to contact 9-1-1 for help.