People in Pennsylvania are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to learn how to prepare for emergencies during Severe Weather Awareness Week April 25 – 29.

"Awareness weeks give us all an opportunity to take a step back from our busy lives and think about how we can take simple steps today to prepare for a possible emergency in the future," said Richard D. Flinn Jr., director of the PA Emergency Management Agency.

Flinn said citizens should be aware of the types of severe weather they've vulnerable to in their communities.

For example, some parts of the state are more likely to see flash flooding than others. No matter what you may face in your community, Flinn said everyone should have disaster supplies on hand at home, including:

-- Flashlights and extra batteries;

-- Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries;

-- First aid kit and manual;

-- Bottled water and non-perishable food;

-- Manual can opener;

-- Essential medicines/prescriptions; and

-- Cash, credit cards and important legal documents.

Flinn also recommended that families develop an emergency communication plan in the event that family members are separated from one another during severe weather - a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school - and have a plan for getting back together.

Free emergency preparedness information, including templates for family emergency plans and checklists for emergency kit supplies, is available at www.ReadyPA.org.

Follow @ReadyPA on Twitter and like ReadyPA on the Be Ready PA Facebook page for more emergency preparedness information. The free ReadyPA app is also available for both Apple and Android devices.

For more information, visit the PA Emergency Management Agency website.

4/25/2016