By Samantha Antenucci
Disaster preparedness doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. In fact, Safe Place Selfie Day, which is celebrated on April 3rd this year, is here to demonstrate that it can be an enjoyable and engaging experience. On this day, people are encouraged to take the time to consider preparing a backup for their homes, offices, or schools in the event of a disaster, all while taking a photo in their chosen safe spot.
The idea is simple yet very important. Natural disasters, such as fires, tornadoes, floods, and extreme weather, can occur anytime. Knowing where to go and what to do can make all the difference in these circumstances. Safe Place Selfie Day attempts to spread the word about how important it is to be organized and prepared. Here’s how you can participate:
Select Your Safe Spot: Spend a moment determining which areas of your house, place of employment, or school are the safest. These spaces must be easily accessible, away from windows, and ideally housed in a solid building. Consider a place with insulation, heating, and/or AC in cases of extreme weather. Additionally, with flooding, consider elevation and staying away from flooded roads. Tornados warrant the opposite, in a basement and away from windows.
Take a Selfie: After finding your safe haven, it’s time to snap a selfie! Take a picture of yourself in the safe spot you’ve chosen. Since being prepared doesn’t have to be dull, be imaginative and enjoy yourself while doing it.
Post Your Selfie: Use the hashtag #SafePlaceSelfie on social media to post your Safe Place Selfie. By posting your image, you’ll encourage others to take similar precautions and raise awareness of the value of being prepared for local emergencies.
In addition, Safe Place Selfie Day is supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA offers helpful resources and information to assist people and communities in getting ready for a range of weather-related emergencies. You’ll find advice on assembling an emergency kit, staying up to date on weather alerts, and developing a family communication plan on their Safe Place Selfie page, here.
Take a time this April 3rd to take a selfie and join the movement, whether you’re gathering in a designated meeting spot, huddled up in your basement, or hunkered down under a sturdy desk. Because being ready for a disaster can make all the difference. In the process, you might even enjoy yourself a little fun. Remember, it’s not just a selfie – it’s a statement of preparedness. Happy Safe Place Selfie Day!
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