On Thursday, August 29th, Thoin Begum, the Climate Health Taskforce lead for SAPHA, attended an important event where FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell joined forces with the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA). Together, they signed a Memorandum of Agreement, solidifying their commitment to building stronger connections with the AANHPI community and helping them become more prepared for disasters.
As we observe National Preparedness Month this September, the importance of readiness in the face of natural disasters and extreme weather conditions cannot be overstated. With the increasing magnitude and frequency of these events, being prepared is more critical than ever.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has recognized the need for culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach, particularly to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. FEMA has pledged to translate much of its content into several AANHPI languages. This initiative ensures that our communities are better informed and more equipped to handle extreme weather events and natural disasters.
As South Asian Americans, we are all too familiar with the disparities our community faces, often bearing the brunt of the effects of these disasters—effects that include increased displacement, migration, famine, and drought. While these challenges are prevalent in the global South, we must also recognize the growing threat of similar events here in the United States. The devastating Lāhainā fires in Hawaii last year underscored the critical importance of preparedness.
Discussing potential disasters and emergencies can be challenging, but these conversations are essential for taking proactive steps to ensure safety. We encourage you to set aside time to discuss preparedness with your family and community. Start these conversations when everyone is calm, and consider spreading them out over time to ensure thoughtful decision-making. Share the steps you've taken to prepare, and invite others to ask questions and explore preparedness actions that may work for them.
Let’s use this National Preparedness Month as an opportunity to strengthen our readiness and resilience as a community. Together, we can ensure that we are better prepared for whatever challenges may come our way.
