Spring is now officially here. It’s time to think of flowers, picnics, new swimwear and planning outdoor events for the post. Unfortunately, far too often springtime also means severe weather in the form of tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, firestorms and other disasters that could strike anytime.

Even before the spring equinox of March 20, severe storms and tornadoes devastated parts of the southeast, killing several people and leaving hundreds homeless. As they say, "This is not a good omen".

Is your post ready to respond to a potential disaster in your community? It can be if it implements information found in The American Legion’s Disaster Preparedness and Response Guide for American Legion Posts (Stock #58-002). The booklet is available free on request from national headquarters. You might have even received your post disaster readiness certificate signed by the national commander.

If not, send an email request to pr@legion.org along with your name, address. You can also call the public relations office at (317) 630-1253 or download it here.

In 2005, The American Legion signed a Statement of Affiliation with the Department of Homeland Security. Since then, Resolutions 97 and 98, "The American Legion Role in Homeland Security" and "The Citizen Corps" directed Legionnaires to get involved in local disaster preparedness and response activities. After all, who better than military veterans know the value of survival skills and being prepared for anything? The booklet, prepared by the National Security and Public Relations Commissions, provides everything a post needs to get started.

So, if you’ve been looking for a way to revitalize your post, sign up new members, increase meeting attendance, get media attention, attract interesting speakers, energize young people and maybe even save lives – get your copy of Disaster Preparedness and Response for American Legion Posts today

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