The following information is derived from Ready, a national public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies and disasters.
September ushers in the crisp autumn air and vibrant leaves, but it's also a crucial time to focus on safety—it's National Preparedness Month! This annual reminder is your cue to take action and make sure you, your family, and even your workplace are equipped to handle emergencies. Here's how you can get started:
Make a Plan
Communication can be tough during emergencies. Start by having a discussion to establish how you'll receive emergency alerts and where you'll take shelter at home. Determine the best evacuation routes and agree on a communication plan for when you're not together. Regularly check and update your emergency kit to ensure it's ready when needed.
Tailor your emergency plan to fit everyone's unique needs, from children to seniors, and consider any medical or dietary requirements. Don't forget to make arrangements for pets or service animals. Finally, decide on a familiar meeting place outside your home where everyone can regroup. The key is to have these plans in place well before an emergency arises.
Build an Emergency Kit
An emergency kit is like a safety net for when things take an unexpected turn. Some items you may want to consider packing including (but aren’t limited to):
- Water (one gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food (canned goods and energy bars)
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications (both prescription and over-the-counter)
- Multi-purpose tools
- Personal hygiene items
- Copies of important documents
- Cell phone with chargers
- Cash
Maintaining your emergency kit is crucial for emergency readiness. Store canned goods in a cool, dry area and keep boxed items in sealed containers to extend their shelf life. Regularly check and replace any expired items. As your family's needs evolve over time, make sure to update the contents of your kit annually.
It's important to have supplies ready at home, work, and in your car since emergencies can happen anywhere. At home, place your kit in a known spot for quick access. For work, pack enough essentials to last 24 hours, including comfortable shoes, and keep them within easy reach. In your car, a kit can be a lifeline if you're stuck on the road. By keeping these kits in strategic locations, you'll be better prepared for any emergency.
Stay Informed
When it comes to emergencies, being well-informed can save lives. Here are some ways you can stay on top of crucial updates:
- Sign Up for Alerts: Find out how your local authorities send emergency alerts and register to receive them, such as weather warnings or evacuation notices.
- Battery-Powered Radio: Get a battery-powered or hand-crank radio that receives NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for updates during power outages.
- Community Resources: Stay informed through local news stations, community message boards, and official social media accounts for city or emergency services.
- Connect with Neighbors: Engage with your neighbors for shared support and information. Consider joining or creating a neighborhood group for emergency preparedness.
- Diversify Information Sources: Use multiple methods to stay informed so you can react quickly and effectively in any emergency.
For more information or to access additional resources, visit their website at: https://www.ready.gov/
