National Preparedness Month

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

Every year the month of September is recognized for National Preparedness Month. It is a time where we can focus our attention on the importance of preparing our families, homes, businesses, and communities for an unexpected disaster or emergency that may threaten our lives, property, and homeland. This year’s theme is “Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How”. Take time to look over these helpful tips to better prepare you and your family for an unexpected emergency or disaster.

10 Things You Can Do Right Now To Be Better Prepared:

1. 1. Sign up for local alerts and warnings, download apps, and check your access for emergency alerts
2. 2. Create and practice emergency communication plans
3. Assemble or update emergency supply kit
4. Conduct a drill to practice emergency response actions with family for local hazards
5. Participate in local preparedness training or class
6. Refresh yourself on lifesaving skills, attend a training class (example: CPR)
7. Make digital copies of all important documents
8. Make sure you have appropriate insurance for relevant hazards (example: flood insurance)
9. Make improvements to reduce potential injury and property damage
10. Conduct an exercise to test your emergency plan
11. Plan with your neighbors to help each other (example: create a group chat to stay in contact)

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit:

1. Water: There should be one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
2. Food: At least a three day supply of non-perishable foods
3. Battery powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alerts
4. Flashlight
5. First Aid kit
6. Extra Batteries
7. Whistle to signal for help
8. Dust Mask to help filter out contaminated air, plastic sheeting, and duct tape to shelter in place
9. Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
10. Wrench or plier to turn off utilities
11. Manual can opener for food
12. Local maps
13. Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery