Since September 2004, National Preparedness Month has been held every September to help people become more aware about the importance of preparing ahead of time for a disaster or emergency that could affect you, your home or your community.
Here are some ways you and your family can plan ahead:
Get ready for any event – With the numbers of natural disasters rising year after year, it makes sense for every person to prepare themselves. Visit websites like Ready.gov and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Emergency Preparedness to learn more about ways to be prepared in the event of any major disaster.
Run mock safety drills – Test out your home safety plan, build a disaster kit with all the essentials, and run your loved ones – especially the kids – through what to do if a disaster hits. This can give you the best chance of emerging on the other side with everyone safe.
Support community preparedness – Look around and you will find multiple ways to get involved in your community long before disaster strikes. You can volunteer with Red Cross, work with or start a Neighborhood Watch, or visit the Citizen Corps website to get a better sense of how your talents can be used.
Other Ways to Plan Ahead:
•Sign up for local alerts and warnings (available on the county website)
•Make a plan for what you would do when an emergency occurs
•Practice emergency drills and where your family would meet up if separated
•Test your family communication plan and how you would be in contact
•Assemble or update supplies in a disaster kit
