September is National Preparedness Month, an opportunity to give ourselves peace of mind by preparing for emergencies now and throughout the year.
Devastating hurricanes, wildfires, and floods remind us of the importance of preparing for disasters. Often, we will be the first ones to take action after a disaster strikes and before first responders arrive, so it is important to prepare in advance to help our family and our community.
Now is the time to get organized and make (and practice) an emergency plan, learn lifesaving skills (such as CPR and first aid), check insurance policies and coverage for the hazards you may face, consider the costs associated with disasters and save for an emergency, and also know how to take practical safety steps like shutting off water and gas.
Take a moment to ask yourself, “If I only had 15 minutes to evacuate, what would I take?”
You would likely grab medication, cash, important papers, clothing, blankets, a first aid kit, phone chargers, and some memorabilia. How about items to keep children entertained? And of course you would take the pets, so are the pet carriers easily accessible?
And what about if you are sheltering in place?
Do you have enough water on hand? One gallon of water per day for 3 – 7 days is recommended. Do you think you have two weeks of food at the ready? You'll also likely need flashlights, batteries, diapers, pet food, a first aid kit, and more.
Preparing for the unexpected makes sense, so get ready now. Check out the resources below for more tips and ideas on how to be prepared for what might unexpectedly come your way.
Resources
Preparing Makes Sense. Get Ready Now. A comprehensive brochure explaining the key steps to emergency preparedness, including: being informed, making a plan, building a kit, and getting involved.