September ushers in the start of fall marked by cooler temperatures, the changing colors of the leaves, and all things pumpkin spice! But what is important about September is that it is National Preparedness Month. The month serves as a reminder to plan, prepare, and be ready for unexpected events, whether natural disasters like hurricanes or man-made incidents. While we all know it’s a good idea to prepare for potential disaster, it’s a pretty overwhelming concept. Let’s face it, preparing for the unexpected can feel daunting. But like so much else, getting started is often the hardest part. So, let’s jump in!
Understand Your Risks
Before you can make a plan or create an emergency kit, it’s important to identify the threats in your region so you can prepare accordingly. Natural disasters that come readily to mind are hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and wildfires. Research the types of emergencies most common in your area by checking local government websites and weather services. And know your community resources such as local emergency services, shelters, and food banks. Awareness is the first step!
Make A Plan
After you’ve assessed what kind of emergencies you should prepare for, it’s time to make an emergency plan. Your plan should include:
Meeting Places: Designate two meeting places where your family can regroup if separated. First, choose a location outside your home for a sudden emergency, such as a fire. Then, identify a place outside your neighborhood, like a school or church, in case you cannot return home or need to evacuate.
Emergency Contacts: Make a list of phone numbers for family members, friends, and emergency services. Save each number on cell phones, but don’t forget to make paper copies of the list and place them in children’s backpacks, family members’ purses or briefcases, your car, etc.
Evacuation Plan: Identify where you would go if asked to evacuate. A hotel? A relative or family friend’s home? Nearby shelters and safe zones? It depends on the emergency, so having a few options is a good idea.
Quick Tip: Talk About Your Plan & Do Simulations
Creating a plan is great, but discussing it with your family is often overlooked. Remember to sit down and get everyone on the same page. If you have young children, adjust your discussion accordingly, but share details as your kids get older. If you’re concerned it may worry your children, remember that they’ve probably thought about emergencies, and school-aged children have been doing drills at school. Plus knowing you have a plan can ease their minds. It’s also good to occasionally simulate a sudden emergency such as a fire and practice meeting at the designated spot outside the house.
Create an Emergency Kit
Now that you have a plan, putting together an emergency kit is a huge part of preparedness. It’s important to distinguish between supplies you may need for sheltering in place at home versus a smaller kit (aka “Go Bag”) to grab if you need to evacuate.
Essentials for a Basic Kit at Home
Water (one gallon per person per day for several days)
Non-perishable food (protein bars, dried fruit, canned soup, etc.) for several days. Don’t forget a manual can opener.
Extra cell phone battery or charger
Battery-powered or hand crank radio that can receive NOAA Weather Radio tone alerts and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Hand sanitizer, wipes, and tissues
At least two weeks of prescription medicines for each family member, including medicine name, dose, pharmacy name and number, and doctor’s name and number.
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Local maps
Additional Items to Consider
Eyeglasses or extra contact lenses
Infant formula and diapers
Pet food, water, and supplies for your pet
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a portable waterproof container (have digital copies of these items as well)
Cash and change
Emergency reference material such as a first aid book
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Complete change of clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes.
Fire Extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Non-prescription medication like pain relievers, antacids, laxatives, etc.
Mess kits, paper cups, plates and disposable utensils, paper towels
Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children
Paper and pencil
Creating a Go Bag
If you have to leave your home quickly, it’s important to have a smaller version of your emergency kit to grab and go. You’ll include most things on the essentials list, just on a smaller scale. You won’t have room for fifteen gallons of water, but having a few bottles or water purification tablets is necessary. Comb through the lists and decide what to keep in your Go Bag.
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Once you make a disaster plan and create your emergency kit, it’s important to check it every 6-12 months. You may need to rotate food, update contact information, or replace spare clothing for growing children. That’s why every September is a perfect time to revisit your emergency plan. After you’ve created the plan, simple maintenance will help you stay prepared.
Hopefully, you’ll never have to put all this planning and organizing into action, but if you do — won’t it feel great to be prepared? Being organized for emergencies involves more than just packing a kit; it’s about understanding risks, having a plan, and ensuring that your entire family is ready to handle the unexpected.
For more information, check out these websites:
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