September is National Preparedness Month

By MC Kelby HERWriter

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September has been designated as National Preparedness Month (NPM) to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. This year’s theme is Plan Now. Work Together. Be Ready. Whether you are a parent taking care of a family, a good neighbor or an active emergency responder, everyone plays a role during an emergency.

There are so many possibilities for disaster such as hurricanes, train accidents, ice storms or multi-car accidents on our major highways. We can’t dwell on what might happen but we can certainly take steps to avoid as much danger as possible and prepare.

State and federal officials are urging people to become prepared by developing a family emergency plan, putting together an emergency supply kit and learning more about what to do during natural disasters and other emergency situations.

You can visit Ready.gov for more information including downloadable emergency kit checklists and emergency plan forms, as well as links to other sources of information and help.

Preparedness plans take only a short time to make but the repercussions of not having one can last for a long time. Please visit www.ready.gov or www.fema.gov then spend a few minutes following their guidelines for planning.

For example, recording simple information such as phone numbers for relatives, friends, doctors and your pharmacy will help you notify people if you must leave your home. Carrying a card with your medication information will be invaluable should you be injured. There are many other simple items you can record in one place to be of help if you need to be evacuated or are stranded.

Here are three basic steps to follow to help you family prepare for an emergency.
• Know how to contact your family quickly during an emergency.
• Establish a meeting place during an emergency, such as the basement during severe weather or a place outside in case of a fire.
• Keep at least three days worth of daily supplies in your home, such as food, water and any necessary medical supplies.

Also, here are some additional tips for assembling a preparedness kit:
• Plan for the types of disasters that can happen in the area where you live
• Create a personalized Emergency Supply Kit. Choose the essentials to fit your needs and your pet’s needs. Remember to keep supplies at work and in your car
• Assemble a three-day supply of food for each family member
• Store a three-day supply of clean water for each family member in safe containers and make sure water containers are disinfected and airtight
• Assemble kitchen supplies such as a manual can opener, flashlights and batteries, disposable plates and utensils, a utility knife, salt, sugar, plastic baggies and aluminum foil
• Include a First Aid kit, portable radio or TV with batteries
• Update emergency contact records to ensure you have accurate records of family, friends and neighbors
• Review your homeowners or renters insurance policy annually and make any necessary changes to ensure your coverage will be sufficient in the event of a disaster

Finally, commit a weekend to updating telephone numbers, buying emergency supplies and reviewing your emergency plan with everyone in your household.

Sources:
http://www.ready.gov/
http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/emergency/index.html
http://ready.adcouncil.org/beprepared/fep/index.jsp

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.