September is National Preparedness Month

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

September is almost here! It is recognized as National Preparedness Month to remind everyone that “we must all take action, now and throughout the year, for the types of emergencies that could affect us where we live, work, and also where we visit,” (ready.gov).

With the recent flooding in Louisiana in mind, the last thing you want to worry about is how to communicate and what to do during a disaster like this horrific event that killed hundreds and left many families without homes.

What you can do:

• Make A Family Plan – you may not be together with your family during a disaster.
  • Set up emergency alerts from local officials
  • Discuss family plans for disasters and plan where to go for safety.
  • Collect information on paper including, phone numbers, emails, social media, medical facilities, doctors, service providers, school
  • Decide on safe, familiar places where your family can go for protection and if you have pets think about animal-friendly locations
• Take Action – ensure you can go for at least 3 days without electricity, water service, access to supermarket, or other local services
  • Prepare a disaster supply kit (water, food, battery-powered radio, flashlight, first aid kit, whistle, local maps)
  • Bookmark weather.gov to stay informed on severe weather
  • Learn about wireless emergency alerts, messages that will be sent to your phone during an emergency

Consider the following disasters that can occur at any time: Learn more about hazards which can affect your community and ways you can take action to prepare.

• Earthquakes – can occur suddenly and be deadly. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.
• Floods - Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States and can happen anywhere.
• Hurricanes - have the power to cause widespread devastation, and can affect both coastal and inland areas.
• Tornadoes - are one of nature’s most violent storms, and can cause death, injury, and destruction within seconds.
• Wildfires - can occur anywhere and can destroy homes, businesses, infrastructure, natural resources, and agriculture.