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Are you and your family prepared for a disaster? Do you have a plan for what you and your family will do should a disaster strike your home or area? To bring awareness to the importance of being prepared, FEMA and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated September as National Preparedness Month. Since 2004, FEMA has used the month of September to highlight the importance of being prepared and the steps you should take to protect yourself and family.
Whether it is a natural or man-made disaster, wherever you live is susceptible to some form of disaster. Hurricanes, tornados, blizzards, earthquakes, fires, and even volcanos can create natural disasters in the United States. Man-made disasters can take the form of chemical releases and explosions. Regardless of the type of disaster, the impact on your family can be significant should disaster strike. It is for this reason being prepared is so important. Your family’s emergency plan is the key to taking control during the disaster to minimize its impact.
MAKE A PLAN
When you and your family sit down to make your plan, make sure to consider the following:
How will you receive emergency alerts and warnings? This should include alternate means should power and/or cellular networks are impacted.
What is our shelter plan? Is your home and adequate shelter or do you need to plan to relocate for safety?
What is our evacuation route? Do you know the best route to take to your shelter or to leave the disaster area?
What is the family communication plan? In our busy world, family members may be scattered across different locations. A plan to stay in touch and coordinate with each other is critical to your emergency plan.
What supplies should you have on hand? Batteries, medications, food, water, special dietary requirements must all be considered and accounted for in your plan.
BUILD YOUR EMERGENCY KIT
Now that you have identified the supplies you will need, it is time to collect and maintain them. Items to consider for your kit include:
Non-perishable food and water sufficient for the size of your family Don’t forget a manual can opener!
Batteries, cell phone chargers, and solar chargers
Medications – Prescription and non-prescription
First Aid kit
Flashlights and radios
Spare glasses, contacts, and contact solution
Books, games, puzzles for children
Contact list – family, neighbors, bank, insurance, utilities
PREPARE YOUR PETS AND ANIMALS
Emergencies and disasters also impact the non-human members of your family. Make sure you consider them in your plan and emergency kit.
If you evacuate, pack bedding and toys to reduce their stress
Medications
Grooming items
Coordinate care plans with neighbors, family, and friends as back up for one another
Stock extra pet food, treats, and water
Being prepared can reduce the impact of disaster on you and your family. Knowing what you will do and where you will go, if you must leave your home, will put you and your family in a better position should something happen. Having the plan and your kit will reduce the stress on you and your family as the situation unfolds and during the post-disaster recovery period.
Dedicate time to plan with your family for the types of emergencies or disasters that can occur where you live. The time it takes to create your plan and build your kit is a small investment to make with huge rewards should disaster strike. Take the time for your family and get prepared!
