September, National Preparedness Month, encourages the public to prepare now and throughout the year for any future emergencies and disasters with a focus on a different way each week to get ready for emergencies.
This year's theme is Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How. Each week in September will focus on a different way to prepare for emergencies:
Week 1: September 1-8: Make and Practice Your Plan.
1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
2. What is my shelter plan?
3. What is my evacuation route?
4. What is my family/household communication plan?
Discuss medical needs, pets, and the ages of the members of your household. Family Emergency Plans are available at: https://bit.ly/2JdbzPW. Plan templates can also be found here: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan.
Week 2: September 9-15: Learn Life Saving Skills
Learn basic maintenance skills to stay safe. Take measures to protect homes from flood damage; check and install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and prepare an emergency supply kit. Suggested emergency supply kit items and tips can be found here: https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit.
Week 3: September 16-22: Check Your Insurance Coverage
Take time to understand insurance coverage against flood damage and more, and consider buying insurance, if possible. Information about insurance can be found at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/94715 under “Be Smart. Take Part. Document and Insure Your Property.”
Week 4: September 23-29: Save for an Emergency
Recovering from an emergency may be expensive. Plan ahead by saving money in case of disaster. Collect important personal, household, medical, and financial information. Consider opening an emergency savings account. More tips can be found at: https://www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness.
It is important for individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to always be prepared for an emergency. The Barry-Eaton District Health Department suggests that all of these groups have an emergency plan in place. For more information, visit https://www.ready.gov/, https://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/, or https://www.barryeatonhealth.org/community-health/emergency-preparedness.
