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September is National Preparedness Month; Step 1: Make a Plan
9/4/2020 (Permalink)
Planning for the event of any emergency is not time wasted.
September is National Preparedness Month, with a different preparedness theme each week. The overall theme is: “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.” The first week is about making a plan, which makes sense, since you need to know what to do before you do it.
For a wealth of information on creating a plan and tailoring it for your family, click here.
- Emergency alerts and weather alerts can easily be set up on mobile phones.
- Shelter- can include Shelter-in-place (wherever you happen to be). Shelter-at-home and have the necessary supplies on hand in your ‘Stay-Kit’. If you need to evacuate to a designated Mass Care Shelter, bring the necessary supplies in your ‘To-Go-Kit’.
- Evacuation- If you have to evacuate, what are the possible evacuation routes? It’s always a good idea to know alternate ways to get somewhere, in case the first route is blocked. Have a real paper road map on hand in case there is no internet available. Also, keep in mind any special family medical, or pet needs.
- Family Communication Plan- If electricity is interrupted, communication networks such as computers and mobile phones could be unreliable. Note that a text message may get through when a phone call may not. Everyone in the family should have important contact information written down on paper and carry it with them at all times. Have family meetings to predetermine where to meet in an emergency. For more communication planning tips, click here.
- Preparedness Kit : You can tailor this to suit your family’s individual needs. Make a checklist so you don’t forget any items.
Planning for the event of any emergency is not time wasted. The more familiar your family is with what needs to be and can be done, the less panic will ensue. Time is of the essence in an emergency situation.