September is National Preparedness Month, and all around the country people are readying themselves for winter storms and all the disasters, great and small, that can turn a life upside down. While that might sound like a daunting challenge, you can make your family a lot safer in a few simple steps.
Step 1: Be Informed
Does your street flood when it rains? Do you live in an area prone to wildfires or earthquakes? Can blizzards bury your city under feet of snow? The first step to making yourself and your family safe is knowing what you need to prepare for. Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled on your phone, and check your local radio or television stations for information about ongoing disasters.
Step 2: Have a Plan
Disasters often strike unexpectedly, and you and your family may have to react quickly to avoid harm. The best way to make certain your family is safe is to have simple plan. Work with your family to discover the quickest and safest exits from your home, in case of a home emergency. Set up an easy-to-find meeting place where your family can regroup after a disaster. Pay extra attention to children, pets, and others who cannot easily evacuate themselves.
Step 3: Make a Kit
When disaster does strike, it is best to have a set of supplies ready to assist you. Have a gallon of water ready for each member of your family, along with three days’ worth of non-perishable food. Other helpful items include dust masks, pliers, duct tape, a first aid kit, matches, and a whistle. Put your disaster kit in an easily accessible place, so you can grab it at a moment’s notice.
Visit ready.gov and fema.gov to learn more about disaster preparedness.
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