Preparing for Disasters & Emergencies
National Preparedness Month, an annual observance to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time, culminates on September 30th with National Preparedness Day, the national day of action. As National Preparedness Month comes to an end and reports of El Niño 2023 amplifying extreme weather, it is the perfect time to get prepared for disasters.
Are You Prepared?
Make a plan today using these four easy steps.
Step 1: Start the Conversation
Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your network (business and personal) to start your emergency plan.
How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
What is my shelter plan?
What is my evacuation route?
What is my communication plan?
Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?
Step 2: Consider specific needs
As you prepare your plan, tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in your network can assist each other with communication, business, family members, pets, or specific needs like operating medical equipment. Keep in mind some these factors when developing your plan:
Different ages of members
Responsibilities for assisting others
Locations frequented
Dietary needs
Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
Language, cultural and religious considerations
Pets or service animals
Step 3: Create an Emergency Plan and Kit
Write your emergency plan down and keep it in a safe location you can access easily. Assemble your emergency preparedness kit (see list at www.ready.gov/kit) and remember to maintain it so it's ready when needed.
Check the expiration dates on your food and water twice a year: when your clock "falls back" and "springs forward" (when you replace the batteries in your smoke alarms).
Test batteries in flashlights and radios every three months.
Check the expiration dates on medications twice a year.
Re-think your gear needs every season and replace seasonal items such as clothing and shoes (or pack your kit for four-season use); be sure your emergency kit stays age-appropriate to your children as they get older.
Step 4: Practice Your Plan
Practice your plan and make sure everyone in your household knows what to do during an emergency. The more you practice your plan, the safer you and your family will be before, during, and after a disaster.
Contact ACS for more information.