Emergency Management

September is National Preparedness Month

#BeReady for natural and human-made threats because disasters can happen at any time. The Office of Emergency Management encourages you to prepare for disasters by participating in the #PrepareToProtect September challenge. Each week focuses on different aspects of disaster preparedness to ensure you and your family are ready.

Week #1, September 1-4: Make a Plan

• #PrepareToProtect means preparing to protect everyone you love. Start by making a plan before disasters and emergencies strike: www.ready.gov/plan
• Discuss with your household or family how you will communicate if there is an emergency.
• Decide and practice your emergency plan with members of your household.
• Houses, mobile homes, apartments, and high-rise buildings have different evacuation considerations.
• Practice, practice, practice! Involve your entire family, including your children, in planning for disasters and emergencies so they are prepared, not afraid.

Week #2, September 5-11: Build a Kit

#BeReady by ensuring you are prepared by having enough food, water, and other supplies on hand to last you and your family at least 72 hours after a disaster. Building a disaster supply kit is essential to your well-being during a disaster. It is also important to maintain your kit by replacing any expired items and ensure it is stored in a designated place in case you have to leave your home quickly.

For items you should have in your basic emergency supply kit, please follow this link: Build a Kit

Week #3, September 12-18: Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness

Limit the impacts that disasters have on you and your family by reviewing your insurance, making sure it is up-to-date, and that it aligns with the needs of your household. In addition, it is important to know the potential hazards in your area. Knowing those risks can help limit the impact a disaster can have on you and your family.

Take this opportunity to let us know your opinion on hazards in your area and what steps you have taken to prepare your household by taking the Hazard Mitigation Survey.

Week #4, September 19-25: Teach Youth About Preparedness

Talk about emergencies with your kids. Since disasters can happen at any time, it is important to be prepared in case you are separated from your kids. Make sure they have the necessary information needed to get into contact with a family member.

• What is your plan to reunite with your child?
• If an emergency happens during school, how will you reunite with your child?
• Does your child know important addresses and phone numbers?

Work with your child and create a Family Communications Plan Card, which can be kept in their backpack!