Articles

Time For Preparedness

September 03, 2024

As September arrives, so does National Preparedness Month—a time to emphasize the importance of being ready for any emergency situation that may arise. From natural disasters to unforeseen emergencies, being prepared can make all the difference in keeping yourself and your loved ones safe. Let’s explore the importance of preparedness and share practical steps you can take to ensure you're ready for whatever comes your way, including recommendations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Why Preparedness Matters

Emergencies can strike at any time, often without warning. Whether it's a severe weather event, a power outage, a medical emergency, or a sudden evacuation, being prepared can help mitigate risks and minimize the impact on your safety and well-being. Preparedness empowers you to take control of your circumstances and respond effectively in times of crisis.

Tips for Being Prepared

1. Create a Family Emergency Plan: Develop a comprehensive emergency plan for your household that includes evacuation routes, communication protocols, and meeting points. Ensure that everyone in your family knows what to do in an emergency and where to find essential supplies. The EPA recommends considering specific vulnerabilities such as potential chemical releases or environmental hazards in your area when creating your plan.

2. Build an Emergency Kit: Assemble a well-stocked emergency kit that contains essential items such as non-perishable food, water, medications, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, a multi-tool, and important documents. Keep your emergency kit in a designated location that's easily accessible in case of evacuation. The EPA suggests including items such as plastic sheeting, duct tape, and moist towelettes in your kit to help protect against environmental contaminants.

3. Stay Informed: Stay informed about potential hazards and emergency situations in your area by monitoring local news, weather alerts, and emergency notifications. Sign up for alerts from your local emergency management agency and follow their guidance during emergencies. The EPA recommends staying informed about potential environmental hazards such as air and water quality issues that may arise during emergencies.

4. Practice Emergency Drills: Regularly practice emergency drills with your family to ensure that everyone knows what to do in different scenarios. Conduct fire drills, earthquake drills, and evacuation drills to reinforce safety procedures and build confidence in your response capabilities. The EPA suggests incorporating drills that specifically address potential environmental hazards, such as sheltering in place during a chemical release.

5. Stay Connected: Maintain communication with family members, neighbors, and friends during emergencies by using multiple communication methods, such as cell phones, text messages, social media, and two-way radios. Establish a designated out-of-area contact person to coordinate communication and reunification efforts. The EPA recommends having a communication plan in place to stay informed about environmental risks and updates from local authorities.

6. Prepare Your Home: Take steps to safeguard your home against potential hazards by securing heavy furniture, anchoring tall bookcases and appliances, and installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Keep fire extinguishers handy and learn how to use them safely. The EPA also recommends conducting a home hazard hunt to identify potential sources of indoor air pollution and taking steps to address them.

Stay Ready, Stay Safe

By taking proactive steps to prepare for emergencies, you can enhance your resilience and readiness to respond effectively when disaster strikes. National Preparedness Month serves as a reminder to prioritize preparedness and take action to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community.

Basic Preparedness Kit for your Home

WATER
Food
Battery-Powered Radio
Flashlight
First Aid Kit
Whistle
Manual Can Opener
Manual Wine Opener
Duct Tape
Plastic Bags and Ties
Extra Batteries

Car Preparedness Kit

WATER
Snacks
Windshield Scraper
Flashlight
Extra Batteries
Blankets
Sunscreen
Hand-warmers
Extra Chargers

Hurricane Prep Tips

Make a family plan.
Make sure your fire extinguisher is up-to-date.
Secure personal documents in case of an evacuation.
Ensure plenty of energy sources, such as a generator, extra batteries, and flashlights.
Be sure you have plenty of any necessary medication.
Make sure you have plenty of jugged water and canned foods.

Hydration Tips

Keep a water bottle handy (flavor with lemons!).
Drink warm water and honey while waking up in the morning.
Install and use humidifiers in each bedroom.
Incorporate water-heavy fruits and veggies into your winter diet (such as apples, grapes, and celery).

Avoid heavily caffeinated drinks that quickly dehydrate you.

Cold Weather Tips

Insulate any waterlines located in crawlspaces or along exterior walls.
Insulate Attics.
Caulk and weather strip doors and windows.
Have your chimney or flue inspected each year.
Update and install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Ensure proper venting for fuel burning equipment.
Have your furnace and vent systems inspected each year.

Start Today

Don't wait until it's too late—start preparing for emergencies today. Take the time to create a family emergency plan, assemble an emergency kit, and educate yourself about potential hazards in your area. Your proactive efforts now can make all the difference in staying safe and secure when faced with adversity.

During National Preparedness Month and beyond, let's come together as a community to support one another and build a culture of preparedness. By sharing resources, knowledge, and support, we can create safer, more resilient communities that are better equipped to face whatever challenges may come our way.