National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote community disaster and emergency planning now and throughout the year. The 2019 theme is, Prepared, Not Scared.
In the United States, hardly a month goes by it seems, without some warning of an imminent natural disaster. Knowing when certain weather events are more likely to strike may help us to be better prepared, and therefore better able to provide safety for ourselves, our families and our communities.
While natural disasters may occur at any time, fall is peak season for these three: hurricanes, wildfires and a mini-season for autumn tornadoes.
There are specific preparations for each type of disaster, but they do share some important things in common. Read on for these basic preparedness essentials.
Have a Community Emergency Plan – Before an emergency happens, sit down with your community, neighbors or close friends and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go and what you will do in an emergency. Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supplies kit (see below) or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster.
- Put Together an Emergency Supplies Kit – Put together a basic disaster supplies kit and consider the storage location for different situations (residence, work, vehicle). Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators, battery-operated radio, etc.
- Understand National Weather Service Watches and Warnings – Understand the meanings of the various watches and warnings associated with natural disasters that occur in your area, prior to the onset of an emergency.
- In the Event of Damage to Your Community Residence or Personal Property – No matter how prepared we may be, natural disasters will occur, and we need to know how to respond when they do. If your residence or your personal property is damaged, report it immediately to your province or abbey office. They will assist you in making a claim.
Don’t Wait To Prepare!
- Make a plan today. It is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area, have your basic supplies on hand and know how you will respond in an emergency.
- Consider the specific needs in your residence. As you prepare your plan, tailor it and your supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Don’t forget special circumstances like care for older community members, medicines and durable medical equipment.
- Practice your emergency plan; know your escape routes or shelter plans.
Natural disasters are, unfortunately, a part of our world and something over which we do not have any control, but with proper planning and preparation, we can be confident we are ready to meet these challenges if and when they do arise. Let’s all be, Prepared, Not Scared, and safely weather the storms, this fall.
You will find a wealth of preparedness information and tools at https://www.ready.gov/
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