Blog:September is National Preparedness Month

Posted by: Candice Ahwah-Gonzalez at Sep 12, 2011 12:00 AM CDT

Keywords: Education

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September is National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month and this year’s theme is “A Time to Remember. A Time to Prepare.” Safe Kids Worldwide is an official member of the FEMA National Preparedness Month coalition. The information that is being shared through this campaign is especially timely and useful in light of the recent weather-related disasters our country has faced and in remembrance of the 10th anniversary of September 11th, 2001. Please take a moment to read about three simple tips that Darryl J. Madden- Director of FEMA’s Ready Campaign shared with us on how we can all prepare our families to be ready in the event of an emergency.

This September marks the ten year anniversary of 9/11 and we ask you to take time to remember those lost as well as time to make sure you are prepared for future emergencies. National Preparedness Month (NPM) was founded after 9/11 to increase preparedness in the U.S. It is a time to prepare yourself and those in your care for an unexpected emergency.

Emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere. If you’ve seen the news recently, you know that emergencies can happen unexpectedly in communities and families just like yours. This month, please prepare in the event your family must go for a few days without electricity, water service, access to a supermarket or local services. Just follow these three steps: Get a Kit. Make a Plan. Be informed.

Get a Kit
Keep enough emergency supplies on hand for your family – water, non-perishable food, first aid, prescriptions, flashlight, and a battery-powered radio. If you own pets, remember to include their food and supplies in your supply kit. The Ready Kids family-friendly website features instructions on what families and teachers can do to prepare for emergencies and the role kids can play in that effort. Spanish material is also available at Listo Niños (Listo.gov).

Make a Plan
Discuss and agree on an emergency plan with your family. You can download and fill out a Family Emergency Plan. Ready.gov/makeaplan.

Be Informed
In addition to the Ready.gov site, free information is available from federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial resources to assist you. Contact your local emergency management agencies to get details on specific hazards in your area, local plans for shelter and evacuation, ways to get specific information before and during an emergency, and how to sign up to receive emergency alerts if they are available.

As FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate reminds us, "Individuals and families are the most important members of the nation's emergency management team. Being prepared can save precious time if there is a need to respond to an emergency."

For more information on National Preparedness Month and for help getting your family, business or community prepared, visit the Ready.gov website or call 1-800-BE-READY, 1-888-SE-LISTO, and TTY 1-800-462-7585.

How You Can Help

Post these widgets on your website or Facebook page:

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Blog:September is National Preparedness Month

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