National Preparedness Month: Time for planning ahead (from the Kane County Health Department’s “Health Matters” enews, 8/24/2017)
Tornadoes in the Midwest, flooding down south, hurricanes in the east and wildfires and earthquakes out west, it seems no one is immune. Remember: Disasters don’t plan ahead, but you can! In fact that is the overarching theme for this year’s National Preparedness Month (NPM).
Following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, September has been recognized as NPM to serve as a reminder that we all must take action to prepare, now and throughout the year, for the types of emergencies that could affect us where we live, work, and also where we visit. It is recommended that you prepare and plan in the event you must go for three days without electricity, water service, access to a supermarket, or local services for several days. Just follow these four steps:
- Stay Informed:Information is available at Ready.gov to learn what to do before, during, and after an emergency.
- Make a Plan: Discuss, agree on, and document an emergency plan with those in your care. For sample plans, see ready.gov. Work together with neighbors, colleagues, and others to build community resilience. Sign up for alerts and warnings in your area. Learn your evacuation zone and have an evacuation plan. Check your insurance coverage and review the Document and Insure Property guide. Plan financially for the possibility of disaster.
- Build a Kit:Keep enough emergency supplies – water, nonperishable food, first aid, prescriptions, flashlight, and battery-powered radio on hand – for you and those in your care.
- Get Involved:There are many ways to get involved especially before a disaster occurs. The whole community can participate in programs and activities to make their families, homes and places of worship safer from risks and threats.
10 Essential Items for your Emergency Stockpile:
- Three-day supply of water, with one gallon of water per person per day
2. Three-day supply of nonperishable food
3. Manual can opener
4. First-aid Kit
5. Radio
6. Flashlights & lanterns
7. Batteries
8. Whistle to signal for help
9. Prescription medications
10. Battery-operated or solar
cell phone charger
To watch a short video that illustrates the importance of communicating your emergency plans with your family, please click HERE. More information about emergency preparedness is available on or website by clicking HERE.