Sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), September's designation as National Preparedness Month was put in place in 2004 to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities. FEMA campaigns each September to educate Americans on how to prepare for and respond to emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks.
It's critically important to prepare for possible disasters and other emergencies. Natural and human-caused disasters can strike suddenly, at anytime and anywhere. Here are three things that you should so that you can make sure that you're prepared for anything:
- Get a Kit - Keep supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate. Be sure to consider the needs of all family members when adding supplies to your kit.
- Make a Plan - Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to plan in advance: how you will contact one another, how you will get back together, and what you will do in different situations. Plan what to do in case you are in an emergency, including what to do and where to meet in case you become separated during the emergency. Discuss how to prepare for and respond to emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live, work, and play.
- Be Informed - Make yourself aware of what disasters or emergencies may occur in your area. These events can include those affecting only you and your family, such as a home fire or medical emergency, or can include community emergencies, such as a hurricane or flood.
Emergencies can happen at any time and in any place.
Follow these tips to make sure you're prepared for whatever happens! Get more tips online at
www.ready.gov.