National Preparedness Month

National Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. The 2021 theme is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.”

The schedule of the 2021 month is:

Week 1, Sept. 1-4: Make a Plan

Week 2, Sept. 5-11: Build a Kit

Week 3, Sept. 12-18: Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness

Week 4, Sept. 19-25: Teach Youth About Preparedness

The four steps to starting to prepare you and your house hold for emergencies and disasters are below.

Step 1: Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your family, friends or household to start your emergency plan.
Step 2: Consider specific needs in your household.
Step 3: Fill out a Family Emergency Plan
Step 4: Practice your plan with your family/household

What should go in your emergency kit?

Water—at least a gallon per person, per day
Non-perishable food (such as dried fruit, peanut butter, etc.)
First Aid Kit
Cash
Prescription medicines
Local Maps
Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap
Manual can opener
Whistle to signal for help
Extra pair of eyeglasses
Matches in a waterproof container (allow an adult to help)
Paper plates, plastic cups and utensils, paper towels
Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and a flashlight
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Extra batteries or an alternative power source
Pet and service animal supplies
Baby supplies (formula, diapers, etc.)

Updating and storing your emergency kit:

After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:

Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
Replace expired items as needed.
Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and cars.

Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.

Safeguard Critical Documents & Valuables :

Household Identification

Vital records (birth, marriage, divorce certificate, adoption, child custody papers)
Passport, driver’s license, Social Security card, green card, military service identification, etc.
Pet ownership papers, identification tags

Financial & Legal Documentation

Housing: lease or rental agreement, mortgage, home equity line of credit, deed
Vehicle: loan documents, VIN, registration, title
Other Financial Obligations: utility bills, credit cards, student loans, alimony, child support, elder care, automatic payments such as gym memberships
Insurance Policies: homeowners, renters, auto, life, flood, appraisals, photos, and lists of valuable items
Sources of Income: pay stubs, government benefits, alimony, child support
Tax Statements: Federal/state income tax returns, property tax, vehicle tax
Estate Planning: will, trust, power of attorney

Medical Information

Health/dental insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, VA health benefits
List of medications, immunizations, allergies, prescriptions, medical equipment and devices, pharmacy information
Living will, medical power of attorney
Caregiver agency contract or service agreement
Disabilities documentation
Contact information for doctors/specialists, dentists, pediatricians, veterinarians

Emergency or Hotline contact information for your household