National Preparedness Month is observed each September in the United States. The U.S. Government has taken steps to encourage all citizens to make their own survival preparations. Tragedies of the September 11, 2001 attacks highlighted to the nation the importance of being prepared; therefore, September was chosen as the National Preparedness Month.
This outreach program of the Government is an effort to strengthen the United States' preparedness capabilities. It brings to our awareness that we MUST prepare for and respond to emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. Americans should always be thinking of how we can be instrumental in prevention, protection, response, and recovery efforts for all hazards. It encourages Americans to take steps in their day-to-day lives to prepare for emergencies whether terrorist attack or natural disaster.
Plan and prepare, if you are like most, you are not as prepared as you could be. Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another. In an emergency every second counts. Think about how you will communicate in different situations.
Do you know where you would go if a disaster were to occur? This is very critical. When there is a situation, your cellular telephone or GPS might not work. Your family needs to know and meet at a solid landmark. Additionally, know how to get there if public transportation or road closures arise.
How would you get in touch with your family members if you could not all meet at the same location? A good idea is to have a relative or friend who lives out-of-state notify your household members that they are safe. Have their phone number saved as In Case of Emergency (ICE) contact. Even if you have no phone coverage, Emergency Response Teams can find this information. A nearby contact could be facing the same disaster and be in harm’s way. also. Having an out of town contact reduces this chance.
With different aged children, know how to help and ensure everyone knows what they need to do. They must not be afraid to carry out whatever it entails to accomplish this mission. Start by identifying the hazards that have happened or could happen in your area then plan for unique actions for each. Local Emergency Management Offices can help identify the hazards in your area and plan recommendations. To help with your GAME PLAN, visit http://www.redcross.org/prepare/nationalpreparednessmonth
Being prepared means BEING EQUIPPED (at all times) with proper supplies needed in the event of an emergency or disaster. It is suggested to keep your supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit in a strong weather (waterproof) back-pack in case you must evacuate. Although children may not be able to carry everything they need, have their packs supplied with easy to carry light weight items. This will eliminate bulk in your bag, and the children will feel more family responsibility by having to “carry their own.” To learn about necessary supplies for emergency disasters at home or evacuation, visit http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/get-kit
Everyone needs a little help preparing for an emergency -- especially children and young adults! Talk to your young family members about emergencies in an age-appropriate, reassuring, and positive manner. Remember the whole family needs to be prepared to respond, together as a family unit. As the head of your household set the rules, and make sure everyone knows that there is no compromise; when you are in the midst of an EMERGENCY.
Reference: The Red Cross. www.redcross.org
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