September Is National Preparedness Month!

September 16, 2020

National Preparedness Month has probably never felt more necessary than this year. As COVID-19 continues to alter daily life in the U.S. and across the globe, it’s a particularly fitting time to make sure you’re prepared for any other challenging situations that could arise. This September, National Preparedness Month’s theme is “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.” In order to do that for your own family, follow these steps before October arrives.

  1. Choose the best mode of communication. If a disaster strikes, how will you get in touch with loved ones to let them know you’re okay? If it’s difficult to communicate via technology, do you have a meeting place where everyone knows to go? Touch base with your friends and family members to discuss these ideas, and make sure the plan you come up with adheres to the CDC’s current guidelines re: Covid-19. 

  2. Gather your supplies. A flashlight. Non-perishable food. Bottled water. These are some of the things you might need if you’re without power for a few days or if you need to evacuate your home quickly. Make a list of everything you and each member of your family absolutely needs to make it through the day—don’t forget toiletries and medication—and make sure you have the bare necessities packed and ready to go in your emergency kit.

  3. Educate yourself about the actual risk of disasters locally. While disaster can strike anywhere, it’s not always a realistic concern, depending on where you live. For instance, coastal parts of the country are more susceptible to hurricanes and flooding than land-locked areas. Do a bit of research about the disasters that are more likely to strike in your immediate area and make sure you’re signed up to receive alerts if something happens, especially a natural disaster. That way, you can act quickly.

  4. Get the entire family on board. If you’re feeling anxiety about the possibility of an emergency, chances are your kids can sense that. Set everyone’s mind at ease by having an honest and open discussion about the situations that could occur (including how likely or unlikely they are). Make sure everyone knows the plan! This might help your little ones feel more at ease.

Categories: Miscellaneous

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