September is National Preparedness Month

Are you More Prepared?

September is National Preparedness Month making this a great time to review your preparedness plans for the home and workplace, and ensure that your survival kits and other emergency preparedness supplies are complete and up-to-date.

If you are new to emergency preparedness, purchasing a survival kit is a good place to start. More Prepared offers a variety of kits containing food, water, first aid supplies and other essentials designed for emergency use. In addition to kits for the home, we offer kits specifically designed for cars, the workplace and schools (and even for pets). In an emergency, you may have to survive on your own for three days or longer, so maintaining an adequate supply of survival goods is critical.

Equally important, everyone should have well thought out emergencies plans for the home, workplace and school. Plans should include emergency contact information, evacuation routes and strategies for reuniting with family members. FEMA provides easy-to-use tools for creating emergency plans at its website, www.Ready.Gov.

It is also essential to stay informed. You should know what types of emergencies are most likely to occur in your area, and how to prepare for and respond to them. It is also important to be familiar with emergency resources in your neighborhood, at your school, and in your region. The More Prepared website provides a host of information specific to various types of emergencies. You can also stay informed by joining us on Facebook and Twitter.

Even if you are an old hand at preparedness, your job is not done. Emergency food and water items, as well as many other types of emergency supplies, have expiration dates and must be replaced periodically. Aspects of your life, family, home and neighborhood can change and require alterations in your emergency plans. It's wise to review your plans annually to be sure the information is current and complete.

FEMA has recently launched some new web tools that can help you be More Prepared. Individuals and groups, for example, can register to become National Preparedness Month coalition members at http://community.fema.gov/ and gain access to resources that can be used to promote preparedness in their communities.
Taking time now to ensure that you are prepared is the best way to ensure your families comfort and well being when disaster strikes.