National Preparedness Month (NPM) starts on September 1st! This year’s theme is "Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare".

Preparing Makes Sense.

The likelihood that you and your family will survive a house fire depends as much on having a working smoke detector and an exit strategy, as on a well-trained fire department. The same is true for surviving a terrorist attack or other emergency. We must have the tools and plans in place to make it on our own, at least for a period of time, no matter where we are when disaster strikes. Just like having a working smoke detector, preparing for the unexpected makes sense.

Get Ready Now.

Recommended Supplies to Include in a Basic Kit:

• Water one gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation
• Food at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First Aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Filter mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air
• Moist towelettes for sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Unique family needs, such as daily prescription medications, infant formula or diapers, and important family documents

Published on August 29, 2014