National Preparedness Month is an annual government campaign that encourages everyone to plan for emergencies and disasters. Led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and sponsored by the Ready Campaign, this year’s theme is “Disasters Don’t Wait, Make Your Plan Today.”
As we continue to respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, there is no better time than now to get started.
We know emergencies can happen at any moment. They can catch anyone off guard. But if we stay prepared with basic needs, we can minimize their impact.
Here are some safety suggestions for you and your family:
- Learn about the different types of emergencies that could happen in your area, and how to respond.
- Make a household plan. Practice it, and update it regularly.
- Create an emergency kit. It should include flashlights, batteries, water, toilet paper, sanitary napkins, non-perishable foods for you and your pets, medication, cash, battery-powered radio and clothing.
- Keep copies of important documents in a safe place. Those include birth certificates, deeds and insurance forms.
- Sign up for alerts in your community.
Now is also a good time to test and check the batteries in your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Visit ready.gov to learn more about how you and your loved ones can stay prepared.
