September doesn’t just mark the beginning of fall, it’s also National Preparedness Month! Learn how to observe National Preparedness month by reviewing safety protocols, emergency supplies and more with your family or employees.
Celebrate National Preparedness Month
National Preparedness Month is part of a government effort to strengthen preparedness capabilities across the United States. It aims to promote family and community disaster and emergency planning during the month of September and throughout the year.
National Preparedness Month has been observed each September since 2004, and each year has a specific theme. This year’s theme is “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.” Each year the initiative is led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and culminates on September 30th with National Preparedness Day, the national day of action.
Let’s look at some common-sense actions everyone can take to prepare for a natural disaster.
National Preparedness Month – Steps to Take
What steps can you take for National Preparedness Month? While most disasters don’t provide advanced warning, there are common-sense steps you can take to prepare for any natural disaster or emergency. Following these steps will help you should you need to make an insurance claim in the event of a natural disaster.
- Create a Home Inventory
In the wake of any natural disaster or emergency event, it can be difficult to remember the exact details of all your belongings. Creating a home inventory helps you know what possessions you have and exactly where they’re located. This will be beneficial should you need to file an insurance claim post-disaster.
Remember to:
- Take photographs of relevant rooms and items in them.
- Jot down descriptions of each item, including the make, model and serial number of each item.
- Record a video of all your items. Walk through your living space, recording video of your items and describe aloud what each item is and looks like.
For further tips on creating a home inventory check out this checklist.
- Have a Well-Stocked Food Supply
FEMA recommends that every family have enough non-perishable food and water on hand for three days. Having this emergency food on hand doesn’t take a big investment, especially if you purchase food items that last a long time.
Recommended foods include:
- Ready-to-eat canned foods: meats, fruits and vegetables
- Dry cereal
- Peanut butter
- Nuts
- Comfort foods such as chocolate, cookies or other high-calorie sweets
For more recommended food choices, check out this list on ready.gov.
- Be Financially Prepared
It’s best to have a source of financial savings if a natural disaster strikes. Have some money saved in an emergency savings account that can be used in a crisis. Additionally, consider keeping a small amount of cash on hand in case you don’t have access to an ATM. In extreme situations, credit and debit cards may not work.
- Prepare Medications and Medical Supplies
Spend some time finding out which supplies, and items are worth packing when building your own emergency survival kit. Recommended supplies include:
- Water (one gallon per person per day, for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
- First aid kit
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Whistle
- Cell phone with portable chargers and backup batteries
- Hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes
- Create a Disaster Preparedness Plan
A disaster preparedness plan (DPP) is a plan of action for you and your family or business in case of an emergency or disaster.
Planning tips include:
- Review escape routes in your home or business so you (or your employees) know how to escape in the event of an emergency. Make sure these exits are always kept clear.
- Identify other places you can go in an emergency; this could include a friend or family member’s home, a motel or safe house. Having locations in different areas gives you options during an emergency.
- Sign up for local emergency alerts.
Choose Rainbow Restoration for Disaster Recovery
If you find yourself or your family in need of assistance, Rainbow Restoration is ready to help. We provide high-quality restoration and remediation services to property owners throughout the United States and Canada.
We make disasters disappear. Call or request an appointment online to get started.
