September is National Preparedness Month, an annual nationwide effort to encourage Americans to plan and prepare for emergencies.
Many of you are aware that the Hudson Valley Region has experienced a tornado, hurricane, earthquake, flooding and severe winter storms over the past several years with the potential for more-frequent and potentially more-dangerous natural and man-made incidents.
These actual and imaginable threats to our well-being are all powerful reminders that each of us has a responsibility to be prepared for the inevitable.
If you are not ready, you can commit to do so during September; if you are ready, you can encourage and assist others’ preparations.
In keeping with the 2021 National Preparedness Month theme, the first step in the preparedness process is to make a plan.
Below are some tips to help you create your plan.
Make a Plan
Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area.
Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.
And, don’t forget to think about specific needs in your family. Your family’s needs change over time, so update your plan regularly.
Who Will We Contact?
Pick the same person for each family member to contact. Pick someone out of town — they may be easier to reach in a disaster.Text, don’t talk.
In an emergency, phone lines may be tied up. It may be easier to text and this leaves phone lines open for emergency workers.
Where Will We Meet?
Decide on safe, familiar and accessible places where your family can go for protection or to reunite.
If you have pets or service animals, think about animal-friendly locations. Consider places in your house, in your neighborhood, and outside of your city or town so you’re prepared for any situation.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Create a list writing down your contacts and plans. Make sure everyone in the family has copies and keeps them in a safe space, like in a backpack, wallet or taped in a notebook.
Put them in your cell phone if you have one. Hold regular household meetings to review and practice your plan.
You can use the template at this link to assist in making your plan at https://ready.army.mil/make-a-plan.