September has been known for its National Emergency Preparedness Month for the last 6 years. With so many recent disasters and tragedies, I got to wondering if enough people knew about it and whether they were ready or prepared for any such unexpected surprises. Anyone who watches the news quickly learns just how fast things can change whether it be through national security issues, natural disasters-flooding, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, accidents, man-made tragedies such as deliberately set wildfires, health related emergencies such as flu outbreaks or other contagious diseases, war or violent riots…or even disruptions in electrical grid supplies or communication supplies such as radio, phone, television broadcasting and the like. Planning ahead and doing some simple tasks to prepare for situations such as these could make all the difference in how you and your loved ones fare-are you ready?
Most people really do not know how to start preparing. That is what National Preparedness Month is all about. I want to share a couple of websites with you so that you can benefit from the information they provide to help you get ready to face whatever kind of emergency situation you are faced with.
Before I do that, I would like to say that there are some very simple things you can do to prepare for any difficulty you may face. The other sites will help you to prepare for other specific disasters or emergencies. First off, putting together a simple emergency kit is important.
Start with a good sized tote and fill it with a couple of days supplies of non-perishable food stuff-this may include things like formula (if a baby is in the house) or soft foods for the elderly, at least a 3-5 day supply of water for each person in the family, high energy protein bars, small containers of medication in waterproof containers for chronic conditions, toilette paper, waterproof matches, flashlights & batteries, cell phone & charger, important documents & ID, blankets, and change of clothing, a can opener,a small radio, walkie-talkies or hand held CB, hand sanitizer gel, small cook stove or portable small grill with fuel, camping lantern, small portable folded rain poncho, small foil folded emergency blanket to retain warmth, hand or foot chemical foot warmer packets, first aid kit, these are all basics. You think about what you or a specific family member needs to survive several days without help. Make your kit tailor made for your family’s survival in mind. Dont forget the family pets…keep emergency pet food and water supply for them as well. This site may help you to discover what to put in your kit: http://www.ready.gov/america/npm09/getakit.html
Think about where you live and what kind of natural disasters happen often in your area…if you are prone to flooding…then definately prepare for that…not only in your home…but in your vehicle as well. Have something handy in your vehicle that will allow you to cut the seat belts & break the vehicle windows if you are trapped in flooded waters. Many people die each year because they can’t get their windows open due to water pressure on the windows. If your area is prone to tornadoes…learn about the safest place in your home to wait out the storm. The same thing with wildfires…do you have an emergency evacuation plan worked out? You get the idea, keeping safety and well-being in mind, take action.
Another thing I learned about recently is a battery company that is doing it’s part to help prepare cities that are vulnerable to weather related emergencies. They are donating what they call hours of power by donating batteries to first reponders and law enforcement authorities in those cities by having visitors to their blog simply click on a button. There is no cost, you dont have to sign up for anything…you simply click on their button. This is something everyone with a computer can do. Check it out here and click: http://www.duracell.com/us/hoursofpower/cities.asp or here: http://www.duracell.com/us/hoursofpower/safety-tips.asp .
Ok, now that you know what to do…get ready, get set…go prepare!
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Thanks for watching our backs, Rainy. This topic is not unlike death in that we really don’t want to think about such things. BUT YOU NEVER KNOW…
Hugs,
Mother Connie
http://motherconniesez.blogspot.com