September is National Preparedness Month

Are you ready for a natural disaster? Do you and your family have a plan on where to meet or how to contact one another should cell phones and communication be down? Do you have enough staples to get by for 2 to 3 days for your entire family?

These questions may sound scary or a even not something that you want to think about but it is important to formulate a plan. Many agencies, including the American Red Cross and the US Coast Guard, are participating in campaigns in the month of September to make National Preparedness a priority. The theme this year is “Plan Now. Work Together. Be Ready.”

If you answered no to any of these questions above, start thinking about how you can say yes. Spending a little bit of time in advance could really be key if there should ever be an incident. Stick to the plan and have family members know and understand what they should do so that everyone can safely meet and find each other. Now in a time where people are commuting long distances from home, a plan could be crucial in case the span of communication is longer than expected.

What should you include in your kit? There are options out there to but and if there is a Costco in your area, there is an option called Food For Health™ Extreme Emergency Kit (7-day, 4-person Kit -Item # 240231)and a coupon to provide savings. But you can also put together your own kit. Here are some items to include (from www.ready.gov/america/npm10/getakit):

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit: - Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:
- Prescription medications and glasses
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
- Cash or traveler's checks and change
- Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
- Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
- Fire Extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Follow the theme and “Plan Now. Work Together. Be Ready.”

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