September is National Preparedness Month

This month we are helping you plan for family and community disaster with a few simple steps and resources. As our country continues to handle COVID-19, we keep this National Preparedness Month’s theme in mind: “Disasters don’t wait. Make your plan today.”

National Preparedness Month 2020. Disasters Don't Wait. Make Your Plan Today. Images of a cell phone, checklist, teddy bear, flashlight, and batteries.
  1. Make A Plan
    • Consider the following questions: What is my evacuation route? Do I need to update my emergency kit to meet new CDC Coronavirus guidelines? What is my household communication plan?
    • Consider specific needs in your household such as dietary needs, disabilities, pets or service animals, cultural and religious considerations, etc.
    • Fill out this Family Emergency Plan and practice with your household.
  2. Build a Kit
    • Assemble a kit with essential items in airtight plastic bags. Be sure to include face coverings and other supplies that will protect your household from COVID-19.
    • Take note of the unique needs of your family.
    • Store a kit at home, work, and in your car to be prepared from any location.
  3. Prepare for Natural Disasters
    • Sign up for emergency alerts to receive life-saving information from your local city.
    • Know the risk of disasters in your area and check your insurance coverage.
    • Care for the people in your community by sharing important information about emergency preparedness.
  4. Teach Youth About Preparedness
    • Promote good financial savings habits by practicing saving and budgeting. For example, try giving your child a $5 budget next time you are at the grocery store.
    • Make sure your kids know how to send a text message and dial 911 in case of emergency.
    • Ready Kids has fun games, courses, and articles that inform kids and teens about what to do in an emergency situation.

Sign up for text messages: Text PREPARE to 43362 to receive more preparedness tips (note that message/data rates may apply).