Plan ahead to keep you and your loved ones safe

September is National Preparedness Month. The devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey on Texas and the potential impacts of Hurricane Irma on this area are reminders of the need to be prepared for all types of emergencies, including hurricanes. This year’s preparedness month theme is “Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can.” Established in 2004 and sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the goal of National Preparedness Month is to increase the overall number of individuals, families, and communities that engage in preparedness actions at home, work, business, school, and place of worship.

Each week of the month focuses on a different aspect of preparedness:
• Week 1:  September 1-9                        Make a Plan for Yourself, Family and Friends
• Week 2:  September 10-16                    Plan to Help Your Neighbor and Community
• Week 3:  September 17-23                    Practice and Build Out Your Plans
• Week 4:  September 24-30                    Get Involved! Be a Part of Something Larger

For the first week, FEMA is encouraging citizens to develop emergency plans, sign up for alerts in your area, establish an evacuation plan, and verify insurance coverages while planning financially for potential disasters. Week 2 focuses on being prepared to help out yourself and your neighbors following a disaster until help arrives. The third week emphasizes the importance of practicing and building upon your plans, including participating in an emergency drill and completing an Emergency Financial First Aid Kit to gather important records and other materials necessary to start the recovery process. And during the last week of the month FEMA wants you to help prepare other organizations with which you are involved, whether that’s your school, business, church or other community organization. 

For more information on National Preparedness Month, visit www.ready.gov.