September is National Preparedness Month .
September is National Preparedness Month in the U.S.A. , since 2004 .
The government agency in charge of the campaign is F. E. M .A. ;
Federal Emergency Management Agency .
The concept was developed after September 11th , 2001 , as an on –
going campaign to strengthen the United States .
Save more human lives , minimize the effects of the hazard & return
back to ” normal ” , as fast as possible .
The idea is to keep people alert to the importance of preparation for
a hazard , before it strikes , so they’ll be able to survive it , on better
terms , afterwards .
A hazard can be anything , from natural disaster to a man made
( a terror attack , for example ) .
The additional reason September was chosen , is because the Atlantic
hurricane season reaches it’s peak around the middle of the month .
Find your Local Emergency Management Agency here .
Year round readiness .
SAVE .
Make saving money , for emergency , a daily or a weekly habit .
At the end of each day get a couple of notes out of your pocket
& place them in a piggy bank ; can’t do it on a daily base , do it
@ the end of each week . You must feel the burden , otherwise
the contribution will be too small & you’ll regret it , in case of
emergency . Cash is the King .
At home .
Emergency plan – Each household should have an emergency
plan – What’s next when a hazard strikes ?
Engage every household member in your plan , and make sure
they understand its importance . Kids included .
Battery operated AM / FM Radio – This might be the only
method of getting updates , about news & weather , in an
emergency .
Flashlights , a couple of fire starters & Mylar blankets .
Supplies – In case you don’t have to evacuate your home , these
will let the family survive for a couple of days , without outside help .
First -Aid kit ; A weekly supply of medicine , for those who need it .
Include a large bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide .
Plenty of mineral water ; Canned nutritious food ; Dry nuts & fruits
& don’t forget your pet / pets !
Alternative source of power ( in case you loose electricity ) –
Generator , power banks & spare sets of batteries .
A good HD & long para cord , good quality duct tape & plenty of HD
garbage bages . Tarps & buckets might be useful as well .
Remember to refresh the inventory @ the beginning of every
season .
In case of an immediate mandatory evacuation .
This should be part of your emergency plan .
Time is of the essence ! Every fit person , in your household , should
know his responsibilities & should take part in the common effort .
Special planing is required for disabled family members & your pet /
pets .
In the closest closet to the main entrance to your home you should have
a suitcase or a duffle bag ( or plural ) . The kind that is easier to carry &
handle , so most household members will take active part .
What should be packed & ready to go ? Plan for , at least , 4 to 7 days .
Medicine – For those that need it & a First – Aid kit .
AM / FM Radio ( battery operated ) ; Flashlights ; Spare batteries ;
Power banks & cords for all the cellulars ; Multitools ; Fire starters
( like : BIC disposable lighters , weatherproof matches , etc. … ) ;
Para cord ; Duct tape & Mylar blankets .
Clothes & shoes , for each household member – At least , 5 Pairs of
underwear sets , including socks ; 2 sets of shirts & pants ; Heavy ,
weatherproof top ; Additional pair of shoes / sandals .
Towels & toiletry bag for each household member .
Remember to refresh the content , at least , twice a year .
In cases of big families , it’ll be wise to let every household
member to have his / hers own bag packed & ready for
evacuation .
The family car .
The minimum – 2 Gl. of bottled water ; 2 Lb. of dry fruit & nuts ;
2 wool blankets / sleeping bags ; 10′ by 10′ waterproof tarp ; A First
– Aid kit , including Hydrogen Peroxide bottle ; A good quality fixed
blade knife ; A multitool ; HD para cord ; Duct tape ; Flashlights ;
Fire starters ; Mylar blankets ; Red strobe light ; Spare batteries &
a large capacity power bank ; Paper towels & sanitizing wipes ;
A couple of large & strong garbage bags .
Remember to refresh the content , at least , 4 times annually .
The business , in case you own it .
Consult with your Local Chamber of Commerce , the steps you
need to take , in order to minimize a possible damage to your
business & the fastest possible way to turn it fully operational again ,
after the hazard is gone .
Your community center .
Your community center provides help & support for the
people in the community ( especially for those with special needs ) .
It’s a great place to get involved in your community , meet
other community members & make a difference in the lives
of those that struggle .
F.E.M.A.’S campaign : September is National Preparedness Month ,
should help you raise the awareness to the importance of being
prepared , among members , & make sure that the center is ready
to transform into an emergency shelter .
Download to your mobile phone , the American Red Cross’s mobile apps ,
that fit your needs , situation & location HERE . These apps will help
you cope on better terms with a hazard & even save human lives .