September is National Emergency Preparedness Month

By Wendy Ann Mitchell (Patch Staff)

Would you know what to do in case of a natural disaster or other catastrophic event? The Center for Disease Control (CDC), American Red Cross, National Weather Service and more than 3,000 other organizations nationwide are partnering to promote emergency preparedness during the month of September.

September’s National Preparedness Month is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the US Department of Homeland Security. Their goal is to educate the public on how to prepare for emergencies such as natural disasters, mass casualties, biological and chemical threats, radiation emergencies, and terrorist attacks.

Throughout the month, there are activities across the country to promote emergency preparedness. The CDC encourages people to be prepared by following four steps:

• Get a Kit.
• Make a Plan.
• Be Informed.
• Get Involved.

The Emergency Preparedness and Response offers information and resources on hurricane preparedness, extreme heat, and bioterrorism. The organization is encouraging people to get an emergency preparedness kit by clicking here. Visit the links below for checklists, kits and more information so your family can be ready in the event of an emergency:

Homeland Security Emergency Supply checklist.

Homeland Security Family Emergency Plan

Fa mily Disaster Plan

For educators and schools, the US Department of Education has information available. Employees of small, medium, and large businesses should practice for emergencies of all kinds.

The US Department of Homeland Security promotes emergency preparedness year-round through the Ready America campaign. Checklists, brochures, and videos are available in English and in Spanish online and by phone (1-800-BE-READY and 1-888-SE-LISTO).

Photo: Ready.gov