September is National Preparedness Month

If an emergency occurred tomorrow, such as severe weather or a natural disaster, would you be ready? September is National Preparedness Month. Sponsored by FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security, the readiness program is designed to educate and empower Americans to be safe during all types of emergencies including natural disasters.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) developed the Weather-Ready Nation initiative and “Be a Force of Nature,” which helps individuals and families prepare for sudden emergencies and disasters like hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, and even water main breaks.

Local restoration professional, Paul Davis, who works recommends the following safety tips:

Take Action - Know the specific hazards and risks in your area.

Create a Family Emergency Plan - Know how to communicate during an emergency.

Build an Emergency Ready Kit - both at home and in the car - that includes at least three days of water, food and first aid supplies to help you survive if you lose power or get stranded in your car.

Be an example - Be a positive influence in your community by sharing your preparedness story on social media to help others learn how to prepare for an emergency.

Get involved - Find out how you can promote preparedness in your community through the American Red Cross and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

For a basic emergency kit:

Water - one gallon per person per day for at least three days

Food - include packaged, non-perishable food

Clothing - change of clothing and a sleeping bag for each person

Radio - battery-powered or hand crank radio, a NOAA Weather Radio

Cell phone and charger

Flashlight

Batteries - for the flashlight, radio and any other electronics

First aid kit - sterile gloves, adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, gauze pads, iodine/alcohol pads, medical tape, pain reliever, emergency Mylar blanket, thermometer, prescription medications and supplies

Portable waterproof containers - for IDs, insurance policies, bank account records, site maps, employee contacts, computer backup files, emergency and law enforcement information, and priority documents. Store a second set of records off-site.

Contact a licensed professional or restoration and emergency services company if damage to your home or business is significant. Qualified technicians are certified from The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

About Paul Davis:

Paul Davis Restoration, Inc. is a national franchisor and leading provider of restoration services for residential and commercial properties in Essex county and throuout North NJ since 1966. Paul Davis Restoration also provides complete remodeling services and has franchise locations throughout North America with owners and technicians who are certified by The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Visit the local office website at www.pdrunionessex.com.