September is National Preparedness Month. It's designed to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for natural and man-made disasters. With some advanced planning and organizing, you can be ready when an emergency occurs.

The government has created the Ready Campaign whose motto is: Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed. You can read the details at www.ready.gov.

There are three aspects to being prepared:

1. An emergency supply kit
2. A family emergency plan
3. An emergency information plan

Emergency Supply Kit

A basic kit should include:

1. First aid kit
2. Whistle to signal for help
3. Dust mask
4. Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties
5. Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
6. A battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with extra batteries
7. Cell phone with charger
8. Local maps
9. Water - at least one gallon per person per day for three days
10. Food - a three day supply of non-perishable food and a can opener
11. Cash or travelers checks to cover 3 days of living expenses, including change for vending machines, telephones and laundromats.

Add personal items such as pet food, extra prescription glasses, infant formula and diapers. You can get a more exhaustive list at www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html

Family Emergency Plan

Decide how you will get in contact with your family and where you will go to meet in an emergency.

Visit http://www.ready.gov/america/makeaplan/index.html for guidance.

These links will also help you design your plan:

• Online Family Emergency Planning Tool
  http://ready.adcouncil.org/beprepared/fep/index.jsp


• QuickShare My Emergency Information
  Use this online form to compile family contact information and to identify an emergency meeting place.
  http://ready.adcouncil.org/beprepared/quickshare.html

   

Emergency Information Plan

Ask local authorities how they relay emergency information. They often use radio and television broadcasts, special sirens, phone calls, and door-to-door contact. Write down any important phone numbers and the pertinent radio and TV stations.

Work on this just as you would tackle any other organizing project. Set aside blocks of time and work in increments until your plan is complete. Start with one component, perhaps assembling the Emergency Supply Kit, and keep working on that before you move to the next step. Keep everyone involved and informed. When an emergency strikes, you'll be glad you did.