Are You Prepared?
September is National Preparedness Month and the beginning of Hurricane Season for millions across the United States of America. Having the right plan in place before a disaster takes place can help make an effective, coordinated response possible. We’ve compiled a list of resources you can use to create an emergency preparedness plan for you and your family.
As you prepare your plan, tailor your arrangements to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in your community can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets, or specific needs like the operation of durable medical equipment. Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance.
To prepare for an emergency, experts recommend having at least three days' worth of supplies. Local officials and responders will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. Creating a family disaster preparedness kit does not have to be costly—many of the items for your family’s kit may be found around your home (here's a list of helpful items including food, water, and first aid).
When disaster strikes, our first instinct is to check in with our loved ones and make sure they’re okay. But if your loved one is a senior or has a disability, you can’t afford to wait to “check in” — timing is everything during an emergency, and you need to buy them as much time as possible to react independently. You should create an emergency preparedness guide to keep them safe and accessible even as a crisis is unfolding.
