September Safety Newsletter (Sign up here to get upcoming newsletters - FREE!)

National Preparedness Month 2007

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated each September as National Preparedness Month.  During this month, you have probably noticed news articles and features on local and national news designed to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take action.

Even if you missed the media blitz this month or you just didn't have time to pay attention, you can still access all the information you need to get and stay more prepared for emergencies.

There is a ton of information on the Department of Homeland Security's "Ready" website but here are the three basic steps (Yes, we copied them directly!  Emergency Contacts is a National Preparedness Month Coalition Member so in this case, plagiarism is encouraged):

Get a Kit:

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps

Make a Plan

Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to plan in advance: how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations.

Family Emergency Plan

It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.

Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has coins or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact.

You may have trouble getting through, or the telephone system may be down altogether, but be patient.

Be Informed

Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as making an emergency supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both a natural or man-made emergency.

However, there are important differences among potential emergencies that will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take.  Learn more about the potential emergencies that could happen where you live and the appropriate way to respond to them.

In addition, learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government.

Emergency preparedness is no longer the sole concern of earthquake prone Californians and those who live in the part of the country known as "Tornado Alley."  For Americans, preparedness must now account for man-made disasters as well as natural ones.  Knowing what to do during an emergency is an important part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count.

Information in this newsletter is provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Ready America.  Emergency Contacts is a proud member of the National Preparedness Month Coalition.

Prepare, Plan and Stay Informed!

Much More Info!

This list is just to help you get started on your plan.  Much more information can be found at the National Preparedness Month web site.  Click here to visit and get more details.