September is National Preparedness Month: Things to know

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – September is National Preparedness Month and the FEMA annual campaign reminds everyone that preparing ahead of any disasters can keep you and your loved ones safe.

An emergency disaster plan can be overwhelming, but having a two-week supply to shelter in place can help your household remain prepared if or when an emergency arises. FEMA officials say a disaster plan can start with a simple conversation, building your preparedness at your own pace:

• Set aside a time when everyone is calm and relaxed.
• It may help to hold the discussions over a set time period, so decisions aren’t rushed, and people feel more comfortable talking about the topic.
• Talk about steps you’ve taken to prepare and encourage others to ask questions about preparedness actions that might work for them.

FEMA says a basic disaster supply kit stored in airtight plastic bags and easy-to-carry containers is the first step in building a kit that can give you a peace of mind while creating a space for supplies.

FEMA highlights making a plan to add to your #EmergencyKit each week until you are two-weeks ready can help ensure that preparing for a disaster doesn’t have to be costly.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• *decide how you will keep track of expiration dates

If you have pets, remember that pets will need food and water. Include storing a few gallons of water for your cat or dog. Also, be sure to have a pet carrier or leash available in case you need to leave your home.

FEMA says to consider having a plan if you have children. Some ideas for your kit, include their favorite snacks and games or other activities to help keep them calm and happy.

Seniors should think about creating a support network in the event a disaster strikes. FEMA says, you can practice your plan with friends and relatives.

To be better prepared for any disaster or emergency that have little to no cost here are some other FEMA ideas:

• Know what kind of disasters and emergencies are most common for where you live.
• Create your emergency communications plan. Use our free template to conveniently record important contact and medical information about your family, which you then can share with others and store copies both digitally and on paper.
• Make sure you store important phone numbers somewhere besides just your cell phone.
• Sign up for emergency alerts in your area to receive life-saving information from your state and local municipality.
• Download the FEMA App (available in English and Spanish) to receive weather alerts, safety tips and reminders and be ready for the unexpected.
• Build your emergency supply kit over time. Start with items you may already have in your home, like a flashlight, extra batteries, copies of important documents, water and non-perishable food. When you go to the grocery store, you can pick up an extra item each time that you use regularly, especially if it’s on sale! Community food banks are a potential resource for food-insecure families to stock their emergency supply kits.
• Talk with family or members of your household about where you will go if told to evacuate. Having a plan before disaster strikes can help you save precious time and money.
• Store important documents and items like passports, birth certificates, maps and electronics in a flood-safe place like a high shelf or upper floor in resealable water-tight plastic bags to help waterproof them. Store important documents like insurance policies digitally.
• Contact your local fire department. They may have programs that provide fire or carbon monoxide detectors.
• Check online for free or discounted CPR courses offered near you.
• Visit Floodsmart.gov to know your area’s level of flood risk.

Download free preparedness resources here .

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