As summer winds down, it’s time to welcome September. The entire month of September observes National Preparedness Month and recognize the importance of planning ahead to keep our communities, families, workplaces, and schools safe. The 2021 theme is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.”
The weekly topics for National Preparedness Month are:
- September 1 through 4: Make a Plan
- September 5 through 11: Build a Kit
- September 12 through 18: Prepare for Disasters
- September 19 through 25: Teach Youth About Preparedness
The current pandemic, the recent Hurricane Ida, and the wildfires of this and the past two years have reminded the nation of the importance of preparing for disasters. Often, we will be the first ones in our communities to take action after a disaster strikes and before first responders arrive, so it is important to prepare in advance to help yourself and your community.
Week 1: Make a Plan
It’s important for you and your family to have a plan for an emergency to help everyone stay calm and to know what to do. You may not be together when an emergency happens, so plan for all locations you frequent, such as your home, work, and school. All family members need to know what to do during an emergency; practice your plan to make sure everyone understands their role. Take into account transportation needs of family members and remember that normal modes of transportation may not be available.
This message is brought to you by the IUP Emergency Management Office.