September is recognized as National Preparedness Month (NPM) which serves as a reminder we all must take action to prepare, now and throughout the year, for the emergencies that could affect us where we live, work, and also where we visit. The theme for 2016 is “Don’t Wait, Communicate. Make your Emergency Plans Today.” The aims are to encourage individuals to take important steps like getting an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan, being informed about the different emergencies that may affect them, and trying to get trained and become engaged in community preparedness and response efforts. Unfortunately, disasters can strike at any time, and there is usually little warning and time to prepare. To help in the event of a disaster, create a Family Preparedness Plan. Teaching this plan to all members of the family will help increase family effectiveness and reduce stress in an emergency. Below are steps to help your family be prepared in the event of a disaster or other emergency. These steps include how to educate yourself and your family, create a family emergency plan, create a family communication plan, make an emergency supply kit, be informed during and after an emergency, and practice. EDUCATE YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY ???? Learn what disasters may strike your area (e.g., earthquake, hurricane, flood, fire) ???? Learn what hazards are in your area (e.g., dams, chemical plants, bridges) ???? Learn where your evacuation shelters are located ???? Learn your community’s evacuation routes ???? Learn the disaster plan at your place of work ???? Learn the disaster plan at your child’s school, including how the school plans to reunite children and families if a disaster strikes during school hours. CREATE A FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN ???? Have a family meeting to create an emergency plan ???? Make sure everyone knows the plan ???? Identify two routes to get out of the house if you must leave to be safe ???? Identify safe places in your home if you must stay inside ???? Identify places for your family to meet in case all of you are not in your home during disaster ???? Pick one place in your neighborhood ???? Pick one place outside of your neighborhood ???? Identify a family contact person (neighbor, friend, or relative) who the members of your family can contact in case of separation ???? Identify a contact person outside of your state ???? Write these contact names and phone numbers on your Family Preparedness Card. ???? Make a plan to keep your pets safe ???? Make an emergency supply kit for your home, car, and workplace ???? Know how to turn off electricity, gas, and water HAVE A FAMILY COMMUNICATION PLAN ???? Fill out and carry the Family Preparedness Wallet Card found online ???? Make sure family members know important phone numbers. These can include: School, Afterschool Care, Child’s Cell Phone, Family/Work Cell Phone, Relative/Friend, Out of State Emergency Contact, Doctor, Hospital, Insurance, Fire, Police Information (non-emergency numbers – use 911 only in life-threatening emergencies), Pharmacy, Mental Health Agency, Veterinarian, Local Red Cross, Highway Road Conditions MAKE AN EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT • Think Ahead. Your family needs supplies to last at least three days. Pack them in containers that are easy to carry. You may need more than one kit if you have a large family. Store your supply kits in a secure place. • Food and Water. Have a gallon of water per person for each day. Pack food that will not spoil and need not be cooked. For canned products, have a hand-operated can opener. Include baby food if needed, and food and water for any pets. • Blankets. Have one warm blanket for each member of the family. • Tools. Include a flashlight and extra batteries in your kit. Have a portable radio, with extra batteries. Include a wrench to turn off gas, water, and a fire extinguisher. • First-aid Kit. Pack a first-aid kit, including any prescription medications that your family needs. Include an extra pair of glasses for family members with prescription lenses. • Sanitation supplies. Have toilet paper or tissues, feminine products, wipes, and anti-bacterial hand gels. Consider plastic trash bags for used food containers and other items such as dirty diapers. • Personal items. Have an extra set of car and house keys. Have a credit card and cash. Have copies of important family documents (passports, social security cards, insurance information, etc.) in the kit. • Extras. If an emergency occurs, you may stay in a shelter for several days, so pack a book, playing cards, or a pad with crayons or pencils. BE INFORMED During and after an emergency, keep informed about up-to-the-minute risk and safety information (e.g., hazardous conditions, school closings, updated evacuation plans) on radio, television, and hotline telephone numbers. For more information, call the Marshall County Health Department at 270-527-1496 or visit our website at www.marshallcohealthdepartment.com<http://www.marshallcohealthdepartment.com>
