September is here! There are 121 days from September 1st and December 31st – where has the year gone?! September transitions us from summer to autumn.
September is also National Preparedness month. Here are some important highlights for you to be prepared!
National Preparedness Month
The 2023 Ready Campaign’s theme this year is “Take Control 1, 2, 3 to highlight the importance of being prepared for disasters and emergencies. We discuss this a lot here, especially with the active weather season we’re having this year.
Emergency managers have included a focus this year to help prepare older adults. When people live alone, have a disability, live in rural areas, or have language/financial challenges, it is vital they have information to help them prepare.
Emergency managers and all those who work with and support older adult communities to access the new webpage available in English and Spanish languages at Ready.gov/older-adults and Ready.gov/es/adultos-mayores.
For more information on preparing with disabilities visit Ready.gov/disability or Ready.gov/es/discapacidad in Spanish. It is important to make a family emergency plan that can be put into action as soon as disaster strikes. Make sure to include plans for children, seniors, disabled, and don’t forget pets!
Ready.gov and Weather.com recommend reviewing this list of information and actions you can take in September, amidst hurricane and fire season.
- Children
- Seniors
- Disabled
- Pets
- Know what disasters could affect your area, which could call for an evacuation, and when to shelter in place, and plan what you need to do in both cases.
- Keep a NOAA Weather Radio tuned to your local emergency station and monitor TV and radio for warnings about severe weather in your area.
- Download the FEMA app and get weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.
- Complete List of Natural Disasters
- Hazardous Weather Awareness & Preparedness Information
- Create a support network of family, friends and others who can assist you during an emergency. Make an emergency plan and practice it with them.
- Make sure at least one person in your support network has an extra key to your home, knows where you keep your emergency supplies, and knows how to use lifesaving equipment or administer medicine.
- If you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital, find out their emergency plans and work with them to identify back-up service providers.
- Don’t forget your pets or service animals. Not all shelters accept pets, so plan for alternatives. Consider asking loved ones or friends outside of your immediate area if they can help with your animals.
Build a Supply Kit
A supply kit is a must when planning for potential disasters. You need to make sure you and your family have the necessary food and supplies to sustain you until the power returns or help arrives. It is also important to keep the kit maintained by keeping food/water fresh and supplies working properly.
It is typically best to store the kit, along with any pet supplies, in a closet or the basement. Weather.gov provides a Recommended Supplies List. And, the Red Cross in Southern California provides small ways to get prepared every day in September here that is useful beyond California 😉
Forever Impact
As we’ve witnessed in the past month across the globe, events can happen quickly that impact people forever. The beauty of preparing in advance is multifaceted.
Consider this an opportunity to update information from your community about emergency alerts and services. It’s a great time to think about where you live, what you need, and what you have ready for you, your loved ones, and your pets. If you have a business, it’s time to consider mitigating risk and having a plan.
Preparedness is a state of mind and a willingness to act. Count me in on your team, should you find you’re ready for some help getting set-up.
Send me an Email: Lynn@thelivingplanner.com or if you’d prefer to schedule a Complimentary Discovery Call to discuss your situation, reach out. My main website is: https://thelivingplanner.com and my online DIY information is located at https://courses.thelivingplanner.com
Remember what Benjamin Franklin said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”! Let’s get you ready ❣️Lynn
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