September Is National Preparedness Month

This month is the eight annual National Preparedness Month! Originally instituted by U.S. Homeland Security, this is a time when over 3,000 organizations are supporting emergency preparedness efforts and encouraging all Americans to take action. One goal of Homeland Security is to educate the public about how to prepare for emergencies, including natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods and tornadoes.

During September, emergency preparedness will focus on preparedness for the home and family, pets, older Americans, and individuals with disabilities and special needs.

The first step to being prepared is to have an Emergency Plan together. Make plans with your family and friends in case you’re not together during an emergency. Discuss how you’ll contact each other, where you’ll meet, and what you’ll do in different situations. Figure out your plan for your pets, livestock and for any family members who may require extra assistance. Read how to develop a Disaster Preparedness Plan.

The second step is to put an Emergency Kit together! An emergency kit includes the basics for survival: fresh water, food, clean air, and warmth. You should have enough supplies to survive for at least three days. Review the items recommended for an emergency disaster supplies kit here: Hurricane Emergency Kit. Click here for tips on what to put into a Pet Emergency Kit.

Next, be prepared by staying informed. Check all types of media – Web sites, newspapers, radio, TV, and social media – for global, national and local information. During an emergency, your local Emergency Management or Emergency Services office will give you information on such things as open shelters and evacuation orders. To keep track of weather alerts, check out websites like weather.com for severe weather alerts and the National Hurricane Center’s site http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.

Finally, Americans are being encouraged to get involved. Homeland Security suggests Americans look into taking first aid and emergency response training, participating in community exercises, and volunteer to support local first responders. A great resource for getting involved in Citizens Corps: http://www.citizencorps.gov. The mission of Citizen Corps is to harness the power of every individual through education, training, and volunteer service to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to the threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues, and disasters of all kinds. Citizen Corps coordinates activities to make communities safer, stronger and better prepared to respond to an emergency situation.

1-800-DRY-ME-out urges all Americans to be prepared: assemble an emergency supply kit, make your emergency plans, stay informed, and get involved in helping your family, your business, your pets and your community be ready for emergencies!



GREAT LINKS:

Disaster Readiness for People with Disabilities or Functional/Access Needs

http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/disabled.html



Disaster Readiness for Seniors

http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/seniors.html



Military Family Preparedness

http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/military.html



Disaster Readiness for Pet Owners

http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/pets.html



Disaster Readiness for Livestock

http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/programs/emergency-services/community-preparedness/#livestock



Disaster Preparedness for Business:

Resources: http://www.drymeout.com/disaster-resources-florida-businesses

Preparation Checklist: http://www.drymeout.com/hurricane-preparation-business-checklist

Planning: http://www.drymeout.com/planning-business-hurricane-approaches



Sheltering in Place:

http://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/shelter/



Dealing with Stress During a Disaster

http://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/mind/



One Stop Hurricane Resources:

http://blog.drymeout.com/one-stop-for-online-hurricane-safety-resources/



1-800-DRY-ME-OUT is a full service water damage restoration company that provides emergency water removal, water mitigation, carpet drying, mold remediation, fire damage, sinkhole and sewer cleanup services. 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT is located in Port Richey, Florida, and proudly services the West Gulf Coast of Florida. For more information, please visit http://www.drymeout.com