September is National Preparedness Month

September marks National Preparedness Month, the annual recognition to remind everyone about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. Linn County encourages residents to join in observing National Preparedness Month.

The time to prepare for a disaster is before it happens, when you have the time and are not under pressure. Take the time now to assess your needs and make a plan. Know where to get official information for your area and start to get your supplies now.

A good rule of thumb is to be prepared to provide for yourself, your family, and your pets for at least three days following a disaster.

Everyone is encouraged to become more prepared by following these steps:

Assess Your Needs

• Everyone has unique needs. There are several factors that can affect the steps you need to take to prepare yourself and those you care for. Whether you care for pets, have children, have a medical condition or a disability, it is important to know what you or your family will need to stay safe. Your assessment should include knowing what types of weather hazards could happen where you live, and then start preparing how to handle them.

Make a Plan and a Kit

• Once you've assessed your needs and possible hazards, it's time to make a plan for how you will handle each type of risk, including what you'd do, where you'd go, and what to bring if a disaster strikes. You're going to need supplies not just to get through the storm or event, but for any potentially lengthy and unpleasant aftermath.
• Your emergency supply kit should include items that meet your individual needs. Have enough non-perishable food, water, clothes, and medicine to last each person in your family a minimum of three days. Electricity and water could be out for at least that long. You'll need extra cash, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and a first-aid kit. You may need a portable crank or solar-powered USB charger for your cell phones.
• Account for your pets in your plan.
• If you are medically dependent on electricity or oxygen, sign up with Linn County Emergency Management's Special Needs Registry.
• Find a printable disaster shopping list here.

Engage Your Support Network

• Get to know your neighbors because they, along with your family and friends, can be a support network before, during, and after a disaster by providing emotional and practical support.
• Include a friend or relative in another area who would not be impacted by the same emergency and who can help if necessary.
• Practice your plan with those who have agreed to be part of your personal support network.

Check Your Insurance Coverage

• Insurance is the first line of defense in a disaster. Call your insurance company or agent to make sure you have enough homeowner's insurance to repair or even replace your home. Don't forget coverage for your vehicles. Remember, standard homeowners' insurance does not cover flooding. Check your insurance coverage and review FEMA's document and insure property guide.
• Flood insurance allows communities and families to recover more quickly and more fully. Visit floodsmart.gov to learn more about flood insurance and how to protect your home or business.

Stay Informed

• Know where to go for trusted sources of information during a weather or other emergency event.
• Sign up for alerts from your local emergency management office so notifications go directly to your phone and email.
• Monitor local news for weather watches and warnings in your area and follow directions of local officials.
• Have a battery-operated or hand-crank radio available should the power go out.

Being prepared before a disaster happens makes you resilient to its impacts. For more information about disaster preparedness, visit ready.gov or check out the State of Iowa's readiness website.

Learn more about National Preparedness Month and how you can participate.

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