September is National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, the perfect time to think about disasters that can impact you, your family, and your community. This is especially important for vulnerable populations! Here are some things to keep in mind when thinking about emergency preparedness for your family.

First of all, stay aware!

The foundation of preparedness is awareness. Some counties in Ohio have emergency alert systems that you can opt in to. These systems will send a text when you need to be aware of a crisis in your area. Check with your local Emergency Management Agency for more information. Your local health department is another great resource for timely emergency information. Don't forget to follow your local officials on social media!

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has implemented various systems with the intent of alerting the public when emergencies arise. These include cell phone alerts, news and radio broadcasts, road signs, sirens, and more.

Downloading apps like the FEMA app, American Red Cross app, and a local weather app onto your cellphone will keep you updated on all severe weather and emergency alerts.

It's also important to know your local risks. Ohioans don't typically plan for tsunamis or earthquakes but should prepare for tornadoes, blizzards, and floods.

Take some time to plan ahead.

When emergencies happen, communication is key. Create a communication plan that includes phone numbers of family, caregivers, and any other necessary emergency contacts. Ready.gov has a form template to help you have all the needed information in one place. Keep this information stored in your cell phone and print out a copy to keep with your emergency preparedness kit.

It's important to have a kit ready for when emergencies happen.

What goes in an emergency preparedness kit? Each person's preparedness kit can be different and should contain essentials catered to individual needs. For seniors and those with special needs, it's important to keep all necessary mobility devices, medications, and assistive technology ready to go. Ready.gov offers resources tailored to individual needs, and checklists to ensure essential items aren't left out.

General items that should be in everybody's kit include several days' worth of water, cash, and non-perishable food items, plus cellphone chargers, extra batteries, a radio, a flashlight, and more. Keeping these things together and ready will save you from scrambling to collect items during moments when time is of the essence. Having a kit ready to go will give you the peace of mind of knowing that no important items are forgotten.

Don't forget your furry friends! Talk with your veterinarian about developing an emergency plan before an emergency occurs. Ensure your pet has a clearly labeled ID tag with your name and contact number. Have a current photo of your pet, and identify pet-friendly locations in case of the need to evacuate.

Did you know that you can volunteer to make a difference in the health and safety of your community? Medical Reserve Corps is for those who want to donate their time and expertise to support public health events and responses. Learn more about this program and how to sign up at www.ohioresponds.odh.ohio.gov.

Nobody can predict when emergencies will happen, but everybody can be prepared. For more information, please visit Ready.gov or reach out to your local health department.

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