National Preparedness Month
Week 1: How to Reconnect after a Disaster
Today is the first day of National Preparedness Month! This week will focus on How to reconnect with your family after a disaster. Make sure your family has a family emergency communication plan.
Communicating with your friends and family when a disaster occurs is important to make sure everyone is safe. This is why having both an evacuation and communication plan is important. Have peace of mind when a disaster strikes and create your evacuation and emergency communication plans.
How will you reconnect with each other? Where will you meet? What if your neighborhood is being evacuated? It's important to make a plan now so that you will know what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in an emergency.
Visit to start creating your emergency communication plan today!
For more tips and information visit: #NatlPrep
Week 2: How to Build an Emergency Supply Kit
It’s the 2nd Week of National Preparedness Month. Take the time to create or update your family’s emergency supply kit. What are the essential items your family would need if they were on their own for 3 days? Here are some tips on some items to include:
Keep a radio & extra batteries handy to listen for directions from local officials if you lose power
During an extended power outage, ATMs & credit card machines may not work. Include extra $$ in your emergency kit
Have at least one gallon of water per person per day (more if you need water for cooking/cleaning)
Include at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food, such as dried fruit and canned items (don’t forget a manual can opener!)
Have a flashlight and extra batteries in case of short/extended power outages
Include a First Aid kit and Emergency reference material to handle small injuries
Visit to start creating your emergency supply kit today!
For more tips and information visit: #NatlPrep
Week 3: How to plan for specific needs before a Disaster
Week 3 of National Preparedness Week will focus on Knowing How to plan for specific needs before a disaster. Do you have loved ones or neighbors with specific needs? Here are just a few helpful tips:
Have enough medications and other needed medical supplies for at least 3 days
Have copies of important health information, including medical conditions, lists of current medication, and Medicare/insurance information in a waterproof emergency document bag
Be sure to include food, water, and supplies for your pet in your family’s emergency supply kit
If a loved one uses specialized equipment (such as an electronic wheelchair or hearing aid), make sure you know how to operate those devices in a disaster (and include extra batteries in your emergency supply kit)
Keep comfort items such as coloring books, puzzles, and playing cards in your emergency supply kit for your kids; it’ll keep them busy if you have to evacuate in a disaster
If you have elderly or disabled neighbors, reach out to them and make sure they have a plan for evacuating during a disaster. They may need your help!
Visit to find out what other special items you may need to include in your emergency supply kit today!
For more tips and information visit: #NatlPrep
Weeks 4: How to Practice for an Emergency
Now that National Preparedness Month is coming to a close, end the month by planning a preparedness drill or action and test your skills and knowledge before disaster strikes. Drills can help keep your mind controlled and focused in times of an emergency. Here are some tips on how to conduct emergency drills at home:
Draw a floor plan and identify at least two escape routes from each room of your house
Conduct practice drills; making sure windows and doors are not blocked and can be easily opened
Select your meeting place outside the house and make it routine to meet there every time you conduct a family fire drill
Test your smoke alarms each time you drill
Conduct a minimum of two fire drills every year
You can also end National Preparedness Month with a fun preparedness drill or activity in your area by registering for America’s PrepareAthon! by visiting: It’s a great way to get your friends, family, and community involved in something that could save lives.
Visit to find more information on “How to Improve Your Disaster Personality” along with other helpful tips on how to include the whole family in drills and preparedness planning.
For more tips and information visit: #NatlPrep