Are you and your family ready if an emergency strikes? September is National Preparedness Month and now is the time to take simple steps for preparing your home, business and school to be ready for the next emergency that may affect our community.
This year’s theme is “Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.” Please join Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes in celebrating this awareness event throughout the month.
“The devastation caused by hurricanes and wildfires in this country in just the past year reminds us how important it is to have a disaster plan in place for you and your family,” Mr. Hughes said. To guide you, each week will focus on different topics regarding preparedness efforts for you, your family and your community.
The 2018 Weekly Themes are as follows:
- Week 1: Sept. 1-8 “Make and Practice Your Plan”
- Week 2: Sept. 9-15 “Learn Life Saving Skills”
- Week 3: Sept. 16-22 “Check Your Insurance Coverage”
- Week 4: Sept. 23-29 “Save for an Emergency”
The first step in getting prepared is to make a plan. You may not be at home or with your family when an emergency occurs, so you must have a plan for getting everyone back together in a safe place. The plan should also include what to do if you must shelter at home or evacuate, and emergency contacts both near and far from your home. Make sure your family and everyone involved knows the plan, including children and your emergency contacts.
You should also create a kit. Your emergency preparedness kit should include a stockpile supply of items, consisting of at least a three-day supply of bottled water, non-perishable foods and essential medications set aside for each member of your family and your pets. You can also include important documents and supplies for eating, bathing, safety and entertainment.
Don’t forget to stay informed. A reminder from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is to check all types of media including websites, newspapers, radio, TV, mobile and land phones for global, national and local information. During an emergency, your local Emergency Management or Emergency Services office will provide you with information about such things as open shelters and evacuation orders. Also register for the Mercer County emergency notification system by visiting www.mercercounty.org and clicking on “Alert Mercer” at the top of the home page.
For resources on making a plan, creating an emergency kit and staying informed, visit www.ready.gov.
Emergency communication plans for parents, kids and those traveling between work and home are available at www.ready.gov/make-a-plan. Important information can be filled in before printing or emailing to family and friends.
Knowing about emergency plans at places where your family spends time such as work, daycare, school, faith organizations and sports events is a good idea too. To learn more, go to www.ready.gov/plan-for-locations.
For information about emergency preparedness, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Campaign at www.ready.gov and the New Jersey Department of Health at www.state.nj.us/health/er.
