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With the recent one year mark of Hurricane Katrina, one of the most devastating storms in our nations history and the upcoming anniversary of the largest terrorist attack on American soil on September 11, it is important to remember that both natural disasters and man-made disasters can happen anywhere and we must do everything we can to be prepared for them.
The government is doing its part by increasing funding for first responders, improving the nation's emergency response system and our communication system and also working to prevent terrorist attacks. We must be prepared as a nation for disasters, but it is also important for you and your family to take the steps to be prepared in an emergency. In Oklahoma, we may not be facing hurricanes, but we do have tornadoes and just this past year wildfires destroyed thousands of acres of land and many homes.
September is National Preparedness Month sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It is a nationwide effort held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. The goal of the month is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take action. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Preparedness Month Coalition have suggested the following steps Americans can take to make their families better prepared for emergencies:
· Get a Kit - Get a kit of emergency supplies that will allow you and your family to survive for at least three days in the event an emergency happens. The kit should include basic items like water, food, battery-powered radio, flashlight and a first aid kit. Go to www.ready.gov for a complete list of recommended supplies.
- Make a Plan - Plan in advance what you and your family will do in an emergency. Your plan should include a communications plan and address sheltering-in-place and evacuation. Go to www.ready.gov for more information and templates to help get you started.
- Be Informed - Learn more about different threats that could affect your community and appropriate responses to them.
- Get Involved - After preparing yourself and your family for possible emergencies, take the next step: get training in first aid and emergency response and get involved in preparing your community.
Emergencies are usually scary and unpredictable, but preparing and thinking through an action plan for you and your family will help you get through them safely.
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