September is National Preparedness Month, a reminder that taking a few simple steps now can help protect your family, home and community during an emergency.
Whether it is severe weather, a power outage or another unexpected event, preparedness starts with three steps: build a kit, make a plan and stay informed. Create a family emergency plan, gather essentials such as water, food, medications, flashlights and important documents, and consider keeping emergency kits both at home and in your vehicle.
“Every family is unique, and your emergency kit should reflect that,” said Public Health Emergency Preparedness Specialist Victoria Deitschman. “Don’t forget supplies for pets, children, older adults, and anything else that keeps your household safe and comfortable on a day-to-day basis.”
Preparedness does not have to happen all at once. Small actions taken today can make a big difference when every minute counts. Start by adding two or three items to your kit or create an emergency contact list to store in several places.
Find free, tailored planning tools and checklists to create an emergency plan and build an emergency kit at Ready.gov. These tools and guidance can help you build a plan that fits your household’s unique needs and ensures you’re ready for whatever tomorrow may bring. And stay in the know by signing up for the City’s emergency alert system at blm.mn/alerts.
