National Preparedness Month is
a nationwide effort held each September to encourage Americans to
take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes,
businesses and schools. National Preparedness Month 2007 is
sponsored by the
U.S. Department of Homeland
Security. The goal
of the month is to increase public awareness about the importance of
preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take
action.
Throughout September,
Homeland Security will work with a wide variety of organizations,
including local, state and federal government agencies and the
private sector, to highlight the importance of emergency
preparedness and promote individual involvement through events and
activities across the nation.
·
Disasters disrupt
hundreds of thousands of lives every year
causing lasting effects, to
both people and property.
·
If a disaster occurs in
your community you need to be ready. Local responders may not be
able to reach you immediately, or they may need to focus their
efforts elsewhere.
·
You should know how to
respond to severe weather or any disaster that could occur in your
area - hurricanes, earthquakes, extreme cold, flooding, or
terrorism.
·
You should also be ready
to be self-sufficient for at least three days. This may mean
providing for your own shelter, first aid, food, water, and
sanitation.
Some of
the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as making
an emergency supply kit and developing a family
communications plan, are the same for both a natural or man-made
emergency.
Visit
the following websites for more helpful information
to assist you in
protecting yourself and your
family in the event of a disaster.
www.Ready.gov
www.citizencorps.gov
www.redcross.org
