September is National Preparedness Month: Time for planning ahead

Tornadoes in the Midwest, flooding down south, hurricanes in the east and wildfires and earthquakes out west, it seems no one is immune.

Remember: Disasters don't plan ahead, but you can! In fact, that is the overarching theme for this year's National Preparedness Month.

After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, September has been recognized as National Preparedness Month to serve as a reminder that you must take action to prepare, now and throughout the year, for the types of emergencies that could affect you where you live, work, and also where you visit.

It is recommended that you prepare and plan in the event you must go for three days without electricity, water service, access to a supermarket, or local services for several days.

Just follow these four steps:

• Stay Informed: Information is available at Ready.gov to learn what to do before, during, and after an emergency.

• Make a Plan: Discuss, agree on, and document an emergency plan with those in your care. For sample plans, see www.ready.gov/make-a-plan.

Work together with neighbors, colleagues, and others to build community resilience. Sign up for alerts and warnings in your area.

Learn your evacuation zone and have an evacuation plan. Check your insurance coverage and review the Document and Insure Property guide. Plan financially for the possibility of disaster.

• Build a Kit: Keep enough emergency supplies - water, nonperishable food, first aid, prescriptions, flashlight, and battery-powered radio on hand - for you and those in your care.

• Get Involved: There are many ways to get involved especially before a disaster occurs.

The whole community can participate in programs and activities to make their families, homes and places of worship safer from risks and threats.

More information about emergency preparedness is available at kanehealth.com/emergency_response.htm.