September is National Preparedness Month and communities around the nation are readying themselves for any problems or emergencies that may lie ahead. By knowing your risks and preparing for potential emergencies before they occur, you can keep your family safe and secure. “During National Preparedness Month, let us all renew our commitment to ready ourselves, our families, and our communities for any challenge,” said President Obama in his Presidential Proclamation on August 31, 2015.

So what will you do to prepare this month? Whether you live in New England or Southern California, natural disasters, man-made emergencies, and virus outbreaks are possible at all times. Take into consideration where your home and workplace are in relation to elevation, landslide-vulnerable slopes, and bodies of water. Knowing the evacuation route in your area can save valuable time in moments of emergency. Along with these previous means of preparation, add the following three tips to your to-do list for the month of September.

• Create an emergency plan with your family. Make sure you educate your family members on what they should do in case of an emergency. Exchange emergency contact numbers and decide on a communication plan and meeting place if disaster strikes while some family members aren’t at home. If there’s an emergency, where will you meet? What do you need from the house? Who should you call? Discussing your plans with neighbors can also be an effective way of ensuring community preparedness.
• Buy or make a portable emergency pack. If a flood, tornado, wildfire, or hurricane strikes your neighborhood, you may need to leave your home for a safer, more secure shelter. If this does happen, it is most likely that you will have little time to prepare and pack up your items. Have a portable emergency pack ready and on-hand at all times in your home. At the very least, the pack should include first aid supplies, meal bars, bottles of water, an emergency blanket, a whistle, and flashlights. Carrying a portable radio can also help in times of emergency, and if you own a business, it is a good idea to keep an emergency pack there as well.
• Stockpile non-perishable food and water. Shelter, food, and water are the three main staples of survival in times of emergencies. If your area is hit with an emergency or natural disaster and you are asked to shelter in your home, having a stockpile of food and water can help make your stay indoors much more comfortable. Read our blog post on creating your own emergency stockpile by clicking here.

For all of your emergency preparedness needs, visit 1^st Aid Supplies. We offer an array of protective equipment, disaster kits, first aid supplies, and emergency food and water items. Prepare yourself today with our help!