September is National Preparedness Month, one of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) premier initiatives in setting the standard of what it really means to be prepared, the Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management recently announced.
The 2022 theme is “A Lasting Legacy: The life you’ve built is worth protecting,” according to a release from the county agency.
The release continued: “National Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. In 2021, FEMA’s Ready Campaign and the Ad Council broke ground by producing the first-ever national preparedness campaign specifically targeting the Latino community for National Preparedness Month. Released during Hispanic Heritage month, the advertisements centered around the Latino community’s commitment to personal planning for occasions and family milestones as a bridge to also planning for disasters.
“This one-of-a-kind campaign is committed to putting people first and reaching communities where they are. To continue these efforts, this year’s National Preparedness Month campaign will feature a call to action for the Black and African American communities.”
Anywhere, anytime
According to the release, disasters can happen anywhere, any time. That’s why it’s important to prepare.
The agency encourages residents within the county to have a plan for themselves and family members, including pets.
The agency advises residents to consider the specific needs they might have in an emergency: Ready.gov/plan.
Follow best advice about the ways to stay safe: http://ready.gov/september .
This month, residents are reminded to take stock of their emergency plans by taking the following steps:
• Write an emergency plan unique to family needs. Visit Ready.gov/plan for more information.
• Download the FEMA App for a suite of resources to help make decisions before, during and after disasters. The free app is available for iOS or Android devices.
• Build an emergency supply kit containing enough non-perishable food and bottled water (one gallon per person per day) to last three to seven days. Kits also should include copies of insurance papers and identification, a first aid kit, weather radio and batteries, prescription medicine, bedding, weather-appropriate clothing, hygiene items and cash.
• Teach kids how to #BeReady this hurricane season. Find fun activities and safety tips: ready.gov/kids.
• Take time to make a plan and have conversations about preparedness. Help kids know how to stay safe and navigate potentially scary situations. Ready.gov/kids.
Disasters can leave children and teens feeling frightened, confused, and insecure. Their responses can be quite varied. It’s important to not only recognize these reactions, but also help children cope with their emotions: #NPM2022 https://www.ready.gov/helping-children-cope.
• Add the following items in your emergency bag in case you need to evacuate with your four-legged buddies: a selfie with them in case you get separated, medicine and grooming items, and a collar with an ID and a leash.
For more information on National Preparedness Month visit: National Preparedness Month | Ready.gov.
A spring snow shower offers a reminder of potential seasonal hazards. In Wisconsin, common seasonal hazards include severe storms, floods, tornadoes, winter storms and power outages. File photo/Ashley McDarison.
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