September National Preparedness Month: Getting Ready for Extreme Weather

With the summer's onslaught of extreme weather disasters, National Preparedness Month in September couldn't have come at a better time. FEMA, NWS, and NOAA have put together a valuable checklist to ensure you and your family are well-prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store. While we can't outsmart her, we can certainly stay informed and ready for her unpredictability.

Here's a handy National Preparedness Month checklist:

1. Build an Emergency Kit: Assemble a kit with essential supplies like food, water, and first aid items. Make sure it's easily accessible in case of emergencies.
2. Stock Up on Medications: Ensure you have an ample supply of crucial medications to last 3-5 days. Keep them packed and ready to go.
3. Have a Radio and Extra Batteries: When the power goes out, staying informed is critical. A battery-powered or solar-powered radio can help you stay updated on external conditions. Consider a solar-powered cell phone charger as well, though be aware that cell phone reception might be limited.
4. Duplicate Important Documents: Make copies of vital documents such as birth certificates, insurance policies, and other essential papers. Store these copies in a safe place to safeguard against potential loss or damage to the originals.
5. Share Your Plan: Ensure that every family member is familiar with your emergency plan. Also, inform a relative or family friend who is not in your immediate vicinity.
6. Keep Emergency Cash: In the event of a power outage, ATM and credit card machines may not function. It's advisable to have a supply of emergency cash readily accessible or included in your emergency kit.
7. Maintain a Full Gas Tank: In extreme circumstances, gas availability can become limited. To be prepared for evacuations or emergencies, make sure to fill up your gas tank ahead of time when a storm is on the horizon.

National Preparedness Month is a valuable reminder to take steps now that can make all the difference during an emergency.

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